As far as I know there is no equivalent to the evangelical movement in Buddhism. That being said the flurry of activity by Genpo Roshi about Oprah and the Big Mind was quite refreshing. A couple of times I took folks to the beginning meditation class at Zen center of LA and promptly go branded as a 'Born Again Buddhist'.

Well if we are to 'die on the cushion' shouldn't we be born again?

I took a trip to visit Metta Forest Monasterya near San Diego, the home of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff). I have been listening to his recorded talks on line and I would really like to study with him. He was not there but I spent an hour or so talking to some of the monks.

I didn't realize how deep my Zen training is until I started talking to these monks. I kept having to pause before speaking and rephrase my comments in non zen terms.

I am enjoying the mindfulness of the breath as taught by the Vipasana teachers. Eyes closed meditation. First time I have done that. Very interesting. No problems with sleepiness at all.

I also took some time to look in at the Big Mind stuff that Genpo Roshi is working with. Genpo and I are from the same lineage. His teacher was my teacher but competed a long time before I started. Even twenty years after he had gone on to his own teaching in Europe people at ZCLA were still talking about him. One of our superstars.

I watched his DVDs on the big Mind process, very interesting. I think he is onto something.