Introduction Zen is a subchool of Mahayana or the Greater Vehicle of Buddhism. Zen is a Japanese term, a short for Zen-na. It is a transliteration of the Chinese term, Chan or Chan-na which in turn is a transliteration of Sanskrit, dhyana. The primary focus of Zen Buddhism is on spiritual practice through daily activities. Philosophical explanations are given lesser importance. Today, Zen Buddhism is practised in a number of countries.

The Mythology of Zen Buddhism It is believed that the origin of Zen Buddhism lies in the Flower Sermon delivered by the Buddha. The Flower Sermon did not involve any verbal communication between the Buddha and His disciples. Rather, what Buddha did was very simple, He upheld a flower before His disciples and quietly waited for a response from them. None responded, except one. This was Mahakashyapa and his response was simple, just a smile. The seemingly simple action and reaction from the Buddha and Mahakashyapa is considered to have a deeper meaning. It is believed that through this, the Buddha passed on a special insight to Mahakashyapa.

History of Zen Buddhism The roots of Zen lie in India, the land of origin of Buddhism. From India, Buddhism spread to other parts of the world. Missionaries from India also visited China to spread the religion. Bodhidharma, a monk from south India visited China in the 6th century CE and is regarded as the founder of the Chan or the Zen Buddhism in the country. He, it is believed, came to China to preach "special transmission outside scriptures" which "did not rely upon words". Huike, a disciple of Bodhidharma, became his successor and the first Chinese patriarch of Zen in China. Huike was followed by Sengcan, Dao Xin, Hongren and Huineng. (The last of these patriarchs is regarded as the ancestor by the surviving schools of Zen Buddhism today).

The ensuing period saw Zen emerging as the largest sect in Chinese Buddhism. A number of school sprung up, each with their own set of beliefs, however, the basic focus still remained the same meditational practice, personal instruction and personal experience. Zen Buddhism developed further during the Tang and the Song period. A number of renowned teachers like Mazu, Shitou, Baizhang, Huangbo, Linzi and Yunmen contributed immensely to develop specialised teaching methods which later became the feature of Five houses of mature Chinese Zen Buddhism. The Five Houses of advanced Zen Buddhism included Cadong, Linji,Guiyaing, Fayan and Yunmen. The last three schools, slowly, merged into the Linzi School. This happened during the rule of Song dynasty (960-1279) and the same period also saw development of Zen teaching methods shape up into a technique that was singular to Zen Buddhism, Koan practice.

Zen developed in China in post Song period as well and a number of texts came up. Later, it got merged with Pure Land Buddhism. Still later, Zen saw periods of decline and revival. The first revival took place during the rule of Ming dynasty while another revival was staged during the 20th century by Hsu Yun, a prominent figure in Chinese Buddhism. Yet another revival took place more recently after the severe repression of Peoples republic of China.

Zen in Other Countries Zen did not remain confined to China, infact very early in its history it crossed borders and reached Vietnam. Later, it also made its presence felt in Korea, Japan and western countries. Below is given a listing of different schools of Zen in these countries and regions other than China.

Japan : Soto, Rinzai and Obaku. Rinzai School is further categorised into Myoshin-ji, Nanzen-ji, Tenry?-ji, Daitoku-ji, and Tofuku-ji. These schools are based on their association with temples.

Vietnam : Vinitaruci School is considered the oldest Zen Buddhist School. Other early Zen Buddhist Schools in Vietnam include Vo Ngon Thong and Thao Duong. More recent Schools in Vietnamese Buddhism are Truc Lam and Lam Te, Lieu Quan.

Korea : Seon is the earliest sect in Korean Zen. Jogye order is its subsect and one of the most dominant form of Zen in Korea.

West : Big Mind, Mountains and Rivers Order, the Zen Peacemaker Order, the Ordinary Mind school, Katagiri lineage.

Zen Beliefs & Practices Zen Buddhism is an offshoot of Mahayana Buddhism and like all the Buddhist schools, it lays stress on the very basic teachings of the Buddha the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts, the Three Dharma Seals and the Five Skandhas. Zen Buddhism also draws from specific teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, most prominently the Mahayana concept of paramitas and bodhisattva ideal of universe salvation. Buddhist deities important in Mahayana tradition are also held in high reverence in the Zen traditions. These deities include Shakyamuni Buddha, Kuan Yin, Maju?ri, Samantabhadra, and Amitabha Buddha

The literary basis of Zen Buddhism are the Mahayana Sutras composed in India and China. These Mahayana Sutras include the Heart Sutra; the Diamond Sutra; the Lankavatara Sutra, the Samantamukha Parivarta, a chapter of the Lotus Sutra; and the Platform Sutra of Huineng.

