Hello dear readers! This article will cover the basics of such a widespread Eastern teaching as Zen Buddhism. It is an independent religion, the purpose of which is to comprehend the nature of mind and wisdom. We will consider its basic principles and how in practice you can comprehend the truth using this ancient knowledge.
Zen originated in China at the dawn of the 6th century. However, as soon as it got to Japan, the teaching became widespread. It happened only in VII-VIII. The main founder of this trend is Bodhidharma, who also personifies Buddhist wisdom.
The main formula for comprehending the nature of mind is meditation, which allows you to achieve a completely new level of self-awareness and enlightenment.
Briefly about the teaching
Zen Buddhism is a symbiosis of Chinese and Indian beliefs multiplied by Japanese tradition... It contains the following elements:
- Jintu (Pure Land Buddhism);
- madhyamakas and mahasanghikas;
- Tendai, Shingon and Kegon (Japanese teachings).
Despite the mixture of styles and different schools, the teachings of Bodhidharma are different. This religious movement is characterized by a "light" attitude towards sacred texts. Constant practice comes first, which is why it is so popular, unlike other beliefs.
Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki (18.10.1870-12.07.1966). Japanese philosopher and main popularizer of Zen Buddhism
"Satori is the soul of Zen and nothing exists without it." (D. T. Suzuki)
The central essence of the teaching is the comprehension of satori. It is characterized by the following features:
- irrationality, inexplicability;
- intuitive sense of nature around;
- a feeling of delight, euphoria as a result of the realization of something elusive;
- brevity and suddenness.
Principles
Zen Buddhism cannot be subsumed under any formality. This is the path of liberation, but not philosophy, psychology or science. Zen manifests itself in everything that surrounds a person. This makes him related to Taoism, yoga and some other Eastern knowledge.
The basic principles of Zen Buddhism can be summarized as follows:
- Becoming a "Buddha" through the contemplation of your nature.
- Human consciousness is the pinnacle of everything.
- The inadmissibility of sacred texts, their special interpretation.
- Rejection of words and texts that are applicable as a knowledge base.
These four ideas describe the philosophy of religion in the world tradition and clearly limit the teaching from other strands of Buddhism.
The first principle
This position presupposes the contemplation of one's own nature in order to achieve a special level of consciousness. Based on sacred texts, a person practicing this principle does not strive to become a Buddha, since this is not the ultimate goal teachings.
However, Buddha is not perceived higher intelligence like the Lord or Allah, he does not stand on top of a person, he is "scattered throughout the world." A particle of it is found in each of the living people, plants, animals and any surrounding objects.
Zen Buddhism calls to see nature with an "open mind", to perceive oneself and the surrounding space as part of a great whole organism. the main objective- achievement satori as a special state of mind through meditation.
Second principle
Inner harmony and calm state mind - constant individual work over your mind. Zen teaches that each person has his own path of deliverance and his own path, passing which one can reach an enlightened consciousness.
Getting rid of internal conflicts and contradictions, the follower gradually acquires the gift of distinguishing "grain from chaff" and stops worrying about trifles, lives more consciously, contemplating the world around and within himself.
The third principle
Texts and books are used only at the first stage of a follower's training. They help to learn the main intellectual points of Buddhist philosophy. Further in-depth study special literature, according to teachers, on the contrary, will prevent the student from comprehending knowledge.
Fourth principle
Zen is a branch. She is distinguished by a large practical focus that is why communication between the student and the teacher is so important. The concept claims to have a connection with Buddhism, however, its followers do not study the sutras and shastras, considering them to be nothing more than unnecessary papers.
True consciousness is achieved through "direct transmission of dharma" from teacher to student and is the highest manifestation“Patriarchal Ch'an” (line of succession). It is very important that Zen does not practice leaving the world, but helps to live and interact with others.
Practical use
Spiritual experience and growth in Zen Buddhism is not tied to the study of specialized literature. Practice in this religion is the basis of all changes in human consciousness. That is why Zen is so popular all over the world, because in order to become a follower of this teaching, the country of residence is not important, Political Views and social status.
Both attorneys, lawyers from the United States and poor fishermen in Vietnam can practice the doctrine. And each of them has every chance to achieve enlightenment and harmony.
As a psycho-training, teachers often offer followers stories from the lives of famous patriarchs (koans). Their purpose is to question the rationality of thinking, thereby making the mind more flexible.
