It is a Buddhist school of thought based on Mahayana Buddhism. Zen de-emphasis text book driven theoretical knowledge and professes enlightenment from meditation and dharma.
The origin of Zen is attributed to Buddha’s flower sermon. The establishment is credited to a South Indian prince turned monk – Bodhidharma. He reached China and settled down in Kingdom of Wei. Shaolin martial arts are attributed to Bodhidharma who taught a series of exercise to the temple disciples. |
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The non dependence on Buddhist text is not antagonistic to Zen since the ideology is deeply rooted in doctrine and teaching of Mahayana Buddhism. Zen disciples yearn for achieving Buddha nature a state of enlightenment they purport exists in all humans. |
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Self realization and discovery through Dharma and meditation is the professed path to enlightenment and becoming akin to Buddha. Thus turning the eyes within, introspection and backward step is a methodology that Zen purports. Besides chanting of mantra sutras is a daily form service in monasteries. The belief in Dharma transmission is a practice in Zen. The teachings pass on from the masters to students through direct communication and not by the written word. |
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| Zen Meditation |
Sitting dhyana or meditation in lotus or half lotus position is the core of Zen practice. A mat, cushion and or a chair are used for dhyana or meditation. Thorough group meditation is a tradition in a Zen monastery. Dhyana helps regulate mind, counting or watching the breadth or concentration below the navel on the energy center is applied to direct awareness. |
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| Zen Teacher |
No specific criteria exist for becoming a Zen master. Because the emphasis is on direct communication in Zen the teacher plays a central role in teachings. The master is ordained in any discipline of dharma to teach, guide in meditation ritualistic aspect of Dharma. |
| India religious pilgrimage Religious tourism |
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