The focus of Zen lays on daily life practice together with concentrated period of meditation. Also, practicing with others is of paramount importance in Zen. The emphasis on Zen Buddhism is on direct experience rather than on study of books.

Zazen : The most important Zen practice is Zazen (in Japanese) or sitting meditation. In it, practitioners sit in a posture that are called, the lotus, half lotus, seiza and Burmese. Focus is given on ones posture and breathing. The amount of time spent in the practice of Zazen varies, it is more for the monks and less for the householders. It offers an occasion for both discipline and insight.

Koan Practice: Literally, this term means public case and is used as an aid in the advancement of realisation in Zen training. It is usually a story or a phrase from the teaching that comprise a riddle. This riddle is what master seeks a solution to from the student. The solution of these riddle depends not on logic but on insight. In a private meeting known as doksun, the students reveals his level of progress in the resolution of the problem to the teacher. The teacher, on his part, encourages the student to make intuitive leap into a genuine understanding of reality.

Other Techniques : A number of other techniques are characteristics of Zen Buddhism. Some of these are meant to shock the student to eventually assist him to abandon the habitual activities of mind. Not all of these are in practise today, quiet a few exist only in stories. One of these which still exist today is katsu. It is a loud belly shout that helps disciples break through rational thought pattern and thereby achieve enlightenment.

Some Books to Increase Your Understanding of Zen Buddhism

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Of all the eastern religions, Zen Buddhism has built itself a solid foundation in the west. If you are interested in learning more about Zen, Meditation, and the practice of Mindfulness, LearnOutLoud.com has collected as many Audio Books as possible to help you on your way. Additionally, we feature several Zen Teachers like D.T. Suzuki, Alan Watts, and Thich Nhat Hanh.

So how do we define Zen in a few sentences? Put briefly, Zen strives to overcome the logical mind in order to link the body, mind, and soul with its source. To rid students of any attachment to dogma, they are told to forget the Buddha exists, disregard terms like Enlightenment, and tear up Zen scripture. In comparison with other religions, Zen offers no sacred book or scripture that is comparable to the Bible, Torah, or Qur'an. Without attachment to one book, one person or one particular rule, the mind is thus free to be filled with the nothing that contains all truth.

Outside of a holy text to use as a guideline, Zen's primary spiritual vehicle is the strict practice of daily meditation. Similar to prayer, meditation is a practice Zen places utmost importance on, especially when compared to other schools of Buddhism. Meditation tunes the mind to the wavelength of creation and by doing so tries to become one with it. The ideal state of enlightenment is nothing if not the shedding of all earthly concerns; you must not be scared of losing your possessions, your loved ones, or even your life.

So why then has the west embraced Zen thought to the extent that it now can be called a viable religious alternative? The answer depends on your point of view, but it may be that Zen is of one the best antidotes to the chatter and noise of the modern world. In any event, there can be no mistaking that Zen has found it's place in the pantheon of major religions and is now a way of life for millions of people regardless of ethnic or religious background.

We Suggest: If you need a place to start with audio books on Zen, It would be good to begin with some primer courses to get you better acquainted with the religion's precepts and how it differs from other strains of Buddhism. D.T. Suzuki's work has stood the test of time as the most accessible way to first get a handle on Zen. The audio book version of "What is Zen" is simple enough for anyone to understand, but poetic enough for even the most practiced Zen student. Here Suzuki talks about how Zen came about, how it is related to Japanese culture in particular and how you can benefit from its practice in your own life.

In a similar vein, we next suggest "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki, a classic in Zen Literature. This audio book offers more details on the ancient beliefs involved with Buddhism and while it is very concise, it never gives up the subtlety that gives Zen its power either. You, the listener will begin to see how you too can practice Zen daily, regardless of your walk of life.

