Comments on: Korean Zen master passes away

By: Michael Wilson

Michael Wilson — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 19:29:58 +0000

Visiting Hya Ge Sa in Seoul was very warm and welcoming, as a Canadian buddhist living in a remote Korean county, where few Korean buddhists spoke english. The Zen students here were very good, and they came from many different countries, a true international spirit. There were other Korean Zen masters who’s books I read and revered higher, but Seung Sahn was a living presence and his good work lives on in his excellent students.

By: Jonas

Jonas — Sat, 04 Dec 2004 08:06:58 +0000

What we are talking about? Passing and appearing. Put it all down! Only this is the Memorial…

By: cs

cs — Fri, 03 Dec 2004 18:16:16 +0000

In addition to what I just posted, I should add that “human failings” really invalidate the quasi-mystical sense of being a Zen Master. If you’re still prey to the lusts of this life after getting that wet flash of enlightenment, then what’s the point. That was a major component of my disappointment in the days when I still took Zen seriously.

By: Adamu

Adamu — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 19:19:13 +0000

Talk about stone-casting. Like you’ve never given away books because you don’t like the guy who wrote them. There comes a point when the teacher becomes too shameful to learn from.

By: Lorianne

Lorianne — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 03:58:46 +0000

I’m assuming (?) that the “rather scandalous and somewhat corrupt personal life” that the previous comment refers to is a nod to something that happened (and for which ZM Seung Sahn publically apologized and repented for) in the 1970s. I don’t idolize or revere *any* teacher, and I wouldn’t reject the teachings of someone who demonstrated (and hasn’t repeated) human failings *two decades* ago. To paraphrase a teacher from another spiritual tradition, let he who is without scandalous and corrupt behavior cast the first stone.

By: cs

cs — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 12:25:35 +0000

Sorry to hear of his passing. His books were wonderful and are a great introduction to Zen. But I ultimately gave the books away and will probably never buy another one once I found out about his rather scandalous and somewhat corrupt personal life.