I saw some people on Reddit discussing whether someone was being orientalist, and I agreed they were simply by using the phrase “zen-like concentration”. I’m not offended by them using this term, I just find it stupid. “Zen-like” has absolutely no meaning, but gives an air of eastern spirituality and mysticism. I personally think you should only be able to use that phrase if you can give a detailed and verifiable explanation about the differences between zen-like concentration, huayan-like concentration, mahasthabir nikaya-like concentration, and chan-like concentration, as well as recognize that the last one is exactly the same as zen.
And why is it only ever “zen-like”? I’m sure everyone would find it strange if Asians suddenly started to use the terms “seventh day adventism-like” or “independent fundamentalist baptist-like” to refer to the elements of American culture they find exotic.
Zen was once the predominant sect followed by the Samurai ruling class so arguably butchering peasants and warring with opposing Buddhist sects is also “zen-like”.
As an idea for annoying these types of westoids, when they talk about Zen you express surprise that they’re into Chinese religion. When they sputter and talk about Zen being Japamese, point out that Zen originated as Chan Buddhism in the Tang dynasty and enquire about specific doctrinal differences between Zen and Chan.