Zen

Guide Note

Zen, also called Ch'an, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism. It is a religion that is also considered a philosophy which bases itself on meditation and contemplating the meaning of life. Buddhism is the father of Zen, therefore, Zen is seen as growing from the point Buddha achieved Enlightenment.¹

Fast Facts

1. First Zen Buddhist leader was in 470 A.D.
2. Some consider the founder to be the Bodhidharma
3. Fundamental Teaching: Four Noble Truths
4. Practice a non-extremism called The Middle Way
5. Includes sitting simply for meditation
6. Followers of Zen believe in Karma
7. There is no worship to God
8. The mind and body is worshiped
9. Some Zen masters include: Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Maezumi Roshi, and Eido Roshi

Understanding Zen

In order to understand Zen, one must be willing to remove the doubt that he/she is not enlightened. The practice of meditation comes into play to work on this, as one resonates the belief and contemplation of Zen. There are two forms of contemplation in this process: Shamatha and Vipshayana. During Shamatha, the one meditating should recognize the stream of consciousness and not try to interrupt it, quiet it, or manipulate it. When practice of this is complete, it prepares the mind for Vipshayana, which is where one has the ability to reach Enlightenment.¹