Oneness Through Diversity

The practice of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the concept of oneness, as highlighted by Zen Master Dogen, who teaches that enlightenment is interconnected with all things. This principle is illustrated by the notion of 'shunyata,' or emptiness, suggesting that although diversity exists in form and experience, fundamentally everything is unified. The discussion acknowledges the remarkable diversity present within the community of practitioners, reflecting a rich tapestry of backgrounds, professions, and perspectives that is unprecedented in Zen history. By contrasting historical monastic communities, which often complemented a singular gender or ethnicity, with the current inclusive environment, it reveals the profound evolution of Buddhist practice in the West.