Meditation- the leading practice in Zen Buddhism, a real symbol of liberation. These sessions solve the following problems:
- Get rid of anger and hatred... A person learns not to do bad deeds by succumbing to negative emotions... Meditation allows you to eradicate the source of evil within yourself and remain calm in all situations.
- ... Target practical training- to come to terms with the current state of affairs and accept all the circumstances that happen to a person. This approach allows you to "work out" your karma more competently.
- Refusal of unnecessary... Most of the surrounding things, objects, people, based on the concept of Zen Buddhism, certainly bring suffering, so the goal of every follower of the teachings is to achieve independence from all this.
- Harmony with your Tao... The path that is destined for man higher power, a student in Zen Buddhism perceives as inevitable. He is part of spiritual growth and his rejection will greatly complicate the attainment of satori.
Daily practice, which takes place under the unobtrusive guidance of a teacher, as well as the lack of emphasis on the study of special literature, allows Zen Buddhism to confidently walk around the globe.
Zen Buddhism in the Modern World
Increased Western interest in Japanese culture after the Second World War, he opened up the mysterious and alluring world of the East for Americans and Europeans. The influence of this religion can be traced in the film industry, music, sculpture and art.
The world community, devastated by wars and the rapid development of technology, sought to find an island of freedom and serenity. This is what Zen Buddhism teaches. Also Westerners are attracted to quick result enlightenment, the absence of grueling training and many years of studying special literature.
Conclusion
Zen Buddhism is not a religion in the classical sense of the word. This is spontaneity, naturalness and harmony, which is achieved by working with your own consciousness. Looking inward is what is missing modern man in order to stop the senseless race after things and realize true value the surrounding world.
If the information in the article, dear readers, seemed interesting to you, share it in social networks... Zen Buddhism is multifaceted and everyone can find themselves by following this knowledge.
Zen Buddhism is an oriental teaching that teaches the attainment of enlightenment. If you take a broader look at this direction, then it is rather a way of life and is outside the rational. The goal of the practice is quite wide: it is spiritual awakening, and the disclosure of the essence of the absolute, and comprehension of oneself.
The first in the Zen line is Mahakashyapa, to whom the Buddha transmitted a special state of awakening, and this happened without the help of words (this is how the Zen tradition of the direct transmission of the teaching "from heart to heart" was founded).
This teaching received its origin in China in the fifth century A.D. Bodhidharma brought it. He later became the first Ch'an patriarch in China. Badhidharma is the founder famous monastery Shaolin. Nowadays, it is considered the cradle of Ch'an Buddhism (Chinese).
The followers of Bodhirharma were five patriarchs. Then the teaching was divided into a southern school and a northern one. The South, in turn, was divided into five Zen schools (in our time there are two left: Linji and Tsaodong.
Zen Buddhism reached Europe in mid XIX century, but the first acquaintance of Western people with the doctrine took place in 1913, it was then that the book "Samurai Religion" was published, but it did not gain popularity. A narrow circle of specialists became interested in her. The philosophy of Zen Buddhism began to gain admirers after the publication of the books of Suzuki D.T., this served as an impetus for the rise in popularity of Zen. Watts was the first Western author to write about the doctrine. It got the name "Zen Spirit". By the end of the 50s, a lot of literature on this topic began to appear. These were both European and American Zen Buddhists, who already described their experience of immersion in meditation and comprehension of the truth. In these books, the European reader was told everything in accessible language, used understandable terms. The practical and theoretical aspects of the teaching were described.
The line of transmission in Zen must be continuous, formed directly from teacher to student. This ensures the stability of the learning process. Written texts and discussions are discouraged by teachers (“Truth cannot be expressed in words”).
Practitioners are known to be calm and level-headed people. Zen practice promotes better development intellectual abilities... The practice is based on meditation. It is noted that in the process of education, prevention of diseases takes place, and health problems are also solved. The student can easily overcome any stress. Consciousness becomes clear, mind - deep and sharp. increases many times. Helps make decisions quickly and confidently. Develop
This is Zen Buddhism, a philosophy that many people understand today. Even in the most critical situations teaching makes you feel relaxed and confident. Practitioners can see beauty in the smallest things, which is perhaps why this teaching is gaining more and more admirers.
