On Zen
- “Zen” is a shorthand for Zen Buddhism, introduced into China in the 6th century, and emphasizes enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means.
- Zen is a path to fully awaken to your original nature, which is present at all times.
- The word Zen comes from the Chinese word “chán” and the Sanskrit word “dhyana, ” which means “meditation. ”
- A Zen mind cannot be understood from the perspective of our ordinary, dualistic mind.
- Zen practice may calm our minds, bring more clarity, and infuse us with greater kindness.
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- A habit
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- A state of peace
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- A minimalist aesthetic
- Living simply
- A destination
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The practice of Zen meditation (Zazen), is the core of Zen Buddhism and it’s a way of vigilance and self-discovery which is practiced while sitting on a meditation cushion. It is the experience of living from moment to moment, in the here and now and also how Gautama got enlightened and became the Buddha.
Zazen is an attitude of spiritual awakening.
“We teach ourselves; Zen merely points the way.” — D. T. Suzuki
“The basic idea of Zen is to come in touch with the inner workings of our being, and to do so in the most direct way possible, without resorting to anything external.” — D. T. Suzuki
“Emotionally we have many problems, but these problems are not actual problems; they are something created; they are problems pointed out by our self-centered ideas or views.” — Shunryu Suzuki
Sometimes things don’t turn out as you want them to. What you need to do is to come to terms with this, and enjoy the road.
It's essentially a state of being at peace with your own thoughts, and being self-aware of your place within the universe, inconsequential (and simultaneously essential).
The word Zen is both the acceptance of everything and nothing, the realization that Zen encompasses and is encompassed by everything. It also centers on a relationship with your own mind, and a higher, undefined entity outside of yourself.