No democracy, no dictatorship

"I didn’t begin my study of Buddhism with the intention of ever becoming the leader of a Buddhist organization. I have no interest in politics or bureaucracy. I am not in this for power or money. I have no desire at all to convert others to my way of thinking or to impose my will upon anyone. I didn’t even want to become a monk. I didn’t like the robes. I didn’t like the ceremonies. I still don’t. I just wanted to practice. That remains my only interest in Buddhism. Just practice. Only practice. Nothing more than practice.

I began my study of Buddhism not because I wanted some position within an organization but because there were burning questions I needed to know the answers to. To a large extent, my practice has helped me resolve these issues. Because the practice is useful and beneficial, I would like to make it available to others. And that is all.

...It’s not necessary to worry too much about what others think of our group even if those others call themselves Buddhists. If there is anything I’ve learned from my work as a musician and writer it’s that any time you create something, there will always be someone to say it’s not good enough, or it’s not what they wanted or expected. On some rare occasions these critics have something valuable to contribute. But for the most part they are only expressing their opinions and such opinions are often ill-informed and have little value. It is far more important to find our own true and balanced way than to try to conform to the unbalanced expectations and desires of others — even when more people seem to disagree with you than to agree with you.

...There will be no board of directors of DSI. There will be no voting on any issues. There will be no members elected for limited terms. There will be no ranking of members. In registering the group legally I have found it necessary to name a treasurer and a secretary. These are just provisional appointments to fulfill legal requirements. Beyond that no more such appointments are necessary now, nor will they ever become necessary. I’m afraid that DSI has never been and will never become a democratic institution. I know that doesn’t sit well with some members. But please consider that DSI has never been democratic in the past, so the organization you’ve been involved with up until now was not a democracy either. This doesn't mean it's a dictatorship, though. I do not plan to dictate anything to anyone. There may not be a word yet for what it will be. But democracy and dictatorship are not the only options."

Read the whole piece by Brad Warner, posted on Dogen Sangha Blog. I happen to agree with many of his points, though I have more symphathy for structure, a structure that does its best to reflect and embody the very points he makes. To me, that's the very purpose of politics.