Zen Buddhism
What is Zen Buddhism?
History and Origin
1. History of the two main branches: Theravada and Mahayana
2. Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation to achieve enlightenment. It's based on the idea that you are already enlightened, and that you can realize this through direct experience. Zen is known for its intuitive understanding and its emphasis on experiential wisdom over theoretical knowledge.
3. Origins: Zen originated in India but was formalized in China in the 7th century.
- It spread to Japan in the 13th century, where it became the most prominent form of Buddhism.
- Zen is also practiced in Korea and Vietnam.
Essence and Practice
1. Zen emphasizes meditation, particularly zazen, a simple practice of sitting upright and focusing on breathing.
2. Zen masters may use koans, riddles that challenge conventional ways of thinking, to help students achieve enlightenment.
3. Zen also emphasizes living mindfully, with a holistic perspective that includes work, eating, walking, and more.
4. Zen promotes the belief of Karma (Cause and Effect)