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 look at 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, only after getting 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 the sacred texts, a person who practices this principle does not seek to become a Buddha, since this is not the ultimate goal of the teaching.
However, Buddha is not perceived by the highest mind, like the Lord or Allah, he does not stand on top of a person, he is "scattered throughout the world." Its part is found in every living person, plant, animal 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 goal is to achieve satori as a special state of mind through meditation.
Second Principle
Inner harmony and a calm state of mind - constant individual work on 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 of special literature, according to teachers, on the contrary, will prevent the student from comprehending knowledge.
Fourth principle
Zen is a branch. It is distinguished by a great practical orientation, which is why communication between a student and a 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 the "direct transmission of dharma" from teacher to student and is the highest manifestation of the "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, political views and social status are not important.
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 goal 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.
- ... The purpose of the practical exercises is to come to terms with the current state of affairs and to 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 a person by a higher power is perceived by a student in Zen Buddhism as inevitable. It is part of spiritual growth and will make it much more difficult to attain 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
The heightened interest of the West in Japanese culture after World War II 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, a Western person is attracted by the quick result of enlightenment, the absence of exhausting 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. A look inside oneself is what a modern person is so lacking in order to stop a senseless race after things and realize the true value of the world around him.
If the information in the article, dear readers, seemed interesting to you, share it on social networks. Zen Buddhism is multifaceted and everyone can find themselves by following this knowledge.
After the release of the American action movie "Indisputable 2", the tattoos of Yuri Boyko - one of the heroes of the film - began to be discussed all over the world. It was the wearable drawings that helped make the on-screen image more memorable and colorful. It is noteworthy that the role of the Russian athlete was played by the American Scott Adkins. Judging by the popularity of the film, he coped with his task brilliantly.
Prison tattoos
Yuri has symmetrically located stars on his collarbones. This is one of the most common tattoos, which belongs to "deniers". The picture indicates disobedience to the authorities, the state and camp regime. It was believed that such a symbol had the right to be worn by an authoritative and respected person in criminal circles, who steadfastly and courageously endured all the torture by the guards and prison guards.
The barbed wire on the bicep of Yuri Boyko symbolizes imprisonment. The tattoo reflects the criminal's negative attitude towards law enforcement agencies and the state system. In some cases, it can mean revenge on government officials. The inscription "GOD" is an abbreviation that stands for "Was condemned by the state." It is worth noting that people who are familiar with prison tattoos participated in the development of the sketches.
The snake on the back of Yuri Boyko indicates a high social status in criminal circles. In fact, this is the crown of the prison hierarchy. This tattoo was done only by reputable criminals. In the art of body painting, the image of a snake is interpreted ambiguously. On the one hand, the snake is associated with evil, temptation, temptation, deceit and cunning, on the other, with wisdom and rebirth.
The tattoo characterizes Yuri Boyko as a secretive, intelligent and calculating person.
Religious themes
The cross at the base of the neck indicates the character's religiosity. Such a symbol is a powerful talisman that protects against the evil eye and negative influences from the outside. The image of the Mother of God with Jesus on Yuri Boyko's right shoulder symbolizes pure thoughts, loyalty to friends, and the desire to atone for sins. Such a drawing may also indicate that a close woman (for example, a wife or mother) is waiting at the prisoner's freedom.
Japanese hieroglyph
In the area of the heart on Yuri Boyko's torso, you can see a Japanese hieroglyph. It is called "Enso" and is a circle with short tails and a dot inside. People who are engaged in oriental martial arts and are familiar with a mysterious culture call such a sign "the path of the sparkling dragon."
The dot in the middle of the tattoo personifies the soul, the beginning and the end, small branches from the circle - the real world, the circle itself - infinity, and the emptiness inside - the comprehension of the soul. In fact, this is a whole philosophy, the essence of which is self-knowledge and the achievement of enlightenment. Such sketches motivate the owner to take active steps to find his own way.
Only through difficulties and trials can one gain wisdom, experience and ultimately become a real warrior, merging with "Enso".
