Vision
remedy the problem; indeed, it seems they can only react defensively with stronger assertions of dogma, nostalgia for the past, or extreme fundamentalism. What can we turn to as we wrestle with the real challenges facing mankind now?
Zen is not centered on dogma or doctrine, but on direct experience through practice. This practice helps us to regain our sense of connection, community and mind-body balance - our basic human sanity - here and now. A person who practices Zen can realize the commonality underlying human religions, philosophies, and beliefs...and the unity of mankind itself.
The expression of Zen realization is compassion and tolerance for others. We believe this is the proper starting point for facing humanity’s challenges, and it is the great contribution Zen can make to today’s world.
Living Zen
Zen calls us to question, with both strength and compassion, our personal directions - and thus collectively the direction of society. Zen shows us that our true home, the focus of our deepest spirituality, is not some imaginary, ideal place beyond human life, but squarely here - in the dust, dirt, suffering and wonder of living. Zen spirituality is a spirituality of the everyday, and of every moment.
Living Zen has a vast, open and engaged spirit, grounded here and now. Living Zen spirit refuses to give up on people or situations, trusting in the inherent wisdom of our deepest being and in the fundamental oneness of mankind.
When such a spirit arises, within individuals or even entire cultures, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. In this way, Korinji hopes to benefit others.
This is our vision, and we commit to it as an expression of the Four Vows, which are the very heart of Zen itself:
Sentient beings are numberless: I vow to liberate them.
Defilements are inexhaustible: I vow to end them.
The Dharma gates are infinite: I vow to master them.
The Buddha way is incomparable: I vow to attain it.
The three characters Korinji (光 林 寺) translate as "Shining/Radiant - Forest - Temple". The vibrant early Zen communities, though often centered in rural and mountain areas rather than urban ones, deeply influenced and enriched the societies of their day. The Zen movement 's network of monasteries came to be called the "Forest of Zen". This "forest" over centuries produced some of the most spiritually and artistically gifted individuals in history.
Like those early training centers, the vision of Korinji is one of a vibrant, intimate community of mutually supportive practitioners. Korinji will be a residence for persons training in the Rinzai Zen monastic tradition, rurally based yet connected to the world, firmly grounded in the spirit of the early Buddhist and Zen communities: an association of kalyanamitra, or spiritual friends.
Currently there are major Rinzai Zen monastic centers on the east and west coasts of the United States...but few such resources in the midwest. This is the "Shining Forest" we are planting here in the heartland of North America.
Zen and the Modern World
Today, though our technological and cultural achievements have reached new heights, many people are more unhappy than ever, feeling disconnected from one another and from the earth. Inflexible, dogmatic religions seem unable to