Zen (from Japanese 禅; Skt. ध्यान dhyana, Chinese 禪 chan, Korean 선 sŏn) is one of the largest and most widespread schools of Buddhism in China, Japan and other countries East Asia... The word "Zen" comes from the Sanskrit-Pali term "dhyana / jnana", meaning deep concentration, contemplation, as well as detachment or deliverance. In early texts Zen is called the school of contemplation.
Zen is the development of Mahayana Buddhism. The scientific name of this path is "Heart of Buddha" ("Buddha hridaya"), and the more popular name is "Zen".
Today Zen is one of the most famous schools Buddhism, widely elucidated as in fiction and in the mass media.
Zen Buddhism was brought from India to China by Bodhidharma, after which it became widespread in the countries of East Asia (China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan). The traditions of Chinese Ch'an, Japanese Zen, Vietnamese Thien and Korean sleep developed largely independently and now, while maintaining a single essence, have acquired their own specific traits in teaching and practice style. The scientific (official) name of the Zen tradition is the Heart of Buddha (Buddha-hridaya) In Japan, Zen is represented by several schools: Rinzai, Obaku, Fuke and Soto.
History
The transmission of the Zen tradition goes back to Buddha Shakyamuni, and he is considered the first in the Zen lineage. The second is considered Mahakashyap, to whom the Buddha transmitted the state of awakening directly without words, thereby establishing the Zen tradition in the form of a direct transmission of the teaching "from heart to heart."
One day the Buddha stood in front of a gathering at Vulture Peak. All people were waiting for him to start teaching the dharma, but Buddha was silent. Quite a long time had passed, and he had not yet uttered a single word, in his hand was a flower. The eyes of all the people in the crowd were turned to him, but no one understood anything. Then one monk looked at the Buddha with shining eyes and smiled. And Buddha said, "I have a treasure of vision of the perfect Dharma, the magical spirit of nirvana, free from the impurity of reality, and I have passed this treasure to Mahakashyapa." This smiling monk turned out to be just Mahakashyapa, one of the great disciples of the Buddha. (…) Mahakashyapa awoke thanks to the flower and his deep perception. Tit Nat Khan
Zen Buddhism spread to China in the 5th century AD. NS. Zen teachings were brought to China by the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (in the Chinese tradition - Putidamo or simply Damo, in the Japanese - Daruma), often called the successor of the 27 Indian patriarchs of Buddhism, who later became the first Ch'an patriarch in China. Bodhidharma settled in the Shaolin monastery, which is considered today the cradle of Chinese Ch'an Buddhism.
After Bodhidharma, there were five more patriarchs in China, after which the teaching split into a northern and southern school. The second subsequently developed and transformed into five Zen schools, of which only two have survived at present: Caodong and Linji. As for the Vietnamese thien, at the end of the 6th century, Vinitaruchi, a student of Sen-tsan, arrived in Vietnam and founded the first thien school. Further development Vietnamese Thien is associated with the Vo Ngon Thong school, former student Huai Haya, and the Thao Dyung School. Last school was founded by Emperor Li Thanh Tong. A little earlier, in 968, Thien became the state ideology of Vietnam and later played important role in his history. Later in Vietnam, the Chuklam school appeared, founded by the emperor Tran Nyan-tong and had no analogues in China, the Nguyen Thieu school, close to the Obaku school, and the Lieu Kuan school, close to the Linji school.
In the 30s of the XX century, the movement for the revival of Vietnamese Buddhism intensified in the country, and by the beginning of the 70s many pagodas were being built in Vietnam. Currently, of the approximately 60 million Vietnamese, about a third of the population are Mahayana followers. Of all the Mahayana schools, the Thien schools and, in particular, the Lamte (Linji) school are considered the most influential in the country at present, along with the Pure Land Buddhist schools.
Buddhism is a religion that arose incredibly long ago. It is considered one of the oldest in the world. The origin of the religion took place in the middle of the first millennium BC on the territory of India and immediately attracted numerous followers. Buddhism (books talk about the basic principles of the Buddha's teachings, consider the role of man in the world and give many other useful information) preach great amount human. Today there is such a thing as Zen Buddhism. In a broad concept, Zen is a school of mystical contemplation, and the teaching is based on Buddhist mysticism. Another area of worship is Tibetan Buddhism, which is a meditative technique and practice that combines the traditions of the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. The truths of Tibetan Buddhism are focused on the transmission of the Teaching based on rebirth famous people practicing faith. If we consider Buddhism briefly (we can talk endlessly about religion and the process of its formation and development), then religion appeared as an opposition to the foundations ancient india, who at that time was experiencing a serious cultural and economic crisis... The asceticism of Buddhism has become an opposition to class change. The history of Buddhism begins with its founder - Buddha Shakyamuni (in worldly life - Siddharth Gautama). Buddhism - Wikipedia examines in detail the history of the formation of religion - and today has a huge number of followers. Connect with God!