Next we would suggest an audio book chock-full of Zen quotes, wisdom, and stories: "One Bird, One Stone" by Sean Murphy. This is an American audio book collection of stories and insights drawn from the archives of Zen centers in the United States. Here you will find out how Zen has flourished in the United States over the last century and showcases how Americans have interpreted Zen in the west.

Finally while we're talking about western views of Zen, there's "The Dharma Bums" by Jack Kerouac. Kerouac's autobiographical road trip has been hailed by many as one of their first exposures to Zen in the states. This is only a small selection of the Zen audio books that we have for your perusal at LearnOutLoud.com. There are many different ways to view this particular religion and every view is valuable in our understanding of something that by design is not very concrete. We hope that you use these audio resources as a way searching and in the end finding what you seek spiritually.

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BoWZ SANGHAS Benevolent Street Zen Sangha Providence, RI

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The ideals of Boundless Way Zen are based on the example and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha guided by the Bodhisattva Precepts and the teachings of the schools of Zen Buddhism. Our central value is to develop the realization of non-duality and its compassionate actualization.

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The Ethical Precepts and Philosophical Tenets of Zen Buddhism

Buddhism Ten Paramitas Dharmapada Sutra Tantric Buddhism

Ethical Zen Precepts: First Second Third Fourth Fifth

Virtues How to Live a Good Life

Taoism Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Yamas and Niyamas of Hinduism

The Philosophical Tenets of Zen Buddhism

Somaesthetic Theory and Practices

Links Bibliography Quotes

Zen Poetry

Cloud Hands Blog

1. I will be mindful and reverential with all life, I will not be violent nor will I kill.

Avoid killing or harming any living being. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures. I shall endeavor to protect and take care of all living creatures. Do not do harm to other beings.

"Life and limb are precious to every living being and nobody has the right to destroy the life of anotherfor any reason. But we know that human beings kill others individually and collectively in the name ofhuman rights, religion, peace, nation, race, culture and population control- all assumed good purposes. Hatred, jealousy, power, greed, ill will, selfishness, cruelty, callousness, pride, ignorance are incentivesthat provide and drive one to commit panatipata. This is a deviation from the Noble Eight Fold Path -Right understanding, thought and action." - The Buddhist Perspective of Lay Morality, Dr. Bodhippriya Subhadra Sinwardena

The First Precept: Reverence for Life. Commentary by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Loving Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness Sharon Salzberg and John Kabat-Zinn.Shambhala, 1997, 208 pages.

Must All Buddhists Be Vegetarians?

"The precepts are to help us cut off our attachments, and when that is done,then all the precepts are kept naturally. And so I will ask you a question.Once upon a time, Zen Master Nam Cheon cut a cat in two with his knife. Was this a good or bad action? If you sit in silence, you are no betterthan rocks, but all speech is wrong. What can you do?" - Zen Master Wu Bong (Jacob Perl), Five Precepts

If a person does not harm any living being and does not kill or cause others to kill - that person is a true spiritual practitioner. - The Dhammapada

2. I will respect the property of others, I will not steal.

Avoid stealing. Do not take what is not yours to take. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given. Live simply and frugally.

"Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression,I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-beingof people, animals, plants, and minerals. I will practice generosity by sharing my time,energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not tosteal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the propertyof others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the sufferingof other species on Earth." - The Five Precepts

"The second precept deals with taking things that are not given. This is more that justnot stealing. It means not coveting things in the material, psychological, or in the spiritualrealms. Desire stems from a feeling ofincompleteness. This precept teaches us to acceptourselves wholly and to make this total acceptance is to become complete, toattain the Buddha state." - Zen Master Wu Bong (Jacob Perl), Five Precepts

"The second Major Precept prohibits stealing. A disciple of the Buddha must not steal by oneself,encourage others to steal, facilitate stealing, steal with mantras, or involve oneself in the causes,conditions, methods, or karma of stealing, to the extent that one must not deliberately steal thepossessions of ghosts, spirits, or any other beings all valuables and possessions, includingsuch objects as small as a needle or a blade of grass. A Bodhisattva should give rise to a mindof filial compliance, kindness, and compassion toward the Buddha nature.... If instead aBodhisattva steals anothers valuables or possessions, a Bodhisattva Parajika (major) offense is committed." - Brahma Net Sutra

Dhammic Socialism 100K

A Disciple of the Buddha Does Not Steal Taitaku Pat Phelan. 20K

Economics in Buddhism Ven. Galle Udita Maha Thero. 46K.

