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submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

I saw some people on Reddit discussing whether someone was being orientalist, and I agreed they were simply by using the phrase "zen-like concentration". I'm not offended by them using this term, I just find it stupid. "Zen-like" has absolutely no meaning, but gives an air of eastern spirituality and mysticism. I personally think you should only be able to use that phrase if you can give a detailed and verifiable explanation about the differences between zen-like concentration, huayan-like concentration, mahasthabir nikaya-like concentration, and chan-like concentration, as well as recognize that the last one is exactly the same as zen.

And why is it only ever "zen-like"? I'm sure everyone would find it strange if Asians suddenly started to use the terms "seventh day adventism-like" or "independent fundamentalist baptist-like" to refer to the elements of American culture they find exotic.

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[-] [email protected] 7 points 2 years ago

because people think zen = nirvana so they’re saying “Nirvana-like” sort of like how people say “heavenly” but different and probably more bastardized

[-] [email protected] 7 points 2 years ago

think i've only encountered it in the meditative or hyperfocus sense. I know what a heavenly piece of music is, but I can't think of any "she has such a zen voice".

[-] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

Yeah because nirvana is different from heaven, but idk shit tbh

[-] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

I’m more of a Smashing Pumpkins or Red Hot Chili Peppers fan

this post was submitted on 25 Jan 2024
42 points (100.0% liked)

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