Bernie Glassman
Bernie Glassman
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Bernie Glassman is a well-known American Buddhist teacher, author, and social activist. He is also known as Bernie.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 3, 1943
Still active today with no reported date of death
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Bernie Glassman is an American citizen and has worked as a Buddhist teacher, author, and social activist. He is the founder of the Zen Peacemakers, an organization that works towards creating peace through action.
Early Life and Background
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Glassman was born in 1943 to a Jewish family. Growing up in New York City, he was exposed to various cultures and influences from an early age. In his younger years, Glassman struggled with addiction and found solace in Eastern spirituality, which eventually led him to Buddhism.
Major Accomplishments
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Glassman's journey as a Buddhist teacher began when he met his first Zen master, Taizan Maezumi Roshi. Under Maezumi's guidance, Glassman studied Zen and later received Dharma transmission from his teacher in 1976. He is also known for establishing the Zen Peacemakers organization, which focuses on creating peace through action.
Notable Works or Actions
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Glassman has written several books on Buddhism and social activism, including "Bearing Witness: A Portrait of Zen Master Taizan Maezumi" and "Warrior's Don't Cry: The Way of the Bodhisattva Warrior." He is also known for his work with homeless individuals in New York City through the Zen Peacemakers organization.
Impact and Legacy
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Glassman's influence extends far beyond his teachings on Buddhism. His commitment to social activism has inspired many people around the world to engage in peace-building activities. Through the Zen Peacemakers, he has created a platform for individuals to work together towards creating positive change in their communities.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Glassman's quotes and teachings are widely shared due to his unique approach to Buddhism and social activism. His emphasis on action over mere thought has inspired many people to engage in peace-building activities, making him a highly respected figure in the Buddhist community.
Quotes by Bernie Glassman
I always tell people that if you get upset over what someone says, imagine him or her with a clown’s nose on and you won’t get so angry.
It’s very rare to be in a state where there’s nothing in, where you have no attachment to any idea or concept about yourself. In that state you’ve immediately raised the mind of compassion, because if nothing is in, everything is in, and you are now free to experience yourself as the world.
An English philosopher said that whatever is cosmic is also comic. Do the best you can and don’t take it so seriously.
In every area, working with what you habitually reject is one of the best ways to facilitate growth and transformation.
When we don’t ask, we don’t let others give. When we fear rejection, we don’t let generosity arise.
The basic problem, actually, is how to get rid of the idea that we’re going to get rid of our problems. Only then can we relate directly with the real issues of our life.
Don’t make a whole to-do about it. Don’t get down on yourself be- cause you’re not an expert rower; don’t start reading too many books in order to do it right.
Our tendency in life is to avoid things that frighten us. But in order to become whole, we need to go deeper and deeper into ourselves by reaching further and further into the things we fear.