To: alt.zen
From: QUARK@Nice.guy.pushed.too.far (QUARK)
Subject: Re: Is it called "Buji" Zen?
Date: 9 Jan 1995 09:18:26 GMT
In article <30DEC199410242408@uhcl4.cl.uh.edu> 
Quoting: |hamm@uhcl4.cl.uh.edu (Jacob H. Hamm) 
         |>jim@MCS.COM (Reverend Jim Mines) 

|>       I ran across a reference to a name for those who practice 
|>'undisciplined', wandering zen... is the term 'buji' or 'budo' or what?
|> 

|I believe its buji, or wild fox, zen. Becareful about confusing lack
|of dogma with lack of discipline, wandering can teach you what sticking
|to the trails cannot. ;)

And, I might add, can also get you lost rather quickly if you are unfamiliar 
with the terrain!

The term *buji* (tm) doesn't really equate with the idea of 
"wild fox" zen, per se.  Originally, it was a term emphasized in early ch'an, 
borrowed from the Taoists.   Taoism has a corresponding term "wu-wei", which 
literally means "non action", but means doing nothing that conflicts with 
one's natural spontaneity or going against the course of Tao.   In Zen it took 
on a similar meaning, as in Lin Chi's admonitions to be a "person of buji", or 
 "with nothing to do", in the sense of not seeking outside oneself.     The 
term is used today by many modern teachers to refer to just such folks as Jay 
describes above (including Jay, I presume?)-  those who wander away from the 
trails, so to speak.   These self-described "wanderers"   usually disdain any 
kind of tradition, formal teaching,  classical literature,  importance of 
checking one's progress,  self-criticism,  applied effort in training, etc.  
etc. etc.  and so become self-deluded with such notions that all it takes is 
to become sort of a free spirit, floating through life by dancing through 
the California sunshine.   Is this good or bad?  
YOU be the judge;  I'm just pointing out common usage of the term. 

Q.  "A buji-kinda-guy who likes to kick buji-zen-liters in the arse"