years already. Why is it exactly the eastern philosophies that are popular when we have our own tradition, the Christianity here. K: Zen is not a religion. We can have our own religion and dedicate ourselves to Zazen, too. In Zen we have no specific ideas of religious character. We do not believe for example in Buddha. Zen is mainly about forgetting ourselves in order to really live. But this doesn’t prevent from studying Christianity, reading the gospels. Everyone should be given chance to gain knowledge. Religion is for all laymen. People should stay in their religion because it is a protection for them. The very fact that they believe in God. It is important that all believe in the same god. I am not saying that God does not exist. We only teach people a different way of how to perceive God. How do you see ability of Christianity to tolerate other religions? The church hasquite astrong background inSlovakia. For example, with yoga, which was to be an optional subject at grammar schools, there were objections that it could bring a certain undesirable psychological influence. It is as if there were concerns that when any system brings along a diffe- rent philosophical viewpoint it could happen that those children stopped going to Christian temples and started working on their development in another way. There are many diverse ways, equally good as Christianity. Somebody can mind that. K: People should be left to decide about their own lives, nothing should be banned. Religion should never forbid. Religion is not here to shut someone up but to help the person to open up. Religion should develop the concept of universal freedom. But, they fear that their religion would decline and that is why various restrictions arise. It is exactly the same in Japan in Zen. How do you get along with churches and authorities in France? The French are more liberal, it is a social country. What is the co-existence like? K: There are no pressures. The government respects Zen. It considers it a true practice which is useful to people. But the French are not so focused on the heart, but rather on the intellect. Then they have a problem with Zen. They always want to talk about Buddhism, but those who would practice it are a few. There are more Slovaks, and Czechs, Russians, Ukrainians. Is it really given by the Slavonic character, which is more intuitive, emotional? K: Yes, the Slavs are closer to Zen by their naturalness. They are more authentic. Is there then good ground for Zen to settle in Slovakia? K: Certainly, absolutely. Not so much in France. But we have a less liberal cultural background. K: That will change for sure (laughing). How can a Zen monastery be started up for example in Slovakia? It is certainly not easy. How is Zen financed in Europe? K: I don′t know about the others. I have my own small temple in France. Each temple has its disciples who secure its operation. There Q A Q Q Q Q Q A A A A A A Spirituality Studies 1 (1) Spring 2015 95 (5)
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