Comments on: The “Dharma Wars” Saga

By: doshin

doshin — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:29:10 +0000

@Tony: the issue is NOT that Graham is not ordained, or that he can’t whisk up some vaguely coherent thoughts about Zen Buddhism (and mostly I’d call them little more than that). The issue is that he has been claiming not only that he is ordained, but received authorization to carry on a lineage (ie teach Zen and ordain others) by a teacher in Japan, all of which is completely fictional. ALL of the teachers and centers he claims to authorize him (in Japan and elsewhere) simply do not exist. Beyond this, there is a considerable pile of material evidencing what can only be considered predatory, sociopathic behavior on his part. Lies piled on lies piled on lies, obscured by more lies and obfuscation. THIS is the issue, not only for those who may have written you, but the heart of the matter completely missed in Haederle’s piece that upset so many.
American Zen in particular is facing something of a dilemma right now, as a number of so-called “teachers” prop themselves up with legitimate-seeming credentials, only until these grow inconvenient. Then they are dismissed as irrelevant, a hindrance. There’s a particularly American pathology to all this.

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:45:39 +0000

I am NOT a Buddhist but have a couple of posts by Dogo Barry Graham on my blog (used with his permission). I have been getting nasty comments by other “Buddhists” claiming he is a fraud.

Whether he is ordained or not, I find some of his writings thoughful and to the point. I have read enough about the Buddha to understand he would never behave in such a way as to cause more suffering or unhappiness to others.

It seems like these commenters are either jealous or feel the need to make themselves feel better for “getting” the “bad guy”. Who really is the bad guy here, the vengeful “buddhists” or the “non-ordained monk”. I hate to use a Christian cliched saying but WHAT WOULD BUDDHA DO?

By: The Top Ten Buddhist News Stories of 2009 | elephant journal

The Top Ten Buddhist News Stories of 2009 | elephant journal — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:08:06 +0000

[...] Osel Hita Torres, the Episcopal Buddhist bishop flap, “good manners” in the Thai sangha, or “Dharma Wars”! Below are my “Top Ten Buddhist News Stories of 2009”—last year’s items that you [...]

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:18:45 +0000

Probably the main thing we can all do to help is log off, release our frenzied grip on the mouse, and go sit for 30 minutes or so, then go for a nice walk in a park. Thoreau said a morning’s walk is a blessing for the whole day. And then maybe have a cup of coffee and a real conversation, face to face, with someone — anyone. About anything.

Yep, I think that would take care of most of this.

By: Boycotting Buddhists « Dharma Folk

Boycotting Buddhists « Dharma Folk — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:43:33 +0000

[...] on Buddhists. We are one community after all! Why build walls where we could build bridges? As Danny Fisher has written: “I’m a little concerned by this talk of no longer subscribing to, buying, [...]

By: Mumon

Mumon — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:11:04 +0000

Tricycle could afford to open up a dialog with us Buddhist bloggers; as I noted here and there, they responded to this whole thing like the way the WaPo responds to political bloggers.

But they’d really have to have a real dialog, which might include airing some of their dirty laundry.

For example, you might not be aware but here in the Portland Metro area we DO NOT have a “Change Your Mind Day,” we have a “Portland Buddhist Festival.” Why? Because the good folks at the local Buddhist Peace Fellowship have rightly seen fit not to be associated with Tricycle and it’s connection to Frederick Lenz.

By: Danny Fisher

Danny Fisher — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:58:16 +0000

Hey Richard! Sorry. I’ve been busy. Will drop you a line ASAP. DCF

By: Richard Harrold

Richard Harrold — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:19:22 +0000

Hi Danny,

I haven’t heard anything from you yet about the blog swap. You have my e-mail. But so far I can only communicate to you by leaving comments on your posts.

By: nathan

nathan — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:57:58 +0000

Hi Danny,

I agree with you that this is an opportunity to open a dialogue with Tricycle, and with all of us really. I wrote a letter to Tricycle about the article and trying to express a desire for dialogue. It’s posted on my blog. http://dangerousharvests.blogspot.com/2009/11/dharma-wars-warring.html

Hopefully, something positive will come of all of this.

Nathan