Video about the caricature of Yuri Boyko
There is really so little intelligence in the mind, just not the mind can be truly intelligent. Only not the mind can be revolutionary in decisiveness and as original and resourceful as possible. The mind even leads to a kind of numbness, which is also burdened by memory, the past and what will be in the future, not allowing you to truly focus on the present. And in the present, life becomes minimally active and complete. If you learn to leave the past in the past, to throw it away forever ...
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How: speaking, walking, proper circulation of supporting elements in the body, such as chyle, blood, etc., correspond to Vata. Dhatu's classification signs, or Rasi, has a great meaning... Dhatu balance in the body is associated with sign, or Rasi, which is in the 6th house, and depends on which planets are there or aspect it. If the 6th house is aspected ...
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Magic. The moon usually passes every month signs Of the zodiac, therefore, for each sign it takes several days. Every astrological sign has its own associations, so the moon in each sign has its meaning... We list some of them in the following table. To determine sign Moon, you must use the lunar calendar. Signs Zodiac of the Moon Energy, leadership, new projects ...
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In society. PEAK MOTHER generally denotes trouble, scandalous incidents, boredom, loss, dishonor, illness, infidelity. MEANING EACH CARD SEPARATELY Worms Ace Love letter. King. A passionate person. Lady. Bride. Jack. Nice guest. ... Nine Loss of a friend .. Eight. Treason, sadness. Seven. Argument. Six. Unhappy road, late road. MEANING CONNECTION CARDS A lady under the King means a married woman or a secret bride. The king is at the feet of the card, ...
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We have our own symbol. Ornament, color, style, sequence. We are mapping signs planned events. We bring into space objects that already have for us meaning resource. And we find new symbols of such states. And then we put everything in its place signs your magic spell. Experiencing certain states in the body, we form a stream of future events.
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The attitude is just as unusual. But upon closer examination, it is quite consistent with the general religious tradition. Below we will try to figure out what it means zen? State and Religion There are two main meaning term Zen- This is a spiritual state (as well as the exercises performed to achieve it) and a religious trend. The latter is largely based on practice and refers to Buddhism, although ...
If you want to understand one thing,
then this is only possible in a couple of days.
SHINJINMEI, Master Sozan
Continuing the topic, first of all I will touch on an important point. Almost all paintings and calligraphic works show this, one might say, key aspect, idea. We are talking about Enso (jap. "Circle") is a circular calligraphic symbol commonly associated with Zen. It is believed that Enso symbolizes enlightenment, strength, the Universe, it is also called the circle of enlightenment.
Enso is perhaps one of the most popular symbols in Japanese calligraphy - it is believed that the character and skill of the artist is manifested in the way he draws the Enso. Only one who possesses a pure and whole spirit can create a true enso.
In the poem Shinjinmei ( SHINJINMEI) Zen masters Sozana ( Sozan ) there are words:
...
If we stay at both ends, how can we understand the whole?
If you do not concentrate on the original, then the dignity of the two ends will be lost.
Don't dwell on both prejudices and don't seek dualism.
...
There is a deep understanding in the text that the circle is like a huge space, not lacking in anything, and holding nothing in excess - everything is balanced. This statement is often used in paintings with enso.The earliest mention of enso in Zen painting dates back to around the eighth century.
The monk asked Master Isan to show what is enlightenment, awakening, how can this be portrayed? To which the Master replied in bewilderment: "This is right in front of your nose, why should I try to express it with a brush and ink?"
Then the monk turned to another master - Kyozan for clarification. Kyozan drew a circle on a piece of parchment and said: "Thinking, reflecting on it and realizing it is the best second; without thinking, without thinking about it and understanding this - the best third" * (but he didn't say which is the best first).
Thereafter, Zen circles became the central theme of Zen art. Enso is depicted in a variety of forms: from an even symmetrical circle to a completely curved and blurred (sometimes in several strokes), from thin and delicate to thick and massive. Most paintings have an accompanying caption that gives the viewer a "hint" as to the ultimate meaning of a particular Zen circle.
Some
Primary Enso types:1.
Mirror Enso : a simple circle, without an accompanying inscription, relying only on the intuition of the viewer.As I understand it, the observer will be able to see in this his essence, his reflection, from that and the name - a mirror.2.