3. I will be conscious and loving in my relationships, I will not give way to lust.

Avoid sexual irresponsibility. I undertake the precept to refrain from improper sexual activity. Do not engage in sexual misconduct.

"Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate my responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect families from being broken by sexual misconduct." - The Five Wonderful Precepts. By Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

Buddhist Sexual Ethics. By Winton Higgins. 28K

Buddhism, Sexuality and Gender. Edited by Jose Ignacio Cabezon. State University at New York, 1991. 241 pages. ISBN: 0791407586.

4. I will honor honesty and truth, I will not deceive.

Avoid lying, or any hurtful speech. I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech. Refrain from lying, gossiping, slander, and spreading false rumors. Silence in precious, I will not gossip or engage in frivolous conversations.

"Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others,I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy andhappiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can createhappiness or suffering, I am determined to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certainand will not criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from utteringwords that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the communityto break. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts,however small." - The Five Precepts

"Furthermore, abandoning lying, the disciple of the noble ones abstains from lying. In doing so,he gives freedom from danger, freedom from animosity, freedom from oppression to limitless numbers of beings. In giving freedom from danger, freedom from animosity, freedom fromoppression to limitless numbers of beings, he gains a share in limitless freedom from danger,freedom from animosity, and freedom from oppression. This is the fourth gift... - The Five Faultless Gifts

"Being mindful of suffering caused by careless or malicious speech, we are determined to use words to heal the wounds of misunderstanding, anger, hate, and fear." - The Five Wonderful Precepts - Blue Iris Sangha

Ta-sui was asked, "What is the very first point?" He replied, "Don't think falsely." - The Pocket Zen Reader. Complied and translated by Thomas Cleary. Shambhala, 1999, p. 122

5. I will exercise proper care of my body and mind, I will not be gluttonous nor abuse intoxicants.

Avoid alcohol and drugs which diminish clarity of consciousness. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

"Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicants, or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain T.V. programs, magazines, books, films and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body and my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation, and for the transformation of society." - The Five Wonderful Precepts. By Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

"Being mindful of suffering caused by taking poisons into our bodies and minds, we are determined to take into our bodies and minds only those things that nourish awareness, life, and love. - The Five Wonderful Precepts - Blue Iris Sangha

Drugs and Alcohol

Somaesthetic Practices for Good Health, Well-Being and Mindfulness

Comments by Michael P. Garofalo

Many people have not yet taken formal vows to abide by the Five Precepts yet continue to study Zen, engage in Zen practices, and identify with Zen viewpoints. Serious Zenstudentsand all monastics (monks and nuns) do take vows to abide by the Five Precepts in a formalceremony (Jukai - Japanese). Monastics abide by many additional Preceptsrelating to lifestyleand social behavior.Taking the Five Precepts represents one's formalentry into Buddhism, and represents a serious religious commitment to the Buddha (thehistorical Buddha, enlightened beings, as well as the Buddha nature in all), Dharma (Buddhist scriptures, wisdom literature, as well as the truths and insights wediscover while living), and the Sangha (the Buddhist communityas well as interrelations with allbeings).

The tendency of Zen writings and lectures to emphasize monistic metaphysics, and to discourage dualistic perspectives, will create some confusion for new students of Zen Buddhism who are considering its ethical aspects. Thinking about good and evil,right and wrong, or healthy minded and sick minded all involve making distinctions and dualistic perspectives.

On the whole, I have foundthat Zen masters and teachersand committed practitioners emphasize kindness,compassion, honesty, humility,love of work and the arts, down toearthness,sobriety, meditation, humor, simplicity,nonviolence, freedom, self-reliance,and enlightenment. However, wisdom andenlightenment are given the highest emphasis, and less is said about moral conformity or the moral reform of society.

