Zen
Zen This is a Japanese form of Buddhism, introduced to Japan by the monk Eisai (1141-1215 CE).
Dissatisfied with formalistic Buddhism, Esai traveled to China and returned to Japan bringing this new form of the old religion.
The word Zen is derived from the Chinese Ch’an (Ch’an Buddhism).
Ch’an was apparently introduced to China by the Indian Buddhist missionary Bodhidharma (c. 500 CE).
Both of the terms Ch’an and Zen stem from the Sanskrit word dhyana (meditation or contemplation).
Zen emphasizes “being here now” in a tranquil state of mind, untouched by the desires and concerns of worldly life.
The Zen peak experience is called satori, an apparently sudden ego-less flash of illumination.
Zen masters use various techniques to try to instill this frame of mind in disciples or, perhaps better put, to dispense with ‘frames of mind.’
The most fundamental method is zazen (Japanese = sitting + absorption). This involves sitting upright in a quiet room, regulating one’s breathing and watching desires and distractions come and go.
Another Zen method is the koan. A koan is a seemingly illogical, nonsense verse said to facilitate satori. The koan allegedly takes a disciple’s awareness beyond the dualistic world of subject and object.
Archery and elaborate tea ceremonies are also used as vehicles leading to the ultimate achievement of that which is called ‘no-mind.’ » Chan Buddhism, Eightfold Path, Heart Sutra, Mantra, Satori
Add to this, report errors, suggest edits or voice your opinion by posting a comment
Posted on May 15, 2008, in Z and tagged Asia, awareness, buddha, buddhism, china, enlightenment, india, koan, life, master, religion, satori, spirit, spirituality, zen. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
I did not read about Esai before. What I read was that Zen was introduced to Japan by Rinzai, chin. Lin Chi.
In my understanding Zen is a means to lead a more conscious life. This assumes that a life of awareness is a better life, a more peaceful life.
I came first across Zen by a Dutch author: Jan Willem van de Wetering, who wrote a book “The empty mirror”. For me it has never become a practice in terms of doing a lot od Zazen or retreats or using a koan in the classical way. I feel there is truth in the Zen approach and many things can be like a koan. Also having awareness as a general approach to life had an impact on me.
Yes, the history is a bit complicated. The article on Zen at wikipedia helps to clarify, I think.
Although I don’t consider myself a Buddhist I feel that spiritual awareness can be ongoing and not necessarily dependent on ritualized practice.
I recall my undergraduate philosophy professor, Dr. Robert E. Carter, calling this the “double aperture” approach. In essence, this means keeping an eye on the eternal godhead while minding the temporal.
In Hinduism this is analogous to the notion of “karma-yoga”–i.e. the yoga (or union) of action.
Here’s a video that you might find interesting:
Thank you for that video and congratulation for your teacher!
You’re most welcome. Thank you for your insightful comments.