Universal Enso : the circle that represents the cosmos, the embodiment of the absolute.3.
Lunar Enso : the full moon, bright and clear, silently illuminating all existence without discrimination, symbolizes the enlightenment of a person, the awakening of the Buddha - his nature.4.
Zero Enso : everything is one (or rather not-two) and everything is nothing, time and space are "empty", and at the same time they give rise to all existence.5.
Enso wheel : everything changes, nothing is constant, all life revolves like a wheel.6.
Enso Sweet Cupcake: Zen circles are deep, but they are not abstract: being enlightened, and living everyday life - "drinking tea with a sweet cake" - is one and the same, this is true Zen.7.
"What is this?" Enso ( "What is this?" enso ): Most often, in Zen painting, the inscription was used next to Enso, the meaning of which was approximately this: "Don't let others fill your head with theories about Zen; discover the meaning for yourself!"Some works of masters.
The work of the master (1907-1984)
Rice Cake / Lunar Enso
Try it and eat it!
What is it? Dumpling?
Rice cake? Some other kind of candy?
Or maybe it's a circle around the moon
it is a reflection of your Mind!
Zen, zen(Skt. dhyana - "contemplation", Chinese. Chan) - one of the most important schools of Chinese and all East Asian Buddhism, finally formed in China in the 5th-6th centuries under the great influence of Taoism and is the dominant monastic form of Mahayana Buddhism in China, Vietnam and Korea.
In a broad sense zen- This is a school of mystical contemplation or the doctrine of enlightenment, which appeared on the basis of Buddhist mysticism. In a narrower sense, Zen is sometimes regarded as one of the most influential schools of Buddhism in Japan, which has its own national characteristics and came from China at the end of the 12th century. In addition, Zen is understood as the practice of the Zen schools, also referred to as "dhyana" and which is the most important part of Buddhist practice].
Zen teaching came from India to China, where it was brought by Bodhidharma, and was further spread in the Far East (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 characteristic features in the teaching and practice style. Japanese Zen is represented by several schools: Rinzai, Obaku, Fuke and Soto. Japanese Zen owns about 20% of the Buddhist temples in Japan.
What is Zen?
Zen can hardly be called a religion in the popular sense of the word. In Zen there is no god to be worshiped, there are no ceremonial rituals, there is no teaching about the afterlife, and finally, in Zen, there is also no such thing as a soul whose welfare someone should take care of.
Zen is free from all such dogmatic and religious predicaments. In Zen, there is no God as such, but that does not mean that Zen denies the existence of God.
Zen teaching does not deal with any "scriptures" or dogmas, and also does not contain any symbols through which its meaning would be revealed.
If I were asked what Zen teaches, I would answer that it does not teach anything. Whatever teachings are contained in Zen, they come only from the minds of their creators. We create teachings for ourselves. Zen only shows the way. If this fact, in itself, is not a teaching, then in Zen, positively, there are no specially created fundamental doctrines or any basic philosophical system. Zen claims to be related to Buddhism, but all the Buddhist teachings contained in the sutras and shastras, from the point of view of Zen, are no more than waste paper, the benefit of which is only that with its help you can only dust off the intellect.
Daisetsu Taitaro Suzuki
Zen has nothing to do with affirmation or negation. Zen seeks to rise above logic and find a higher affirmation that has no opposites. Therefore, Zen does not deny God, does not affirm his existence, so that in Zen there is no such God, which is implied by the followers of other religions. Zen is equally neither a religion nor a philosophy.
Zen believes in the inner purity of the human spirit and its divinity. Anything that is unnaturally added or pulled out with force harms the integrity of the spirit. Therefore Zen does not accept various religious conventions.
At the same time, one may find that there is so much religion in the unusual statements of Zen. But religions are not in the way they are usually understood.
At the same time, Zen is not just any Buddhist meditation. Dhyana in the usual sense does not correspond to the practice that takes place in Zen. A person can reflect on religious and philosophical issues while practicing Zen, but this is only incidental: this is not the essence of Zen at all.
The aim of Zen is by penetrating into the true nature of the mind to influence it so that it becomes its own master. This insight into the true nature of the mind or soul is the main goal of Zen Buddhism.
