Zen in America

Americans in general are lovers of freedom and equality; for this reason, they make natural Zen students. There are eight aspects of American life and character that make America fertile ground for Zen:

American philosophy is practical.

American life does not cling to formality.

The majority of Americans are optimists.

Americans love nature.

They are capable of simple living, being both practical and efficient.

Americans consider true happiness to lie in universal brotherhood.

The American conception of ethics is rooted in individual morality.

Americans are rational thinkers.

~Nyogen Senzaki, in the first half of the 20th century