what is zen buddhism

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Ivan Frimmel presents

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What is Zen Buddhism?

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Firstly, What is Buddhism?

a religion, philosophy, soteriology and a religion, philosophy, soteriology and way of life that was developed in North-way of life that was developed in North-Eastern India from the teachings of a man Eastern India from the teachings of a man called Siddartha Gautama, born about 624 called Siddartha Gautama, born about 624 BCE as a prince in a Hindu royal family BCE as a prince in a Hindu royal family called Sakyamuni, who after his called Sakyamuni, who after his enlightenment became known as Buddha, enlightenment became known as Buddha, the Enlightened One.the Enlightened One.

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The Main Schools of Buddhism

TheravadaTheravada

MahayanaMahayana Pure LandPure Land Ch’an / ZenCh’an / Zen

Vajrayana / TibetanVajrayana / Tibetan

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The Spread of Buddhism in Asia

Vajrayana / Tibetan

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Timeline of the Spread of Buddhism in Asia

Spreading from India to Central and Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan, Buddhism has Spreading from India to Central and Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan, Buddhism has played a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of the Eastern world, and during played a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of the Eastern world, and during

the 20th century also spread to the West.the 20th century also spread to the West.

It is estimated that there are over 500-million Buddhists in the world today.It is estimated that there are over 500-million Buddhists in the world today.

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Map of Buddhist Population in India (1991)

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What is Zen? The name The name ZenZen is Japanese. It derives from the Chinese is Japanese. It derives from the Chinese Chan'an-naChan'an-na or or

briefly briefly Ch’anCh’an,, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit which in turn comes from the Sanskrit DhyanaDhyana, meaning , meaning MeditationMeditation in English. in English.

ZenZen is one of the branches of Mahayana Buddhism, very popular in is one of the branches of Mahayana Buddhism, very popular in China, Korea and Japan, and lately also in the West.China, Korea and Japan, and lately also in the West.

ZenZen teaches us to wake up to the present moment, that is to perceiving teaches us to wake up to the present moment, that is to perceiving this moment exactly as it is rather than through the filter of ideas, this moment exactly as it is rather than through the filter of ideas, opinions, prejudices, appearances, etc.opinions, prejudices, appearances, etc.

ZenZen is a spiritual path that encourages practitioners to see the futility is a spiritual path that encourages practitioners to see the futility behind the world of appearances. In a practical sense, it helps us to live behind the world of appearances. In a practical sense, it helps us to live spontaneously and joyously, as well as spiritually.spontaneously and joyously, as well as spiritually.

ZenZen philosophies and practices are gaining much popularity in our ever- philosophies and practices are gaining much popularity in our ever-changing world as a means of reaching a calm and tranquil sense of changing world as a means of reaching a calm and tranquil sense of being, and place a great deal of importance on accomplishing a state of being, and place a great deal of importance on accomplishing a state of "no mind“, “emptiness”, “nothingness” or “voidness” (sunyata). "no mind“, “emptiness”, “nothingness” or “voidness” (sunyata).

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The Main Schools of Zen DhyanaDhyana was brought from India to China by a Buddhist monk was brought from India to China by a Buddhist monk

(the 28th Indian Patriarch) (the 28th Indian Patriarch) BodhidharmaBodhidharma in the 6th Century in the 6th Century AD, where the teaching became known as Ch’an and AD, where the teaching became known as Ch’an and Bodhidharma as the 1Bodhidharma as the 1stst Ch’an Patriarch Ch’an Patriarch

In China, In China, Ch’anCh’an divided into two schools divided into two schools The Southern School (Hui Neng) - sudden enlightenment The Southern School (Hui Neng) - sudden enlightenment The Northern School (Shen-hsiu) – gradual enlightenmentThe Northern School (Shen-hsiu) – gradual enlightenment

In Japan Ch’an became known as In Japan Ch’an became known as ZenZen, , and divided into 7 schools, the best known beingand divided into 7 schools, the best known being Rinzai (Lin-Chi) Rinzai (Lin-Chi) – introspecting the koan path– introspecting the koan path Soto (Tsao-Tung) Soto (Tsao-Tung) – silent illumination path– silent illumination path

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The Main Teaching & Methods of Zen

Enlightenment is not to be found in the pursuit of doctrinal studies but Enlightenment is not to be found in the pursuit of doctrinal studies but only through the direct insight into the insubstantiality or emptiness of only through the direct insight into the insubstantiality or emptiness of Reality and one’s own self, throughReality and one’s own self, through

sudden insight into one’s own true naturesudden insight into one’s own true nature

the practice of Zen meditation the practice of Zen meditation (zazen)(zazen)

the Zen riddlethe Zen riddle (koan) (koan) methodmethod

special transmission outside the scriptures,special transmission outside the scriptures, from mind to mind.from mind to mind.

