Zen Buddhism And The Zen School - 1252 Words

Zen Buddhism originated from Chinese Ch’an Buddhism that was transmitted to Japan. The Zen school was known as one of the many Buddhist religion in Japan. In Japan, â€Å"Zen is defined as the â€Å"buddha mind,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦the ultimate reality, or â€Å"emptiness,† of all things and the enlightened state, or knowledge of that reality, characteristic of a buddha† (Bielefeldt 1995: 198). Zen emphasizes on the insight into the Buddha-nature through seated meditation (zazen), meditation practice, and teacher-sudden interaction. Zazen was understood as an expression of the Buddha nature. Zen Buddhism, focus on â€Å"a separate transmission outside scripture, not depend on words or letters, a school based solely on the teaching of Bodhidharma, which â€Å"points directly at the person’s mind,† enabling one to â€Å"see his own nature and become a budhha† ( Bielefeldt 2002: 5). The teaching of Zen was divided into two distinct monastic schools: The Northern school (Shen-hsiu) and the Southern school (Hui-neng). This paper will show that the difference between the teaching of Gradual and Sudden have affected the way people traditionally perceive enlightenment through the Northern school and Southern school of teaching and Shen-hui criticism of the Northern school practice. Buddhism is the teaching of enlightenment and to achieve enlightenment is the reason why people practice this religion. Enlightenment refers to a singular, intense experience of insight that one has achieved self-realization. One who attains a state ofShow MoreRelatedZen And Pure Land Buddhism1470 Words   |  6 PagesA brief comparison between Zen and Pure Land Buddhism, both of these are very popular amongst the Vietnamese community. 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These schools of thoughtRead MoreZen Buddhism Essay1202 Words   |  5 PagesZen Buddhism was first introduced to China by a South- Indian man called Bodhidharma in around 520 CE. Bodhidharma, according to tradition, was a man so epic that he removed his own eyelids in order to win a staring contest with a rock wall (from his severed eyelids sprang tealeaves, and thus, the connection between Zen Buddhism and tea-drinking). The main teaching of Zen is that of zazen, or seated meditation, and that only through meditation and action, rather than cogitation, can one achieveRead MoreThe Mystic Tradition Of Zen Buddhism1487 Words   |  6 Pagesmystic tradition of Zen Buddhism and its various components. I have never thoroughly researched Zen Buddhism before engaging in the Spirituality and Research Methods class that is being taught by Professor Scott at Texas Tech University. Therefore a formal definition of Zen is a â€Å": Japanese sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment by direct intuition through meditation† (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2017). Additionally an article I examined articulated that Zen is the most recognizedRead MoreZen And Pure Land Buddhism1584 Words   |  7 PagesVietnam, Korea and Japan (Mahayana tradition). In East Asia, these teachings developed into ten different schools, several of which remain important to this day: Zen, Tantric and Pure Land (Li 4 April 2016). These schools of thought differ in many ways but also have overlapping similarities. In my essay, I will explain three underlying differences and similarities between Zen and Pure Land Buddhism and its relation to emptiness and compassion. The differences the reader will encounter will be the roleRead MoreWhat Does Eastern Religions Mean For Americans?1397 Words   |  6 PagesReligions mean to Americans?† Starting in the 19th century, Buddhism began to make its way to America through the immigration of the Chinese whom brought their religious traditions with them. Buddhism continued to gain popularity in America when Buddhist texts, as well as Buddhist teachers, were brought here to share and spread their religion. It wasn’t until the late 1950’s/early 1960’s that we see the interest in Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism, blossom throughout the country. Through the memoir â€Å"SacredRead More buddhism Essay1223 Words   |  5 Pages Zen; Buddhisms trek through history, politics, and America Zen, or Zenno (as it is known by the Japanese word from w hich it derives), is the most common form of Buddhism practiced in the world today. All types of people from intellectuals to celebrities refer to themselves as Buddhist, but despite its popularity today in America, it has had a long history throughout the world. quot;Here none think of wealth or fame, All talk of right and wrong is quelled. In Autumn I rake the leaf-banked stream