Center of Buddhism - where you can learn the basics of Buddhism
According to many, the center of Buddhism is located in India. After all, India (Buddhism as a religion appeared here) is traditionally considered the birthplace of the religion. If we talk about where the center of Buddhism is located on the territory of the country, then these are:Bihar;
Kapilavast;
Royal Palace;
Sarnath.
The center of Buddhism in Tibet is located in the capital of the country - the city of Lhasa. This is the main place where all pilgrims strive to go in order to comprehend the truths of Buddhism.
The center of Buddhism in Thailand is, of course, Bangkok. It is here that people flock to learn the truths of Buddhism. You can comprehend the basics of Buddhism without leaving the country. In Russia, there are many holy places for those who accepted the Buddha's teachings on the territory of Buryatia. The center of Buddhism can be found in St. Petersburg, on the shores of Lake Baikal and, of course, in Altai. It is here that the truths of Buddhism and Russians prefer to comprehend
Philosophy of Buddhism
Buddhism is the main religion of many Asian countries... Choosing the path of Buddhism, you should know that it does not belong to a religion, the central figure of which is God who created surrounding a person peace. The philosophy of Buddhism supports a different idea from other beliefs - eternal soul, in the future atoning for all sins committed during life, is absent. But no matter what a person does, everything comes back (the philosophy of Buddhism interprets the path of life in this way). This will not be God's punishment, but the consequence of thoughts and actions that have left an imprint on his personal karma. This is the essence of Buddhism, according to at least, an important part of it.The foundations of Buddhism, formed by the Buddha, are expressed in four postulates.
If we talk about Buddhism, then within the framework of the teachings, human life is suffering. Everything around us has no constancy, and everything that has arisen is subject to destruction. Fire becomes the symbol of existence, and yet it carries only suffering. These are the truths of Buddhism that call for understanding life in a different way.Desire becomes the cause of suffering. Attachment to material world and his blessings, makes you want life. And what stronger desire live, the more suffering will be experienced.
There is only one way to free yourself from suffering - by giving up desires. And this is possible only upon reaching nirvana - a state that frees a person from desires and passions. This is the philosophy of Buddhism.
To achieve nirvana, one has to follow the eightfold path of salvation.
The foundations of Buddhism in the form of the rules of the Eightfold Path of Salvation look very specific:
correct understanding peace - you need to realize that the world around a person consists of sorrow and suffering;
correctness of intentions - you need to limit own aspirations and desires;
correct conversations - words should only be good;
the correctness of actions - you need to bring people only good;
the correct way of life - you need to live so as not to harm living beings (this is the only way to save yourself from suffering, the teachings of Buddhism say);
the correctness of the efforts being made - the inner infusion of a person should be focused on good deeds;
the correctness of thoughts - the call of the flesh becomes the cause of all evil, and, having got rid of carnal desires, you can get rid of suffering (these are the teachings of Buddhism);
Constant Concentration - Constant training and concentration are the basis of the Eightfold Path.
These rules fully express the foundations of Buddhism. Passing the first two steps helps a person achieve wisdom. The following three help regulate morality and behavior. The remaining steps on the Eightfold Path of Salvation discipline the mind.
The essence of Buddhism
What is the essence of Buddhism? The main position of religion, and hence the teachings of Buddhism, is the equivalence of being and compassion. The religion does not reject the statement of Brahmanism about the transmigration of souls, but there are some changes, nevertheless, reflecting the essence of Buddhism. Buddhists consider reincarnation and all kinds of life to be inevitable evil and misfortune. The goal of a Buddhist is to end the chain of rebirth and achieve the state of nirvana, i.e. absolute nothingness. It is in this aspiration that the essence of Buddhism lies.Today Buddhism is the main teaching of the South and South-East Asia... It is also found in America and Europe, where Buddhism is the main religion for a relatively limited number of people.