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Ten Precepts of Zen

Not destroying lifeNot destroying life Not stealingNot stealing Not committing unchaste actsNot committing unchaste acts Not lyingNot lying Not taking intoxicantsNot taking intoxicants Not speaking of other’s faultsNot speaking of other’s faults Not slandering others by praising yourselfNot slandering others by praising yourself Not covetingNot coveting Not being angryNot being angry Not insulting the Three Jewels Not insulting the Three Jewels

(Buddha, Dharma & Sangha)(Buddha, Dharma & Sangha)

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Various Meditation Positions

BurmeseBurmese

Half LotusHalf Lotus

Full LotusFull Lotus

KneelingKneeling

SittingSitting

… …and alsoand also

• StandingStanding• WalkingWalking• Lying Meditation

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Zen in China (Ch’an) ZEN IN CHINA shared much with the Taoism of Lao-tzu and ZEN IN CHINA shared much with the Taoism of Lao-tzu and

Chuang-tzu, so much so that it is difficult to determine how much of Chuang-tzu, so much so that it is difficult to determine how much of Zen has Buddhist origins, how much Taoist. It is important to Zen has Buddhist origins, how much Taoist. It is important to remember, in this connection, that we are speaking of the so-called remember, in this connection, that we are speaking of the so-called "philosophical" Taoism and Zen, as opposed to the later "degenerate "philosophical" Taoism and Zen, as opposed to the later "degenerate Taoism" and "institutionalized Zen" of more recent times.Taoism" and "institutionalized Zen" of more recent times.

The basic premise that The basic premise that the highest truth, or first principle, or Tao, is the highest truth, or first principle, or Tao, is not expressible in words or conceivable through logical thoughtnot expressible in words or conceivable through logical thought is is common to both Taoism and Zen. Both hold, moreover, that common to both Taoism and Zen. Both hold, moreover, that an an intuitive understanding of the first principle is possibleintuitive understanding of the first principle is possible, and this is , and this is called enlightenment. called enlightenment.

However, the enlightened Taoist sage is considered to have gained However, the enlightened Taoist sage is considered to have gained some special knowledge, coupled with arcane skills, and thus becomes some special knowledge, coupled with arcane skills, and thus becomes somehow removed from the world, but the Zen Master claims nothing somehow removed from the world, but the Zen Master claims nothing other than the realization that there is nothing to gain, and is therefore other than the realization that there is nothing to gain, and is therefore more than ever living in the reality of the everyday world.more than ever living in the reality of the everyday world.

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Some Basic Zen Concepts

Sunyata, wu (mu)Sunyata, wu (mu) = = emptiness, voidnessemptiness, voidness

Wu-weiWu-wei == non-actionnon-action

Wu-hsinWu-hsin == no-mindno-mind

Wu-nienWu-nien == no-thoughtno-thought

Sitting quietly, doing nothing,Sitting quietly, doing nothing,Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.

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Enso – the Zen Symbol

At first glance the Enso At first glance the Enso - an ancient Zen symbol - - an ancient Zen symbol - may appear to be nothing may appear to be nothing more than a circle. Yet when more than a circle. Yet when painted by a skilled artist, it painted by a skilled artist, it becomes much more than becomes much more than that: representing the mystery that: representing the mystery and oneness of life, the and oneness of life, the beginning and end (or beginning and end (or emptiness?) of all things and emptiness?) of all things and the inter-connectedness and the inter-connectedness and infinity of all existence.infinity of all existence.

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Zen in Daily Life

Zen teachesZen teaches

Single-mindednessSingle-mindedness WholeheartednessWholeheartedness IntimacyIntimacy Direct PerceptionDirect Perception Non-aggressionNon-aggression SpontaneitySpontaneity

… …a total transformation of our a total transformation of our whole being and behavior, whole being and behavior, affecting all aspects of our life.affecting all aspects of our life.

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Quotes from Zen Buddhism (1)

The wise person does not strive (wu-wei)The wise person does not strive (wu-wei)The ignorant man ties himself up…The ignorant man ties himself up…If you work on your mind with your mind,If you work on your mind with your mind,How can you avoid an immense confusion?How can you avoid an immense confusion?

- Seng-ts’an- Seng-ts’an A split hair’s difference,A split hair’s difference,

And heaven and earth are set apart!And heaven and earth are set apart!If you want to get the plain truth,If you want to get the plain truth,Be not concerned with right and wrong.Be not concerned with right and wrong.The conflict between right and wrongThe conflict between right and wrongIs the sickness of the mind.Is the sickness of the mind.

