Hi,

I see that there are various points of view, but I do not think that I agree with Master Dogen's priorities in 5-12. Hmmm. I would take care of mom, and make that Practice! Probably, so would most Western Zen priests (and modern Japanese priests). Going off to the monastery was traditionally looked at much like a young man leaving his family during war time to join the army ... a higher duty than family needs. But the greater emphasis on lay practice and home life in Japan and the West means Dogen's views now seem very extreme.

Also, looking at 5-13 ... he certainly has some mixed ideas about loyalty to a teacher.

http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/common_ ... 05-12.html

Gassho, Jundo