"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets it."- Leonard Cohen

Yamas: Moral Observances and Restraints

1. Nonviolence, Not Harming, Not Killing Ahimsa 2. Truthfulness, Not Lying, Not Gossiping, Good Speech Satya 3. Not Stealing, Paying Debts, Not Gambling, Keeping Promises, Not Wasting Asteya 4. Divine Conduct, Immersed in Divinity, Celibacy, Following Marriage Vows Brahmacharya 5. Patience, Restraining Intolerance, Don't Argue, Slow Down Kahama 6. Steadfastness, Persistence, Perseverance, Industriousness Dhriti 7. Compassion, Kindness, Helpfulness Daya 8. Honest, Law Abiding, Not Cheating, Fair Arjava 9. Moderation, Proper Eating, Simplicity, Not Greedy Mithara and Aparigraha 10. Purity, Cleanliness, Proper Language, Keep Good Company Saucha

Niyamas: Spiritual Practices, Religious Observances, Values

1. Remorse, Humility, Apologize, Acknowledge Wrongdoing, Correct Your Faults Hri 2. Contentment, Serenity, Gratitude, Simplicity, Following Spiritual Values Santosha 3. Giving, Charity, Liberality, Volunteer, Support Worthwhile and Spiritual Causes Dana 4. Faith Astikya 5. Worship, Surrender to God, Love of God Ishvara Pujana 6. Scriptural Listening Sidhanta Shravana 7. Cognition, Self-Study, Meditation, Seek Knowledge, Follow Guru Mati and Svadhyaya 8. Sacred Vows Vrata 9. Recitation Japa 10. Austerity, Fervor, Effort, Work, Energy Tapas - Yamas and Niyamas From the Indian scriptures, The Upanishads: Shandilya and the Varuha. From 600-100 BCE Hinduism's Code of Conduct

See also Patanjalis Yoga Sutra, Circa 2nd Century CE (Yoga Sutra, Verses 2:30 2:34.)

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This manual provides introduction to Zen Buddhism. Check out the history and the basics of Zen Buddhism.

The Mahayana sutras that were written in India and China form the basis of Zen Buddhism. Of these, the most prominent ones are the Lankavatara Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, the Samantamukha Parivarta, the Heart Sutra, a chapter of the Lotus Sutra and the Platform Sutra of Huineng. The fundamental elements of Buddhist philosophy consist of the basics of Zen Buddhism also. These include the Eightfold Path, the five precepts, the Four Noble Truths, the five skandhas, three dharma seals, etc.

The teachings in Zen philosophy are restricted to the Mahayana Buddhism. The major religious figures in Zen include Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, Majusri Bodhisattva, Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, Sakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha. Zen Buddhism has been influenced by Chinese philosophy to a great extent, especially Taoism. This is because of the fact that Zen emerged as a distinct school in medieval China. However, the degree of influence of Taoism on Zen Buddhism is still open to debate.

As per a number of modern scholars, the influence was quite shallow, while others contend a deep influence of Taoism on Zen philosophy. It is a mistake to understand Zen as an intellectual philosophy or a solitary pursuit. Rather, it is more of a practice or a way of life. The temples dedicated to zed lay emphasis on a thorough practice of meditation on daily basis. They also advise practicing along with other people, as it helps in preventing the traps of ego. The students of Zen Buddhism are required to perform some of the tedious tasks that one performs at home.

This is because Zen Buddhists believe that a person should acquire knowledge from all the aspects of life. This knowledge will help him in the process of enlightenment. The textual hermeneutics have been severely condemned in Zen teachings. The pursuit of worldly treasures is looked down upon. They advise people to focus on meditation, which will ultimately lead them to unmediated consciousness of the processes of both the world as well as their own mind.

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Zen Buddhism And Its Relationship to Elements of Eastern And Western Arts

Fredric Lieberman

ZEN IN CHINA shared much with the Taoism of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, so much that it is difficult to determine how much of Zen has Buddhist origins, how much Taoist. It is important to remember, in this connection, that we are speaking of the so-called "philosophical" Taoism and Zen, as opposed to the later "degenerate Taoism" and "institutionalized Zen" of more recent times.

The basic premise that the highest truth, or first principle, or Tao, is not expressible in words or conceivable through logical thought is common to both Taoism and Zen. Both hold, moreover, that an intuitive understanding of the first principle is possible, and this is called enlightenment. The enlightened Taoist sage is considered to have gained some special knowledge, coupled with arcane skills, and thus becomes somehow removed from the world, but the Zen Master gains nothing other than the realization that there is nothing to gain, and is thus more than ever in the world.

