Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism. This school is known to give extreme effort on showing emphasis on practice and experimental wisdom. Zen is a combination of both theoretical teachings and religious texts. But Zen philosophy gives less importance to teachings and written materials. What’s important is the deep meditation and to be able to learn how to understand your own nature.
The great founder of Zen Philosophy is known to be associated with the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama and Mahayana Buddhist thought.
The person who was responsible in spreading Philosophy of Zen starting in Asia was a South Indian prince named Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma first came to China to spread his teachings. After China, Zen Philosophy was spread to Vietnam then Korean and last was Japan. History only knows how far Zen spread throughout the world. What is sure is that up to now, Zen Philosophy is still being practiced. This article will help us understand how Zen Philosophy is being practiced from then and until now.
What are the fundamentals of Zen Philosophy?
Today you can see a statue form of a Buddha seated in an upright position. The explanation about this is linked to the Zen Philosophy. The story of why Buddha was able to enlighten his mind while he was seated under a Bodhi Tree which can be found in Bodh Gaya. For the major points that make up the zen philosophy is – mindfulness and great concentration.
After Bodhidharma who spread zen through zen philosophy quotes, came the next people to spread it in this modern age at their own ways. One was a professor at the Waseda University in Vietnam named Ven, Dr. Thich Thein-An. He was his countries’ most influential modern scholar and a religious leader. He co-founded several schools teaching Zen and Buddhism from Vietnam and even reached Los Angeles California where he was named Archbishop of the Vietnamese Buddhists in 1974. With his great passion for Zen, he was able to fulfill all these until his last breath in the year of 1980.
Zen in text is complex to understand. But once you have grasped the very basic of it, you’ll be able to see that the main objective of this philosophy boils down to the clearing of the mind to attain peacefulness and quietness. Meditate to see your inner soul and to understand your roots.
In order to be applied perfectly you need to experience living the zen way. It requires extensive meditation either alone or with others. One example of Zen Philosophy is how the Japanese have their tea. Japanese Tea Ceremony – Japanese says whenever you drink tea, it relaxes you. True enough especially when you see it carefully made, prepared and served to you in the most graceful and careful way. As it relaxes you, it will bring you inner peace and quietness as you see the whole ritual. How it’s done and everything during the ceremony only symbolizes the purification of the inner mind.