- Right Livelihood, Basic Tenant of Buddhism

Is Zen’s “art of success” rightly based on non-materialistic, unattached, live-for-the-good-of-others-and-all-mankind theoretical practices? Is it humanly possible for people to live such sacred and healthy lives as described in Zen practices? Or is it simply impossible for a few? Does Zen tolerate human vices, or can a BMW 745i excuse around every major “right” and “truth” of Buddhism and Zen?

Frederick Crews’ Zen & the Art of Success compellingly summarizes the recent history of Zen practice in America, more specifically in northern California. Frederick’s basis for review, Shoes Outside the Door by Michael Downing, is an analysis and explanation of American Zen and it’s recent political advent in light of a Zen-master-gone-wrong, Richard Baker a

In 1983 Baker would no longer have the luxuries that he has had for the past 12 years, after becoming Abbot. He was no longer in charge on the Tassajara for he was now banished leaving his extravagant life style behind.

The summary touches on topics such as monogamy, the use of others for personal gain; wealth, power, success in the eyes of others. In many ways of life these vices are anti-religious, only serving to pull evil closer to and religion further from the individual. Most all religions have basic common grounds, help one another, be kind to earth and all those that inhabit it, and live a happy, satisfying life for oneself. Mr. Baker did not do any of these while in the position of Abbot. Indeed the only one religious aspect that he did fulfill was to live a happy, satisfying life for oneself. But in the eyes of many Baker’s selfish ways do not satisfy the art and purpose of Zen.

Several years following the departure of Baker-roshi the Zen Center was now on the verge of anarchy, with dozens of “would-be roshis” (54). For everyone living there, no one felt compelled to “obey the rules” (54), and were simply bad mouthing the Zen Center, for everyone there had lost their faith in the practice. Three years went by before the next abbot-for-life position was filled by Reb Anderson. But Anderson only lasted a year due to another scandal and the Zen Center. This led the Board of Directors to begin appointing “rotating co-abbots with fixed terms” (56).

Let’s hope that Zen Center’s new marketing strategy attracts a larger cli

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