From several experiences I came across, it seems like Zen had became a trend. It is trendy to be Zenny in many places. Zen to some people seem to be independent and has nothing to do with Buddhism. I believe Buddhism is essentially Zen so I don't see how Zen and Buddhism can be separated. The first moment the Buddha attain enlightenment, that was when Zen was born in my opinion.

Now Zen means a lot of thing, it means just sit together and meditate for relaxation which isn't a bad thing. It means interior and exterior decoration, it means fashion.

Do you think it is a bad thing that Zen doesn't necessarily has anything to do with Buddhism or any other aspect of Buddhism such as karma or rebirth at all anymore? Would this cause Zen Buddhism to deteriorate or does it actually promote Buddhism?

Gassho
Victor