Phil Jackson And Buddhism Essay - 1789 Words

Buddhism is a major Asian religion studied and practiced in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Although Buddhism is a growing religion throughout the world, in particular, the practice of meditation is spreading in the West. The United States has a center for Buddhists in Hawaii and New York and also a Buddhist community has been established in California. (Hewitt, 13-14) But even closer to home for most is the practicing of Zen Buddhism on the basketball court by former Chicago Bulls and present Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson. In this essay I will discuss how Jackson has incorporated some of the practices of Zen Buddhism into his and the players of his teams lives and how it has been effective for the†¦show more content†¦It’s often an uphill fight. The ego-driven culture of basketball, and society in general, militates against cultivating this kind of selfless action, even for members of a team whose success as individuals in tied di rectly to the group performance. Our society places such a high premium on individual achievement, it’s easy for players to get blinded by their own self-importance and lose a sense of interconnectedness, the essence of teamwork.† In this passage Jackson incorporates some very important fundamental Buddhist ideas. One of the aspects of the Eightfold Path, or the â€Å"Middle Way†, which Buddha said was the cure of suffering, Right Thought is the basis of this statement. In the introductive book Buddhism Catherine Hewitt spends three pages (4-6) discussing the aspects of the Eightfold Path. She says that Right Thought is when Buddhists, â€Å"strive to think unselfishly and compassionately.† Jackson is saying that in our Western way of living, the self is everything. We are constantly worried about how things will effect us (ourselves) instead of as a community, society, or team; where we are going and for others to get out of our way not thinking that they might have somewhere to be too; and also in reflection of the team structure, how we are going to make thatShow MoreRelatedPhil Jackson and Buddhism1854 Words   |  8 PagesBuddhism is a major Asian religion studied and practiced in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Although Buddhism is a growing religion throughout the world, in particular, the practice of meditation is spreading in the West. The United States has a center for Buddhists in Hawaii and New York and also a Buddhist community has been established in California. (Hewitt, 13-14) But even closer to home for most is the practicing of Zen Buddhism on the basketball court by formerRead MoreWhat Does Eastern Religions Mean For Americans?1397 Words   |  6 Pages19th century, Buddhism began to make its way to America through the immigration of the Chinese whom brought their religious traditions with them. Buddhism continued to gain popularity in America when Buddhist texts, as well as Buddhist teachers, were brought here to share and spread their religion. It wasn’t until the late 1950’s/early 1960’s that we see the interest in Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism, blossom throughout the country. Through the me moir â€Å"Sacred Hoops† by Phil Jackson, an NBA playerRead MoreDon Jackson, The Best Nba Head Coach1106 Words   |  5 Pages Phillip Jackson is known as one of the best NBA head coaches of all time due to he had to lead the Chicago Bulls to six titles and the Los Angeles Lakers to three titles. 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The folly of the Type A approach to management, and to life, is illustrated in the following story from the lore of Zen Buddhism. Matajura wanted to become a great swordsman, but his father said he wasn’t quick enough and could never learn. So Matajura went to the famous dueler, Banzo, and asked to become his pupil. â€Å"How long will it take me to become a master?† he askedRead MoreExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pages1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Driver Giuseppe Farina Juan Manuel Fangio Alberto Ascari Alberto Ascari Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Mike Hawthorn Jack Brabham Jack Brabham Phil Hill Graham Hill Jim Clark John Surtees Jim Clark Jack Brabham Denny Hulme Graham Hill Jackie Stewart Jochen Rindt Jackie Stewart Emerson Fittipaldi Jackie Stewart Emerson Fittipaldi Niki Lauda James Hunt Niki Lauda Mario Andretti Jody Scheckter Alan