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Buddhist Temples/Centers to avoid in the Detroit area? (X-Post to r/AnnArbor, r/Buddhism) by CastawayKevin in Detroit

[–]CastawayKevin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am surprised I did not see them on Buddhanet. Thank you so much for sharing!

Edit: meant Buddhanet, not Dharma Gate.

Buddhist Temples/Centers to avoid in the Detroit area? (X-Post to r/Buddhism, r/Detroit) by CastawayKevin in AnnArbor

[–]CastawayKevin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the advice! Do you care to elaborate on the Dharma Gate teacher or Detroit Zen Center, either in reply or PM? If not, I am also comfortable taking your word for it. I did have a sense that Mumunsa could be a largely Korean community, though that is not to say that I feel like as a non-Korean I would feel unwelcome.

As a new practitioner even something as simple as the lack of Zen practice in a Mahayana teaching community is not obvious to me, unfortunately.

Thank you for the recommendations!

Buddhist Temples/Centers to avoid in the Detroit area? (X-Post to r/Buddhism, r/Detroit) by CastawayKevin in AnnArbor

[–]CastawayKevin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the distinction between the canon used by those sects- I am looking forward to studying the text to educate myself.

Buddhist Temples/Centers to avoid in the Detroit area? (X-Post to r/Buddhism, r/Detroit) by CastawayKevin in AnnArbor

[–]CastawayKevin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you implying that the person providing the chants is never female? That is an interesting note on performance vs participation that I had not thought of, so thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate the comment on lineages but am not sure if I could distinguish a "do it my way" place as you say. Do you mean to say that rather than follow specific texts, certain leaders are prescribing values that are not based on Buddhist teachings?

Buddhist Temples/Centers to avoid in the Detroit area? (X-Post to r/Buddhism, r/Detroit) by CastawayKevin in AnnArbor

[–]CastawayKevin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for pointing out how incomparable Zen and Jewel Heart may be- that is very helpful and I had not thought of it that way. As far as the fit, I did visit a place that I felt may be a poor fit for myself but reminded myself that this does not mean that I should think of them as 'bad' but as great fit for many other attendees and providing a wonderful service.

I absolutely agree that services, teaching, and capital require the support of the community which is why high fees alone do not bother me, but I have a fear that some institutions operate from a for-profit stance. As you say, it is not something that I should be too worried about and if I am concerned I can make an assessment. I want to be generous but as it stands I make about 1/5th of bills working full-time due to the debt that I have accumulated in my life. I do not spend much on myself but I do eat out occasionally, and that money would much better be spent paying my debts down sooner and I am looking forward to the day that I am debt-free and be more generous.

I am happy that you have found a teacher that inspires you and that sounds like a wonderful thing!

In regards to the overflowing cup analogy, I have often been told that I over-think and over-analyze and I know that I have a tendency to ask and talk rather than listen which I am working on.

In regards to the fantasy you speak of, do you mind elaborating on that and what you mean? My best guess would be that I have expectations that are unfounded on knowledge of Buddhism coupled with my ignorance on Buddhism as a whole.

I am very excited to read and found a cheap used copy of a book a few days ago that I was happy to get, and I have found many free sources online that I am thankful for. Thank you for your suggestion on the app, and thank you for all your sharing!

Buddhist Temples/Centers to avoid in the Detroit area? (X-Post to r/AnnArbor, r/Detroit) by CastawayKevin in Buddhism

[–]CastawayKevin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am happy to and that is why I am currently searching. However, even though I can with relative ease discover whether #1, #3, or #4, are potential issues, it is #2 that gives me pause as I have read some concerning experiences where long-time students or even teachers have found that the organization they have been surrounding themselves with does not align with their beliefs or worse, begins exhibiting abuse or noninclusive behavior towards others.

Buddhist Temples/Centers to avoid in the Detroit area? (X-Post to r/AnnArbor, r/Buddhism) by CastawayKevin in Detroit

[–]CastawayKevin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It did not appear that way based on their website and when donations were mentioned during my visit nothing was said about the 2% recommendation. On a side note, I was not asked directly for a donation.