- Seng-ts’an- Seng-ts’an

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The One Mind alone is the Buddha, and there is no The One Mind alone is the Buddha, and there is no distinction between the Buddha and sentient being, only that distinction between the Buddha and sentient being, only that sentient beings are attached to form and so seek to attain sentient beings are attached to form and so seek to attain Budhahood externally. By the very seeking they lose it, for Budhahood externally. By the very seeking they lose it, for that is using the Buddha to seek Buddha, and using the Mind that is using the Buddha to seek Buddha, and using the Mind to grasp Mind. to grasp Mind. - Huang Po- Huang Po

If you run away from the Void, you can never be free from it; If you run away from the Void, you can never be free from it; if you search for the Void, you can never reach it.if you search for the Void, you can never reach it.

- Niu-tou Fa-Yung- Niu-tou Fa-Yung

If you are afraid, you are in error. If you know how to calm If you are afraid, you are in error. If you know how to calm your spirit and keep still in all circumstances, you are in your spirit and keep still in all circumstances, you are in truth.truth. - Boddhidharma- Boddhidharma

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The Buddhas expound the Dharma of emptiness in order to eradicate the The Buddhas expound the Dharma of emptiness in order to eradicate the myriad false views. But should you then cling to emptiness, even the myriad false views. But should you then cling to emptiness, even the Buddhas will be unable to do anything to help you. When there is arising, it Buddhas will be unable to do anything to help you. When there is arising, it is only emptiness that arises; when there is perishing, it is only emptiness is only emptiness that arises; when there is perishing, it is only emptiness that perishes. In reality nothing whatsoever arises or perishes.that perishes. In reality nothing whatsoever arises or perishes.

- Boddhidharma- Boddhidharma

Before I had studied Zen for thirty years, I saw mountains as mountains and Before I had studied Zen for thirty years, I saw mountains as mountains and rivers as rivers. When I arrived at Enlightenment, I saw that mountains are rivers as rivers. When I arrived at Enlightenment, I saw that mountains are not mountains and rivers are not rivers. But now that I understand, I once not mountains and rivers are not rivers. But now that I understand, I once again see mountains a s mountains and rivers as rivers. again see mountains a s mountains and rivers as rivers. - Ch’ing-yuan - Ch’ing-yuan

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Hui-Neng (637-713) - the 6th Patriarch of Ch’an

Hung-janHung-jan, the 5, the 5thth Patriarch and Abbot of the Patriarch and Abbot of the Yellow Yellow Plum Mountain MonasteryPlum Mountain Monastery in Guanghzou (Canton), in Guanghzou (Canton), China, when looking for his successor through a poetry China, when looking for his successor through a poetry competition among his monks, was given this poem by competition among his monks, was given this poem by his chief monk his chief monk Shen-hsiuShen-hsiu::

The body is the Boddhi Tree;The body is the Boddhi Tree;The mind like a bright mirror standingThe mind like a bright mirror standingTake care to wipe it all the timeTake care to wipe it all the timeAnd allow no dust to cling.And allow no dust to cling.

Hui-nengHui-neng, the monastery cook, submitted this reply , the monastery cook, submitted this reply that got him the Patriarchate, robe and bowl:that got him the Patriarchate, robe and bowl:

There never was a Boddhi Tree,There never was a Boddhi Tree,Nor bright mirror standing. Nor bright mirror standing. Fundamentally, not one thing exists,Fundamentally, not one thing exists,So where is the dust to cling?So where is the dust to cling?

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What is a Koan?

Koan is a riddle, often in the form of a paradox, used in Zen Buddhism as an aid to meditation and a means of gaining intuitive knowledge or Enlightenment.

In Cha’n it is known as Hua Tou.

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Some of the Best Known Koans

What is the sound of one hand clapping?What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Who were you before you were conceived?Who were you before you were conceived?

For what reason did Bodhidharma come from the West?For what reason did Bodhidharma come from the West?

What is the Buddha?What is the Buddha?

Does dog have the Buddha nature?Does dog have the Buddha nature?

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What are Zen Haiku Poems? Haikus are Japanese Zen Poems, valued for their:Haikus are Japanese Zen Poems, valued for their:

Lightness Lightness Simplicity Simplicity Openness Openness DepthDepth

People have tried to translate Haikus into an English People have tried to translate Haikus into an English

form by:form by: Using no more than 17 syllables Using no more than 17 syllables Arranging these in lines of 5-7-5 syllables Arranging these in lines of 5-7-5 syllables Avoiding similes and metaphors Avoiding similes and metaphors Retaining Japanese valuesRetaining Japanese values

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Zen Haiku Poems by Basho (1644 – 94)

I lie awakeI lie awakeThis icy night.This icy night.Water jar cracksWater jar cracks

Lightning:Lightning:Heron's cryHeron's cryStabs the darknessStabs the darkness

Sick on a journey:Sick on a journey:Over parched fieldsOver parched fieldsDreams wander on.Dreams wander on.