We can say that Zen is the mind as a whole and in it we find many things; but this mind is not something composite, divided into many qualities and leaving nothing behind after such a division. Zen does not offer any specific doctrine as a guide for its followers. Zen followers may have their own doctrines, but these doctrines are purely personal and individual in nature and do not owe their origin to Zen.
Zen insists on the need for an inner spiritual experience. He does not attach much importance to the sacred sutras or their interpretation. Personal experience is directly opposed to authority and the outside frankly. Zen is not a system based on logical analysis, but rather is the antipode of the dualistic way of thinking.
Zen claims to be related to Buddhism, but all the Buddhist teachings contained in the sutras and shastras, from the point of view of Zen, are no more than waste paper, the only benefit of which is that with its help you can only dust off the intellect, but no more ...
The most practical method of achieving spiritual enlightenment, the followers of Zen consider the practice of Dhyana, called in Japan zazen (can be translated as "sitting in meditation").
But Zen is more than meditation or dhyana in the usual sense of the word. Meditation is an artificial state, it is not a natural property of the mind. In Zen, there is no object on which to focus a thought.
Zen is a cloud floating in the sky. Nothing holds it or stops it, it moves wherever it wants. In Zen it is enough to feel that the fire is hot and the ice is cold, because when we are cold, we rejoice in the fire.
Zen is beyond all concepts, so it is difficult to grasp it. Whatever meditation Zen did not suggest, things should be perceived as they are, that is, the snow is white and the crow is black.
Daisetsu Taitaro Suzuki
The basic idea of Zen is to get in touch with the inner processes of our being, and to do this in the most direct way, without resorting to anything external or unnatural. In this regard, everything that is connected with the external side is denied in Zen, since the only authority in it is our own internal nature.
If you fully understand Zen, the mind will come to a state of absolute rest and a person will begin to live in absolute harmony with nature. What else then remains to be done?
When a Zen teacher was once asked what Zen was, he replied, "Your everyday thoughts."
Zen is devoid of any sectarian spirit. Christians as much as Buddhists can practice it. Small and large fish feel great in the same ocean.
Zen is the ocean. Zen is air. Zen is mountains. This is thunder and lightning, this is a spring flower, a sultry summer and a snowy winter, and then nothing more, Zen is a man.
Daisetsu Taitaro Suzuki
The uniqueness of Zen as practiced in Japan lies in the systematic training of the mind.
The great truth of Zen lives in everyone. Look inside and look beyond all forms. He is free, calm and blissful. He eternally manifests itself in your six feelings and four elements (elements), everything is illuminated by his light. Drop the duality associated with the subject, forget both. Rise above the intellect, separate yourself from reason, penetrating directly into the depths of the Buddha's mind, outside of which there is nothing real.
Daisetsu Taitaro Suzuki
Whatever apt expressions and comparisons the Bodhisattva has left for us, they are the product of his own experience, and no matter how we believe him, our faith will not be true until we ourselves comprehend the truth.
Give up all your cravings. Forget children's games. Become a lump of flawless clay. Let eternity be your only thought. Become like a cold and lifeless body or an old lamp over an abandoned grave
Sekise Koise
Zen is often defined as: "Direct contact with the spiritual essence of man" or "Comprehension of the innermost nature of man and the achievement of Buddha's perfection."
When a state of complete immobility and unconsciousness is achieved, all signs of life will disappear, but with them all limitations will also disappear. No thought will disturb your mind. And suddenly, - lo and behold, - quite unexpectedly, the divine light will illuminate you. It can be compared to a ray of light in pitch darkness or a treasure found by a poor man.
Your whole being will be deprived of all limitations. You will feel free, light, and transparent, your enlightened gaze will penetrate into the very nature of things, which from now on will become for you a semblance of many fabulous colors, airy and intangible. This is how our simple “I”, our true primordial nature, manifests itself in all its amazingly beautiful nakedness.
Sources:
Daisetsu Taitaro Suzuki. Zen Buddhism Fundamentals
Shunryu Suzuki. Zen Mind - Beginner Mind