Lost Coin Zen

Question #1 – April 2012

The three instinctual centers (from the Enneagram) seem to relate to the triune brain, do you see that connection, and what does zen and your experience as a psychologist make of that in adding to your teaching of the way?

Question #2 – April 2012

The Dutch Buddhist Society broadcasted a radio discussion on the topic of whether it is OK for Buddhists to eat meat given that it implies killing animals. One person on the panel explained that eating meat is “allowed” provided that it is done with neutral karma. He explained that the Buddha himself applied the “Rule of Three” to determine as to whether the eating of meat is karmic neutral: 1) if you have not seen that the animal was slaughtered for you, b) if you haven’t heard that the animal was slaughtered for you, c) if you do not have the suspicion that the animal was slaughtered for your consumption. What is your view on this “Rule of Three” and on the topic of eating meat in general?

Question #3 – April 2012

In one of your teachings, you mentioned that it is important for (married) couples to develop a strong “karmic” bonding between them. Could you explain what a “karmic bonding” is and how it can be strengthened?

Question #4 – April 2012

I am; it is; I am; it is; I am; it is. Like flashing on and off. Sometimes, it is and I am absent; other times, it is and I’m in and out of existence; and also it is all me and then all self. How do I stabilize and embody it more?

Question #5 – April 2012

How would you respond to a student who felt that there is no more understanding to get from teachers? It has often been said that a teachers words are a finger pointing at the moon but not the moon itself. How would you respond to a student who has lost interest in the finger but is only now concerned about the moon?

Question #6 – April 2012

I have a 4 year old and a baby in the way. I am interested in zen but I don’t know how to start practicing. How can I practice while having kids?

Ask Doen Sensei
Question #7 – April 2012

Are there koans that we can share, in the moment, that impart wisdom? I think of the one: master are you in? Others may come to mind, but I’m curious about those sort of “interactive” koans.