specifically zen buddhism, but i want to undesrtand(or at least try, since i dont think i can really understand it all the way) all of it
allegory:
i have learned about christian ways and i dont really like or trust them. so thanks, but no thanks
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What is a koans in zen buddhism? what is their purpose?
what is diaspora?
where does hajj take place?
from which of abrahams sons does Islam have its origins?
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Like are they just Buddhists without a sect or are they something like Zen Buddhists?
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Between his birth and reunion with the enlightened one?
2 the differences between Mahayana and other clans(the correct word?) of Buddhism
3 what is Zen Buddhism
4 are Taoism and Buddhism related
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curious about what the differences are, ive heard that there is a few like Zen, Theraveda etc?
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I like to study zen buddhism, and when people say “what religion are you?” I am tired of saying I am Catholic because it doesn’t conform to my beliefs. For example, my favorite book is “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.” How can I truthfully describe myself????? For example do I have to join a temple just so I am official? Thanks
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I need a good book that can teach me some fundamentals that I need to know. I started looking stuff up online but it’s hard to organize it all; there’s a lot to learn. I was wondering if anyone could suggest some good books for someone who’s interested in Zen Buddhism, but really just beginning? I’m looking for something explanatory without being too complex (I’m an idiot XD).
Thanks for any help you can give.
Matthew: Been there, done that. I respect people from all walks of life, but it’s not for me, so thanks but no thanks.
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I’m VERY interested in becoming a Buddhist.
I just left the Catholic faith because i got tired of all the prejudices and violent history behind that religion.
So I’m just wondering what can i do to become a Buddhist?
what can and can’t I do in Buddhism?
which version of Buddhism is right for me?
i know there are different types of Buddhism, so I’m just curious which one fits me best, but I’m really edging towards Zen Buddhism due to its emphasis on meditation.
sorry for all the questions!!!
Sage: i discarded all that, near the end of my association of the Catholic/Christian faith i was actually ashamed to say i belong to that religion…
i still believe in God though, its nice to know that what cant be explained by science can also be explained by the supernatural….
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I don’t expect to use this as a source but it might provide some interesting viewpoints. If you have any experience with Zen Buddhism, please share it.
When do students studying to become Zen masters actually reach the level of master? Are they only considered a master when they surpass their own master’s level of knowledge and wisdom? If that is so, then is the pool of Zen knowledge constantly increasing? Or are students pronounced masters when their master simply thinks they have enough experience to continue on their own?
Ha, well I would have appreciated serious answers… but at least you people have a sense of humor. And no, I go to school at a public high school. I’m taking Zen and Emerson (Eastern thought).
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I know it is a sin for a Buddhist to be lazy. I have been lazy all my life since I was a teen. I am intellectually fine but I rarely open a book at school because I was lazy. Now I want to change my life(at 48) and become a web developer but I am still being lazy and won;’t study on a regular bases. I started Zen meditation. Will Zen Buddhism help me fight this pathological laziness? Thanks for your time.
For Reba , I did not start Zen Meditation to stop being lazy 
I was just asking if overall it could help me .
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Why is emptiness so alluring in the religion of zen Buddhism?
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If I were to call myself a Zen Buddhist and a Taoist, what philosophical problems can one expect to encounter?
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Like Hinduism, Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism uses _________, which are repeated Sanskrit phrases.
Choose one answer.
a. mudras
b. skandhas
c. atmans
d. mantras
2
Like Hinduism, Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism uses _________, which are repeated Sanskrit phrases
Choose one answer.
a. finding a way to love humanity.
b. the true definition of God.
c. how to find a way to overcome suffering
d. how to act morally and correctly in all circumstances.
3
Hinduism is older than Buddhism.
Choose one answer.
a. True
b. False
c. They are approximately the same age.
4
After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha starved himself to death.
Answer:
True False
5
Mahayana means the _____ vehicle.
Choose one answer.
a. tantric
b. small
c. thunderbolt
d. great
6
True or False? In Buddhism, you end suffering in this life through knowledge of the truth and the pursuing sensual pleasures.
Choose one answer.
a. True
b. False
8
A mind to mind transmission outside the scriptures:
Choose one answer.
a. Theravada
b. Mahayana
c. Zen
d. Vajrayana
9
The ultimate goal of Mahayna Buddhism is to
Choose one answer.
a. attain material and personal benefit
b. get rid of ignorance and achieve Nirvana individually
c. become a self-disciplined person
d. assist all living beings to achieve enlightenment
10
Match the following:
Sangha
Dharma
Buddha
11
Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism believes that________
Choose one answer.
a. there is no soul.
b. all living beings have the same soul.
c. the individual soul is really part of a greater soul.
d. None of the above
12
Theravada Buddhism differs from Mahayana Buddhism in its ______ .
Choose one answer.
a. belief in life after death
b. belief in one god
c. belief in salvation through one’s own efforts
d. all of the above
13
For Buddhists, everything that seems to exist is really made up of the five
Choose one answer.
a. jewels
b. dharmas
c. teachings
d. skandhas
14
The Buddha’s teachings on the truths of reality and right conduct are called
Choose one answer.
a. the samsara
b. the karma
c. the dharma
d. the Tripitika
15
_______ the cause of suffering.
Choose one answer.
a. Tests are
b. Karma is
c. Not living a holy life is
d. Craving is
16
In Buddhism, the Buddha is considered _____
Choose one answer.
a. God.
b. a great teacher; the one who woke up.
c. part of the Hindu trinity.
d. the messiah.
17
In Zen Buddhism, zazen, a term that means ___________, is an important method of experiencing the Buddha-nature.
Choose one answer.
a. standing meditation
b. walking meditation
c. mindfulness meditation
d. sitting meditation
18
An enlightened individual who could enter nirvana but decides instead to be reborn to help other humans achieve nirvana is known as a ________.
Choose one answer.
a. bodhisattva
b. bhramin
c. prajna
d. bhagavan
19
The word for the order of monks and nuns founded by the Buddha is the _______
Choose one answer.
a. Mahayana
b. Theravada
c. Bhavachakra
d. Sangha
Buddha means “blessed”
Answer:
True False
22
Buddhism is considered the Middle Way because ______
Choose one answer.
a. it avoids the extremes of hedonism and asceticism.
b. it doesn’t tell you what to believe but lets you figure it out for yourself.
c. Buddhists use all of the eightfold path to reach enlightenment.
d. people have both negative and positive karma.
23
Which values are most closely associated with Buddhism?
Choose one answer.
a. Democracy
b. Giving up desires
c. Education
d. Maintaining the caste system
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I am going to the book store sometime this week, and I want to buy 2 books by Thich Nhat Hanh
I am a beginner at Zen Buddhism and want 2 books by Thich Nhat Hanh
Please recommend some for me.
Thanks!
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I’m trying to download some videos about Zen Buddhism from the site, and the only way to do that is to register as a member. Apparently, the only way to become a member, is to be “invited” by someone who is already a member. It would be more than greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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… new to North Americans anyway. New Religious Movements like Sufis, Sunnis, Moonies, Non-denominational Christians, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, any others… What are some of their features or characteristics that make them attractive as an alternative to traditional religions like Presbyterian, Catholic, Lutheran, etc.? Thanks.
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