Major schools of Buddhism
The first followers who practiced the teachings of the Buddha during his lifetime renounced any property. Students were recognized by outward appearance- these were skinheads, dressed in yellow clothes people who did not have a certain place residence. And this was the path of Buddhism during the formation of the religion. After the death of Buddha, the teaching was canonized. With the existence of the teachings, the schools of Buddhism known today have developed.
There are three main schools of Buddhism that were formed in different periods of the existence of the religion.
Hinayana. This school of Buddhism is characterized by the idealization of the monastic way of life. Only by renouncing the mundane can a person achieve nirvana (rid himself of the chain of reincarnations). Everything that happens to a person in his life is the result of his thoughts and actions. This path of Buddhism, according to the Hinayana, was the only one for many years.
Mahayana. The teachings of this school of Buddhism teaches that a pious layman can achieve nirvana on a par with a monk. It is in this school that the doctrine of bodhisattvas appears, helping people find the path of salvation. In this school, the renewed path of Buddhism is being shaped. The concept of paradise arises, saints arise, images of Buddhas and bodhisattvas appear.
Vajrayana. The teachings of this school of Buddhism are Tantric teachings based on the principles of self-control and meditative practices.
The ideas of Buddhism are numerous and we can talk about Buddhism endlessly. But the main one is the acceptance that human life is suffering. And the main goal of a follower of a teaching that supports the ideas of Buddhism is getting rid of it (this does not mean suicide, as completion life path, and the achievement of nirvana - a state after which a person's rebirth and his return to life is impossible - as the path of Buddhism).
What is the difference between Buddhism and other beliefs
While talking about Buddhism, it is worth noting that in it, unlike monotheistic religious movements, there is no:one God-creator;
ideas about the creation of the world (the universe has always been);
an eternally living soul;
the possibility of atonement for sins committed during life;
unconditional belief in anything;
devotion raised to the rank of absoluteness;
religious organizations(Buddhist sangha is always a community!);
the concept of heresy, since there is no single canon of the text, as well as indisputable dogmas;
the only universe, since the worlds in Buddhism are endless and numerous.
The main difference between Buddhism and Christianity (and other faiths) is the absence mandatory refusal from other faiths. The only requirement is not to violate the foundations of Buddhism and its truths.
Buddhism - the countries professing a religious direction are numerous - one of the oldest religions in the world. India - Buddhism, as a teaching, appeared exactly here - today it professes Hinduism.
Hinduism and Buddhism - Differences in Faith
But don't assume that Hinduism and Buddhism are interchangeable. This is a deeply mistaken opinion. There are many significant differences in the teachings, and the main ones are the following:The highest goal Hinduism - breaking the chain of successive reincarnations and connecting with the Absolute. Buddhists strive to attain Nirvana (the state of supreme grace). This is what distinguishes Hinduism and Buddhism.
The next difference between Hinduism and Buddhism is the prevalence around the world. Hinduism is a religious trend practiced only in India. Buddhism is a religion outside of nationalities.
For Hinduism, caste is typical, while in Buddhism the concept of universal equality is realized. And this is another direction that separates Hinduism and Buddhism.
Buddhism symbols
Humanity views Buddhism as one of the world's religions. But, if you study the belief in more detail, then it is rather philosophy. That is why the gods of Buddhism and symbols of Buddhism cannot be perceived as objects of cult worship. Since the symbols of Buddhism do not express belief in something divine, but the worldview of a person.The symbols of Buddhism are numerous, but the main symbolism is the image of Buddha Shakyamuni, who gave rise to this religious movement... And although such veneration to some extent resembles the worship of the image of God, Buddha - a real man who sought and received enlightenment. The teachings of Buddhism use the image of the Buddha as a symbol and living proof of human capabilities: every follower of the teachings can achieve enlightenment and this will not be a gift from the gods, but his own achievement.
The next, no less important Buddhist symbolism is Jammachakra (Wheel of the Law). Visually, this is an eight-spoke wheel. Its center is the point of awareness that studies the rays of truth.
It is worth noting that Buddhist symbols can be quite complex. Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life) is one of the most complex Buddhist symbols. On the surface of the wheel there are images of all the worlds that Buddhist mythology recognizes, as well as the states of a person accompanying his path to attaining nirvana. The wheel clearly illustrates the teachings of Buddhism.
Orange becomes an important symbol of the teaching: it is in this color that the rays emanating from a person are painted when he reaches nirvana.