Whereas Lao-tzu poetically says "The Tao that can be named is not the real (eternal) Tao," the Zen Master takes this for granted; if questioned on the subject his answer will most likely be a non sequitur, or he might scream "kwatz!" or strike the disciple. This is not Taoistic quietism (wu-wei) but action where words will not do. The effect is to force the student back into his own mind, rather than to foster a dependence on teachers.

Enlightenment consists in realizing that Buddha-nature exists in everything and everyone. "See into your own mind" and you will find the Buddha-nature that has been there all along. The historical Buddha is no greater or less than the lowest sentient being--all share in Buddha-nature. Scriptures are useless, ritual leads nowhere. Enlightenment is possible for everyone: the illiterate can achieve the same experience as the learned scholar. Eternity is here and now. One need not seek to learn something new, just realize what is already present.

Buddha-nature is not metaphysical, not something apart from ourselves. There is nothing to gain from enlightenment. We realize that there is nothing to realize. Some Zen scholars have been more adamant on this point than others. Suzuki has said: "Before Zen men are men and mountains are mountains; during Zen study things become confused; after enlightenment men are men and mountains are mountains, only one's feet are a little off the ground." Other scholars hold that there is nothing at all: we have always been enlightened, and will forever be deluded; Zen enlightenment consists only in this realization. (Fung 1952:II, 400).

To pass from delusion to enlightenment means to leave one's mortal humanity behind and enter sagehood. The life of the sage, however, . . . is no different from that of ordinary men, for "the ordinary mind is the Tao," and the sage's mind is the ordinary mind. ( Fung 1952:II,402-403).

Buddha-nature lies in the fact of being, not outside it. As Blyth says (1960a:27): "the -ite is bliss. There is no bliss in anything infinite or finite. Iteness only is bliss." The universe is an indeterminate, constantly changing state of iteness. Being and non-being merge. Opposites share Buddha-nature, differ in their individual essences or spirits.

According to both Zen and Taoism, the attempted control of nature by man is at once absurd and useless. The history of Western society and its technology has been the story of man's long struggle to control nature. The Taoist would say: act like water, through yielding is strength. When dealing with men rather than nature, the Taoist would counsel that, after recognizing the inherent power of yielding, one may also use strength if the particular situation warrants it. The Zen master merely says: act and don't worry about it; what you do may be right or wrong, neither is bad. That is, from the universal point of view there is no right and wrong: these are values superimposed by society--the universe makes no distinctions or categories. This raises the delicate question or moral responsibility, but it should be noted that the Zen adept strives to fulfill the "Four Great Vows" in which it is stated: "I vow to save all sentient beings." Compassion is also part of Zen.

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Zen Buddhism and Art

HISTORY

THE UNDERSTANDING

THE STORY Born Siddhartha Guatama in the sixth century B.C in what today is Nepal, the Buddha was a wealthy prince of the Shakya clan. He married, had a son and lived a pampered life. His father carefully sheltered him from all misery. But during four excursions away from the palace he encountered four signs - an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a monk. The first three symbolized humankind's suffering; the fourth Siddhartha's destiny. Siddhartha adopted the ascetic, homeless path, first with teachers and then, for nine years, on his own. But asceticism proved fruitless. He began to eat again - to formulate Buddhist ideas of the Middle Path - and settled under the famed bodhi tree, vowing to meditate until he solved the problem of suffering. Forty-nine days later he achieved his great Enlightenment (or satori) as the Buddha which is sought after by all Zenists.

Reluctant even to speak of it because of its wordless nature, Siddhartha finally addressed a group of disciples, then gave his first discourse in the Deer Park in Benares and spent the rest of his long life teaching. He died at the age of eighty after eating spoiled food. Buddha, as he became known, is not the only buddha.

According to Buddhist writings, there were six before him and thirteen to follow. The next will be Maitreya, due to come in a future age to renew the dharma.

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Zen Meditation - Guided Zen Buddhism Meditation Zazen - Day 28
Guided Zen Meditation also known as Zazen for inner peace and enlightenment. Zen meditation is an ancient Buddhism meditation technique for relaxation and inner peace. Zen meditation is a great...

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Zen Buddhism - Team 1
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ALAN WATTS FULL 8 HOUR LECTURE ON ZEN BUDDHISM A MUST WATCH

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