Why I am a Buddhist, by Barry Magid

This topic that I have asked Barry to speak on continues our exploration of Buddhist modernism and is also deeply personal, as we reflect on the question of whether or not we wish to identify ourselves as Buddhists. I just want to preface Barry’s talk and our discussion by referring to our OzZen constitution. The relevant parts read:
OzZen is established to transmit and maintain the teachings of the Ordinary Mind Zen School lineage of Zen in a form accessible and relevant to the present everyday lives of people living in Australia and other parts of the world and the purpose of the OMZS is set out in the Mission Statement: to manifest and support the practice of the Awakened Way – there is no affiliation with other Zen groups or religious denominations; however, membership in this school does not preclude individual affiliation with other groups – the awakened way is universal.
So, I hope it is clear that one does not have to identify as a Buddhist to become a member of OzZen. All that is necessary is an interest in manifesting and maintaining the teachings of the OMZS.