I Want To Learn More About Zen Buddhism?
hey everyone. i’ve been studying buddhism lately but would like to learn about ZEN buddhism. if you have any information it would be greatly aprreciated. peace and happiness
suggested reading:
Related Posts
Filed under zen questions by
Leave a Comment





Comments on I Want To Learn More About Zen Buddhism?
As you know, the Zen tradition is one of several Buddhist traditions that have come from Asia to the West. Zen arose in China around 600 CE through the merger of certain Indian Buddhist traditions with existing Chinese Taoist traditions.
From China, the Zen tradition spread into Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. In the last 50 years, Zen teachers from each of these countries have established centers in North America, Europe, and elsewhere. While there are differences in form and emphasis among these traditions, the “bone” of the teaching remains the same.
Zen training takes several forms. Practitioners sit in meditation, of course (“zen” means ‘meditation’); however, Zen also employs walking meditation, chanting, bowing, work practice, koans and other forms to train students.
Sitting meditation cultivates a strong center, so we can remain stable as outside circumstances change (as they always do, non-stop).
Chanting practice opens up our inherent compassion, so that we naturally act in ways that benefit others.
Bowing practice helps us let go of our habitual ways of functioning.
Koans (Chinese: kung-ans) are short, frequently puzzling stories that help us develop genuine wisdom.
As stability, compassion, and wisdom grow, then our life naturally benefits all beings. We can act with generosity and creativity in response to each unique moment. This is true liberation.
The first link below will help you find the Zen center nearest you. Zen students benefit greatly from regular encounters with Zen teachers or masters. Teachers serve as guides along the path.
There are two modern classics on Zen. These books are quite different from each other and together will give you a real taste of the tradition. (Links below.)
“Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
“Dropping Ashes on the Buddha” by Zen Master Seung Sahn
If you have specific questions, you’re welcome to email me. Best wishes!
There are a few good sites online. Here is one.http://www.zenguide.com/
You might also want to see if there are any temples or practitioners located near you. It works best if you learn from a teacher, rather than only from texts. (The texts are important too, though.)
In the section “Different Levels Have Different Laws” of the Zhuan Falun Lecture on the web, you can find out about what Zen Buddhism is about.
In the section “Buddhist Qigong and Buddhism”, you can find out a concise discussion about Buddhism and its branches.
Enjoy the reading.