Zen Buddhism By: Willis Jackson

A brief history of Zen Buddhism Although many people consider Zen to be an exclusively Japanese school of Buddhism, it actually originated in China. The Chinese called the tradition, “Ch'an,” and “Zen” is Japanese reading of the same word. The Chinese rendition of “Zen” was promulgated by an Indian sage named “Bodhidharma.”

Historical Zen, continued. Bodhidharma is considered the first practitioner of Zen. Bodhidharma was influenced by Taoism, and married some of its teachings with those of Buddhism.

Buddhism comes to Japan Buddhism itself first came to Japan from Korea in the 6th Century AD. Prince Shotoku, felt that by embracing Buddhism, Japan would become a more refined country with proper principles. Under Prince Shotoku, Buddhism became the national religious tradition of Japan. Indeed, many new schools of Buddhism arose in Japan over time.

Buddhism's effect on Japan Buddhism has played a key role in Japan's political as well as social affairs. Many aspects, such as marriage, adulthood, and funeral services were orchestrated according to Buddhist principles.

More of Buddhism's effect Shinto is the indigenous religious tradition of Japan. However, as Shinto does not have a founder, it has no strict guidelines about life after death. Buddhism provided a guideline for daily Japanese living, including saying grace at meals and daily greetings. Annual Buddhist festivals have also been created, and are celebrated throughout Japan.

Zen comes to Japan In the year 1191 AD, Zen came to Japan from China. Though he was not the first overall teacher, Eihei Dogen established a firm foothold for Zen Buddhism in Japan.

Zen's teachings Zen centers around the concept of “emptiness.” Zen is a school of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Zen places heavy emphasis on the cultivation of wisdom through meditation, awareness, and self- mastery. As with other schools of Buddhism, Zen teaches compassion and enlightenment. Zen centers around the concept of “emptiness.” “Emptiness” is similar to the Buddhist concept of “Nirvana,” but is mostly understood as the realization of one's true nature. “Emptiness” also conceptualizes that things and events exist for a reason.

Zen Practices The name “Zen” refers to sitting meditation as a means to ultimate realization. “Zazen” is the practice of deep meditation within the tradition. Beginners are taught to focus entirely on one's breath during this ritual. The purpose of Zazen is to see one's true self.

“Emptiness” “Emptiness” in Zen Buddhism, loosely means the “realization of one's true nature.” One's 'true nature' is that of Buddha nature, according to Zen. This realization must be accomplished through meditation and discipline. Only through this realization and the cultivation of wisdom, can one achieve enlightenment.

Two Schools of Zen Before Dogen founded “Soto” Zen Buddhism, Eisai founded “Rinzai” Zen Buddhism. The philosophies of both schools differ in terms of practice. “Soto” Zen places emphasis on meditation, living peacefully, and cultivating wisdom. “Rinzai” Zen focuses on meditation as well, but also on “Koan” study. “Rinzai” is older than “Soto,” having been established in Japan earlier.

Zen Monastery life As with other Buddhist schools, Zen also has temples and monks who live in them. Any willing person can become a Zen monk, regardless of gender or background. “Temple-stays” are when people live in a temple for a week or a month, to experience the lifestyle. The daily life of the monk is dictated by the scriptures and Buddhist principles.

Daily life of a Zen monk. Zen monks prefer to live simple lives. The typical day in the life of a Zen monk consists of cleaning, studying the texts, and meditating. The Zen Monk is taught to rise above one's negative emotions, even during otherwise mundane chores.

Monk living (contd) Buddhism teaches the concept of non- attachment. As such, a Zen monk must shave his or her hair and wear robes while living on the temple grounds. The chores done by the monks are tough, but the monks are encouraged to find the meditative quality of doing these chores. Monks keep verbal communication to a minimum, and it must be low in volume.

Zen meals Dogen emphasized the importance of non-killing in Buddhism. Zen meals are vegetarian, making use of mushrooms, spinach, rice, and other vegetables. Nothing is wasted.

Meditation Meditation is highly stressed in Zen Buddhist tradition. Whether a layperson or a monk, everyone is encouraged to meditate. One's posture must be correct in order to meditate properly.

Zen as an everyday lifestyle From its surface, Zen is depicted to be very rigid and demanding as a tradition. To the contrary, anyone can practice Zen anywhere, regardless of socio- economic or national/ethnic background. Zen's ultimate purpose is to improve the lives of all who practice it. One can practice Zen by changing their personal habits, meditating, living life simply.

Zen comes to the West After World War II, the west began to embrace Zen Buddhism as well. For this, Zen has had a great new following outside of Japan and China. “Zen” is often misused as a means of describing atmosphere, or fashion statements. Many Japanese restaurants will misuse “Zen” as a way of seeming more authentic. These restaurants typically have nothing to do with the philosophy of Zen, and often serve meat in spite of Dogen's position against the consumption of meat.

Zen goes to other places Zen philosophy has extended to other parts of the world as well, and continues today. Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh founded the Plum Village Monastery in France, in 1982. Through his actions, Zen's teachings have been able to reach farther.