Zen

Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji 2

Hsuan Hua Hong Kong 1

東嶺圓慈手書無

Vzc jan 2009 jukai

Shi DeRu and Shi DeYang

Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty as Chan Buddhism. It was strongly influenced by Taoism, and developed as a distinct school of Chinese Buddhism. From China, Zen spread south to Vietnam, northeast to Korea and east to Japan, where it became known as Japanese Zen.

Zen emphasizes the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, as the means to achieve deep insight into the nature of existence and to experience enlightenment (satori). The practice of Zen meditation or zazen is at the heart of the Zen Buddhist experience. Zen teachings can be cryptic, and often utilize koans, which are paradoxical questions or statements to be meditated upon that help to foster a deeper understanding of the dharma and to provoke the "great doubt."

History

Zen Buddhism was introduced into China by the Indian monk Bodhidharma in the 5th or 6th century. It has a reputation for eschewing the systematic study of scriptures in favor of direct, experiential realization through meditation and dharma practice. Over centuries, Zen has developed a rich tradition with a complex set of practices and literature.

Teachings and Practices

Zen does not emphasize theoretical knowledge or the study of religious texts as much as other Buddhist sects. Instead, it values direct experience and living in the present moment. Zen practice is primarily centered around meditation, particularly the practice of zazen. Other practices include walking meditation, working meditation, and eating meditation. Zen practitioners often use koans, which are paradoxical anecdotes or riddles, to meditate on and to test their progress in Zen.

Schools of Zen

There are two main schools of Zen in Japan: the Soto school, which emphasizes just sitting and letting thoughts pass without attachment, and the Rinzai school, which uses koans as a central method of meditation and insight. Both schools, however, share the fundamental practice of zazen.

Influence

Zen has had a profound influence on the culture of the countries where it has been practiced, especially in China, Korea, and Japan. It has influenced various aspects of culture such as art, calligraphy, poetry, and the tea ceremony, embodying the Zen principles of simplicity, spontaneity, and self-restraint.

Contemporary Zen

Today, Zen Buddhism is practiced worldwide, and its teachings have been adapted to suit the needs and understandings of the contemporary world. Zen centers and monasteries offer retreats and sessions for meditation, often incorporating modern psychological insights into traditional Zen practices.