How would a Buddhist deal with religious oppression?

by GlobalCitizen01

Question by Kaworu on "Buddhist":

So let's say that hypothetically speaking, the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada busts in on a Zen monk, flanked by two lackeys. "Well, this is unexpected," observes the monk at this interruption. Suppose that the Inquisitor is going to give the monk a choice of conversion or death. What would be a proper response from a Buddhist perspective? Why is this the case, as in what aspects of the dharma inform the most skillful response?

Best Answer:

Answer by P'ang
Here's an old Zen story that should resolve your question: During the civil wars in feudal Japan, an invading army would quickly sweep into a town and take control. In one particular village, everyone fled just before the army arrived - everyone except the Zen master. Curious about this old fellow, the general went to the temple to see for himself what kind of man this master was. When he wasn't treated with the deference and submissiveness to which he was accustomed, the general burst into anger. "You fool," he shouted as he reached for his sword, "don't you realize you are standing before a man who could run you through without blinking an eye!" But despite the threat, the master seemed unmoved. "And do you realize," the master replied calmly, "that you are standing before a man who can be run through without blinking an eye?" ======================== Zen practitioners train to avoid attachment to name and form. This includes religion and the body. If a person clings to either their religion or their body, they immediately move away from enlightenment. If a person has no attachment to name and form, then their mind is free and unhindered.

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