It is worth knowing that the considered symbols of Buddhism exist contrary to the precepts of the Buddha. Initially sacred images were absent. But any religion needs visual expression, because such is the nature of man.
Gods of buddhism
Buddhism is one of those few religious beliefs, in which there are no gods in the meaning familiar to Christians: here God is not considered as a supreme being, commanding human life... The gods of Buddhism (deva) are the same people, but living in a different, more beautiful dimension. Another point in which the gods of Buddhism differ from humans is the presence of supernatural abilities and unlimited power, which allows the deities to fulfill any whim. But also like a common person, the deva is obliged to follow the path of enlightenment, overcoming all obstacles.The Creator of the universe, as such, in Buddhist religion no. The universe is believed to be infinite. But the "expansion" of the existing world and the creation of new dimensions (worlds in Buddhism, according to the teachings, are numerous), are engaged in special beings - bodhisattvas. These are not the gods of Buddhism, if we consider them in the framework of religious understanding, but at the same time they are at the very top of the hierarchical divine ladder. This is explained by the fact that upon reaching nirvana, the bodhisattvas abandoned it, sacrificing their enlightenment to the welfare of other beings. And following the path of Buddhism can help everyone - human or god - to become a Bodhisattva.
Rites of Buddhism
The rituals of Buddhism are numerous. Below are just a few of the main ones.The rituals of Buddhism are very non-standard. For example, taking refuge is one of the main Buddhist rituals. It is believed that it is after its completion that a person sets off on the path of seeking truth. In addition, the ceremony is seen as the acceptance of the basic values of the teachings: the recognition of the Buddha as a Teacher, his own transformation and unity with other people.
Vesak festival. Gifts are brought by Buddhists. Day and night is spent in meditation practices
Rites of Buddhism include Buddhist New Year... On New Year's Eve, Buddhists free the house from all unnecessary things by going through a cleansing rite - Gutor. The festive day is spent in prayers that last until the morning. After completion - six o'clock in the morning - the parishioners are congratulated and everyone goes home. Special attention Buddhist rituals focus on the death and burial of a person.
Buddhism: where to start your journey?
Buddhism for beginners should be seen as understanding the foundations of a religion and the basic beliefs of its followers. And if you are ready to completely reconsider your life, then you can join the Buddhist community.Rate article
Zen Buddhismcomes from India. Japanese word Zen comes from the Chinese word chan, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit dhyana, which translates as contemplation, concentration. Zen is one of the schools of Buddhism that formed in China in the 5th-6th centuries. Taoism had a great influence on the formation of Zen, therefore there is a lot in common between these movements.
What is Zen Buddhism?
Today, Zen Buddhism is the main monastic form of Buddhism in the Mahayana branch. ("Big chariot"), widespread in Southeast Asia and Japan.
In China Zen Buddhism is called "Chan Buddhism" in Vietnam - "Thien Buddhism", in Korea - "dream-Buddhism". To Japan Zen Buddhism came relatively late - in the XII century, but it was the Japanese transcription of the name of this direction of Buddhism that became the most widespread.
V broad sense zen- This is a school of mystical contemplation, the doctrine of enlightenment. Under zen understand the practice Zen schools, also denoted by the concept Dhyana and is the most important part of Buddhist practice.
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How did Zen Buddhism come about?
Traditionally, Buddha Shakyamuni himself is considered the first patriarch of Zen. The second patriarch is his disciple Mahakashyap, to whom the Buddha, after a silent sermon, gave a lotus symbolizing awakening. Thich Nyat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and author of books on Buddhism, recounts the story this way.
“One day the Buddha stood in front of a gathering at Vulture's Peak. All people were waiting for him to start teaching the dharma, but Buddha was silent.
Quite a long time had passed, and he had not yet uttered a single word, in his hand was a flower. The eyes of all the people in the crowd were turned to him, but no one understood anything.
Then one monk looked at the Buddha with shining eyes and smiled.
"I have the treasure of seeing the perfect Dharma, the magical spirit of nirvana, free from the impurity of reality, and I have passed this treasure to Mahakashyapa."
This smiling monk turned out to be just Mahakashyapa, one of the great disciples of the Buddha. Mahakashyapa awoke thanks to the flower and his deep perception.
