Zen is a branch of Buddhism and as such is based on and deeply rooted in the Buddha’s teachings. It is also very much the child of China and has some teaching derived from Confucianism and Taoism. The Zen branch calls itself the Buddha Heart School and traces its lineage back to the Buddha, with the Flower Sermon being the first transmission of the Dharma. It’s common for daily chanting to include the lineage of the school, reciting the names of all dharma ancestors and teachers that have transmitted Zen teaching.
Zen is part of the Mahayana branch of Buddhism (Northern) and some practical differences are to be found with the Theravadins (Southern). For example, Zen and other Mahayana traditions place greater emphasis on the practice of the Paramitas (Path of Perfection) and less on the Eightfold Path, although familiarity with the Eightfold Path is still required. Another difference is in sutra study; Zen and other Mahayana traditions focus on the Mahayana Canon, while the Southern schools place emphasis on Tripitaka study.
All Zen schools, Rinzai or Soto, are versed in Buddhist Doctrine and Buddhist Philosophy, including the Precepts, Four Noble Truths, Pratitya Samutpada, Three Signs of Being, Five Skandhas, Three Fires, Four Right Efforts, Five Hindrances, Ten Fetters, and the Bhavacakra (and its symbolic representation). At the same time, Zen’s emphasis on direct seeing into one’s nature keeps it lively and at the edge of the tradition.
This openness has allowed non-Buddhists to practice Zen, especially outside of Asia, and even for the curious phenomenon of an emerging Christian Zen lineage, as well as one or two lines that call themselves nonsectarian. With no official governing body, it’s perhaps impossible to declare any authentic lineage heretical. Some schools emphasize lineage and trace their line of teachers back to Japan, Korea, Vietnam or China; other schools do not.
aishes said in September 9th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I have problems understanding ZEn as part of Buddhism. Buddha never talked or wrote about ZEn as we know now. ZEN is a chinese word, and rightly said by Elfsareus Confucious and Taoists combined philosophy.
Although, many ppl who beleived in Buddhism have similar philosophies as the Zen follower, i.e. Kabir, Osho and upto some extent Deepak Chopra also talks out of Zen-Buddhism.
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Zen is a branch of Buddhism and as such is based on and deeply rooted in the Buddha’s teachings. It is also very much the child of China and has some teaching derived from Confucianism and Taoism. The Zen branch calls itself the Buddha Heart School and traces its lineage back to the Buddha, with the Flower Sermon being the first transmission of the Dharma. It’s common for daily chanting to include the lineage of the school, reciting the names of all dharma ancestors and teachers that have transmitted Zen teaching.
Zen is part of the Mahayana branch of Buddhism (Northern) and some practical differences are to be found with the Theravadins (Southern). For example, Zen and other Mahayana traditions place greater emphasis on the practice of the Paramitas (Path of Perfection) and less on the Eightfold Path, although familiarity with the Eightfold Path is still required. Another difference is in sutra study; Zen and other Mahayana traditions focus on the Mahayana Canon, while the Southern schools place emphasis on Tripitaka study.
All Zen schools, Rinzai or Soto, are versed in Buddhist Doctrine and Buddhist Philosophy, including the Precepts, Four Noble Truths, Pratitya Samutpada, Three Signs of Being, Five Skandhas, Three Fires, Four Right Efforts, Five Hindrances, Ten Fetters, and the Bhavacakra (and its symbolic representation). At the same time, Zen’s emphasis on direct seeing into one’s nature keeps it lively and at the edge of the tradition.
This openness has allowed non-Buddhists to practice Zen, especially outside of Asia, and even for the curious phenomenon of an emerging Christian Zen lineage, as well as one or two lines that call themselves nonsectarian. With no official governing body, it’s perhaps impossible to declare any authentic lineage heretical. Some schools emphasize lineage and trace their line of teachers back to Japan, Korea, Vietnam or China; other schools do not.
I have problems understanding ZEn as part of Buddhism. Buddha never talked or wrote about ZEn as we know now. ZEN is a chinese word, and rightly said by Elfsareus Confucious and Taoists combined philosophy.
Although, many ppl who beleived in Buddhism have similar philosophies as the Zen follower, i.e. Kabir, Osho and upto some extent Deepak Chopra also talks out of Zen-Buddhism.
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Please Note: Comment moderation maybe active so there is no need to resubmit your comments