Who is Steve Hagen

Steve Hagen's version of Buddhism is an exponent of a 19th century development: Buddhism without beliefs and rituals. In Steve's case, as a practicing monk, the rituals can't have totally disappeared. After all Zen Buddhism includes ceremonies like the Tea Ceremony, the Bodhisattva Vow, Monk vows etc.

Still, Steve's Buddhism is one without beliefs. It ignores the long tradition of miracle attributed to the Buddha, downplays things like reincarnation and karma and stresses only the here and now.

Perhaps there's nothing wrong with that: Buddhism has developed techniques that have a long history of helping people deal with their lives and becoming happier and more balanced. Though that path does contain more pitfalls than most people usually realize.

Why is this version of Buddhism referred to as 'Protestant'? Because Protestantism got rid of a lot of Catholic beliefs and rituals as well. In fact, it's the reason 'ritualistic' sounds denigrating to our ears. Also, like protestantism, many 'protestant Buddhists' feel they're going back to the Buddhism the Buddha taught, or would teach if he were alive today.

1. He teaches Zen Buddhism in a way that is accessible


2. He stresses that we're free to believe what we want


3. He makes Buddhism practical