Some Questions Answered

Why are you the Unauthorized Monk? You've been properly ordained, right?

Yes, I am properly ordained and registered with the Soto Zen authorities in Japan. I've come to realize that this kind of authorization is not related to any level of awakening or academic knowledge of Buddhism. It's basically just a step along the way for people who want to become priests as a career. There's nothing wrong with that. As far as my teaching, I tend to teach what I know about basic Buddhism and I draw from both the Zen and Tibetan traditions. I would say the same thing as the Buddha. Don't take my word for anything, and don't depend on any authorization I might have. Take what I say and then test it and find out for yourself.

Choosing The Unauthorized Monk for my website and blog was probably a bad marketing decision. I'm afraid that it also maybe gives the idea that I see myself as some kind of rebel or punk Buddhist which I'm definitely not. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has an idea about this.

I really was inspired to use this name (or something like it) because over the years I've realized how much I have to take responsibility for my own practice. I feel this effort has nothing to do with whether I or anyone is authorized in any way.

Here are the words that set me on this course.

The Buddha's Final Words

“During the last forty-five years of my life, I have withheld nothing from my teachings. There is no secret teaching, no hidden meaning; everything has been taught by me openly and clearly. I exhort you now, all compounded things are subject to decay. Be your own light, be your own refuge. The Dharma is your light and refuge, strive diligently for your awakening.”

How do you balance your practice with regular life?

I had to get over the idea that these are two different things.

Before my monastery days I had a "regular" life, at least in the middle class American style. Job, mortgage, car payments, etc., and whatever time was left was either working out and playing sports or just entertaining myself. Not so bad, but also not satisfying, and at times very lonely and empty. Time for a change.

When I got to the monastery, it was all day everyday "practice" for years. Not so bad, but also not satisfying, and at times very lonely and empty. Time for another change.

Once I left the monastery, I got a "regular" life going again. Job, mortgage, car payments, but now add in a wife, a daughter, and my elderly mom moved in with us as well. Lots of work and very busy! Not lonely and not empty.

Where does "practice" fit in? It turns out that there's still plenty to time to study and meditate, but the best part is that my real "practice" is watching life unfold naturally. I don't stress too much over my "formal?" practice or my life and family. There's plenty of time for both because there's really no separation between them. Who knew?

What's your advice for new practitioners?

Try not to get too carried away with the sort of "practice infatuation" that comes along with starting out with a Buddhist teacher and sangha (congregation). Keep your head and really pay attention to the questions that come up for you. Questions ARE the practice! Use them to penetrate the teachings. And, of course, come to MY classes!

Thanks for your questions, keep them coming and I will answer them here.

Bruce