Ever since the publication of Hardcore Zen,
my e-mail has increased dramatically. Because I work a 40 hour a week job (with
2 hours commuting time each day) and teach Zen classes on weekends in addition
to writing and dealing with this webpage, it's nearly impossible for me to
answer every e-mail I get. So I'm doing one of those stupid F.A.Q. things. Here
goes.
Brad's
Frequently Asked Questions
1) The first one really isn't a question. If
you've read this page or Hardcore Zen
and want to write and tell me what you thought of it, by all means please do. I
love getting mail like that. As I said, I can't always reply. But I read
everything.
2) "Can you recommend a good Zen center
in (insert your home town here)?" I'm not real connected to the worldwide
Zen "scene." In fact, I try to stay out of it as much as possible,
especially when it comes to America. I've really only have first hand
experience at two places, the Kent Zendo in Kent, Ohio and Dogen Sangha in Tokyo.
I did visit the Chicago Buddhist Temple pretty regularly when I lived in
Chicago. But that's pretty much it. Sorry.
3) "Do you think I should quit my job /
school / family / life and run off to Japan to live in a Zen temple just like
you did?" Sorry to burst your bubble, but I never did anything like that.
Nor do I recommend it to anyone. If you think you can run away from your
troubles, go ahead and try. You won't succeed because your troubles and
"you" are one and the same. But you don't have to take my word for
it...
OK. You've read all that. If you're still not
totally disgusted with me, go ahead and write me at the e-mail address below: