Incense, robes, bowing, chanting in Japanese: How much of the Japanese Zen tradition should we take on, and how much should we, as ‘Western Buddhists’, leave or redefine?
Personally, I do not think tradition should be thrown away lightly. It deserves respect. Yet most of us are not, indeed, Japanese. So, our practice will find a new expression, as the Dharma did when it moved from country to country.
There may be no northern or southern in the Dharma, but each culture does make its mark.
Any thoughts on balancing tradition with western innovation?
Deep bows all,
Soen