Old pond.Frog jumps in.Splash!

Spring departsSpring departsBirds cryBirds cryFishes' eyes are filled with tearsFishes' eyes are filled with tears

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Zen Poetry Earth, mountains, rivers - hidden in this nothingness.Earth, mountains, rivers - hidden in this nothingness.

In this nothingness - earth, mountains, rivers revealed.In this nothingness - earth, mountains, rivers revealed.Spring flowers, winter snows:Spring flowers, winter snows:There's no being or non-being, nor denial itself. There's no being or non-being, nor denial itself.

- Saisho (? - 1506)- Saisho (? - 1506)

To what shallTo what shall I liken the world? I liken the world? Moonlight, reflected Moonlight, reflected In dewdrops In dewdrops Shaken from a crane's bill. Shaken from a crane's bill. - Dogen, 1200 - 1253 - Dogen, 1200 - 1253

Cold Mountain is a houseCold Mountain is a houseWithout beams or walls.Without beams or walls.The six doors left and right are openThe six doors left and right are openThe hall is blue sky.The hall is blue sky.The rooms all vacant and vagueThe rooms all vacant and vagueThe east wall beats on the west wallThe east wall beats on the west wallAt the center nothing.At the center nothing.

- Han Shan, circa 630- Han Shan, circa 630

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Zen Art

Side View of Darumaby Hakuin

Enso: Zen Circles of Mystery

Soto Sect Zen Master Daruma (Summer 1867)

Bamboo

Oishi Junkyo (1887-1967)

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Zen Architecture & Interior Design

Zen architecture and interior design are free of clutter, Zen architecture and interior design are free of clutter, offer soothing expressions of minimalism combined with offer soothing expressions of minimalism combined with simple beauty, and are based on the following basic simple beauty, and are based on the following basic principles: principles:

Simplicity Simplicity

TranquilityTranquility

Balance betweenBalance between Beauty & Functionality (Purpose)Beauty & Functionality (Purpose) Light and Shade (Colours)Light and Shade (Colours) Forms & SpaceForms & Space

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Zen Gardens

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Zen Art of Flower ArrangementWestern Style

Zen Style

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Zen Art of Tea Ceremony

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Zen Martial Arts

BushidoBushido, the way of the Samurai, grew in Japan out of the fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism. This way can be , the way of the Samurai, grew in Japan out of the fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism. This way can be summarized in seven essential principlessummarized in seven essential principles::

the right decision, taken with equanimity, the right attitude, the truth; When we must die, we must die; the right decision, taken with equanimity, the right attitude, the truth; When we must die, we must die;

bravery tinged with heroism; bravery tinged with heroism;

universal love, benevolence toward mankind; compassion;universal love, benevolence toward mankind; compassion;

right action--a most essential quality, courtesy; right action--a most essential quality, courtesy;

utter sincerity; truthfulness;utter sincerity; truthfulness;

honor and glory;honor and glory;

devotion, loyalty. devotion, loyalty.

The elements of Buddhism found in Bushido are five: The elements of Buddhism found in Bushido are five:

pacification of the emotions;pacification of the emotions;

tranquil compliance with the inevitable;tranquil compliance with the inevitable;

self-control in the face of any event;self-control in the face of any event;

a more intimate exploration of death than of life;a more intimate exploration of death than of life;

pure poverty.pure poverty.

Kung-Fu, Judo, Aikido, Bushido, etc…

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Zen in Relationships

Master Rizai once said that people are always in one of these Master Rizai once said that people are always in one of these relationships to each other:relationships to each other:

Host & GuestHost & Guest The host is in touch with reality and the guest is confusedThe host is in touch with reality and the guest is confused

Guest & GuestGuest & Guest Neither one knows what’s going on.Neither one knows what’s going on.

Host & HostHost & Host Both are enlightened. Both are enlightened.

This is said to be like “two thieves meeting at night - they This is said to be like “two thieves meeting at night - they know each other immediately”. know each other immediately”.

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The Best-Known Zen Sayings Carrying water and chopping wood Carrying water and chopping wood

are the activities of the Buddha. are the activities of the Buddha.

Sitting quietly, doing nothing,Sitting quietly, doing nothing,Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.

The everyday mind is Buddha.The everyday mind is Buddha.

The Great Way is very simple:The Great Way is very simple:just avoid picking and choosing.just avoid picking and choosing.

Those who know do not speak; Those who know do not speak; those who speak do not know.those who speak do not know.

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Thank YouThank You

Ivan FrimmelIvan Frimmel

Cell: 082-454-0311Cell: 082-454-0311

E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]

what is zen buddhism

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