2 Entrences to Zen

Zen builds upon core Buddhist philosophy. One reaches Zen in 2 ways:

• through principle: understanding that we are all of Buddha-nature, underneath the world ignorance. The problem is conceptual: our ideas and thoughts are mediated by ignorance. 
• through practice: without practicing. Because once you get involved in the practice you elevate the ego.

Zen is really suspicious of concepts, words, etc. To get to the bottom of it one has to eliminate all words. To clear the mirror of our minds and let the dormant Buddha-nature shine. 

The history of Zen starts with myths and legends. The starting legend for Zen is the flower sermon:

"Toward the end of his life, the Buddha took his disciples to a quiet pond for instruction. But Buddha had no words. He instead he held a flower silently before them.

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