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Bodhidharma Patriarch of Chan Buddhism
The most famous patriarch of Zen Buddhism is Bodhidharma, or Damo, the first Zen patriarch in China. According to legend, Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk from India, arrived in China by sea around 475 and began to preach. Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges described the emergence of the first patriarch of Chinese Chan Buddhism as follows:
“Bodhidharma moved from India to China and was received by the emperor, who encouraged Buddhism by establishing new monasteries and shrines. He informed Bodhidharma about the increase in the number of Buddhist monks.
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He replied:
"Everything that belongs to the world is an illusion, monasteries and monks are as unreal as you and me."
Then he turned to the wall and began to meditate.
When the completely confused emperor asked:
“What, then, is the essence of Buddhism?”
Bodhidharma replied:
"Emptiness and no essence."
According to one of the legends, in search of the truth, Bodhidharma spent nine years meditating in a cave. All this time he devoted to looking at a bare wall, until he attained enlightenment.
In China, Bodhidharma settled in the Shaolin monastery, shortly before that founded on Mount Songshan, where he founded the first school of Ch'an Buddhism. Damo made a great contribution to the development of the Shaolin monastery, passing on to the monks a set of exercises, later called Damo Qigong Yi Jinjing, or Bodhidharma Qigong.
Interestingly, Bodhidharma in China was called "the bearded barbarian", because, unlike the Chinese monks, he wore a beard, and also the fact that according to one of the legends Damo was the person who brought tea to China. During the struggle with sleep, the meditator Bodhidharma tore out his eyelashes and threw them on the slope of Mount Cha.
At this place, a plant grew - tea.
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What books are at the core of Zen?
Unlike representatives of other schools, Zen monks do not concentrate on reading the sutras and scriptures. Bodhidharma said that Zen is "Direct transition to the awakened consciousness, bypassing tradition and sacred texts."
He also formulated four principles of Zen:
1.Special transmission outside the scriptures;
2. Zen is not based on words and texts;
3. Direct indication of human consciousness;
4. Contemplating your nature, become a Buddha.
The researcher of Buddhism Daisetsu in his book "Foundations of Zen Buddhism" wrote:
“Followers of Zen may have their own doctrines, but these doctrines are purely personal, individual in nature and do not owe their origin to Zen.
Therefore, Zen does not deal with any "scriptures" or dogmas, and also does not contain any symbols through which its meaning would be revealed. "
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Is Zen Buddhism a Religion?
In the conventional sense of religion, Zen is not a religion. There is no worshiped God in him, no ceremonial rites, no hell, no heaven. Even this key concept as a soul in Zen Buddhism does not exist.
Zen is free from all dogmatic and religious conventions. At the same time, Zen is neither atheism nor nihilism. He has nothing to do with affirmation or denial. When something is denied, then the denial itself already includes the opposite element. The same can be said about affirmation.
In logic, this is inevitable. Zen seeks to rise above logic and find a higher statement that has no antithesis. Therefore Zen does not deny God, nor does it affirm his existence. According to Suzuki, Zen is equally neither a religion nor a philosophy.
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What is satori?
The key concept in Zen Buddhism is satori — enlightenment, free state of mind, intuitive extra-logical penetration into the nature of things. In fact, satori is for Zen the alpha and omega, the goal and the path of this trend.
Suzuki, in his book Basics of Zen Buddhism, defined the importance of satori for Zen:
Zen devoid of satori is like the sun without light and heat. Zen can be deprived of all its literature, all monasteries and all its decoration, but as long as there is satori in it, it will live forever. "
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Zen koans
One of the ways Zen masters use to guide monks on the path of enlightenment is by reciting koans. short stories, riddles or questions that often do not have a rational solution and often break the usual logic.
The purpose of the koan is to throw a person into a stupor, the decision must come to him from the inside, intuitively, as a kind of feeling or sensation, and not verbal logical conclusion... The most famous of koans recounts how the abbot of the Mokurai Shrine challenged a student named Toyo with a difficult task.
He said:
“You can hear the clap of two palms when they hit each other. Now show me the clap of one hand. "
Toyo spent a year of logical research to solve the koan, but all his attempts were in vain. And only after reaching enlightenment and crossing the border of sounds, he was able to cognize the sound of one hand clapping. Victor Pelevin in one of the interviews he wittily answered the question whether he heard the clap of one hand:
"Many times in my childhood when my mother spanked me on the ass."
© Russian Seven russian7.ru
