This morning I was editing answers to interview questions for a teacher who was applying to be on the board of directors of a Roman Catholic school district. Consistent in her statements were allusions to the mission of Church members. That is to, just like Christ's 12 apostles, spread the "good news" of salvation. Mmmmm, I thought to myself, that's a religion whose outreach is evangelistic.
That's very different from the way Buddhists at the New Haven Zen Center transmit their message. Their outreach is based, like that of Alcoholics
Anonymous, on attraction, not promotion. Tonight I was speaking with Keith at the Center. He was the guiding teacher who introduced me to the fundamentals a few months ago when I wandered in. "There's a saying in zen," Keith said, "that all are welcome but none are followed." That means when members stop their zen practice, they aren't pursued in hopes that they will return.
In communications we are always analyzing messaging. This is an interesting difference.
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