Zen

Zen is the Japanese name of a well known branch of Mahāyāna Buddhist schools, practiced originally in China as Chan(?), and subsequently in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Zen emphasizes the role of sitting meditation (zazen) in pursuing enlightenment. Zen can be considered a religion, a philosophy, or simply a practice depending on one's perspective. It has also been described as a way of life, work, and an art form.

Zen and Buddhism

Zen is a branch of Buddhism and as such is based on and deeply-rooted in the Buddha's teachings. It is also very much the child of China and is marked by both Confucianism and especially Taoism. The Zen branch calls itself, The Buddha Heart School and traces its lineage back to the Buddha, with the Flower Sermon being the first transmission of the Dharma. It's not uncommon for daily chanting to include the lineage of the school, reciting the names of all ancestors and teachers that have kept the line open.

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Zen is part of the Mahayana branch of Buddhism (Northern) and some practical differences are to be found with the Theravadins (Southern). For example, Zen and other Mahayana traditions, place greater emphasis on the practice of the Paramitas (Path of Perfection) and less on the Eightfold Path, although familiarity of the Eightfold Path is still required. Another difference, is sutra study, Zen and other Mahayana traditions, focus on the Mahayana Canon, while the Southern schools place emphasis on Tripitaka study.

Related Topics:
Mahayana - Paramitas - Path of Perfection - Eightfold Path - Mahayana Canon - Tripitaka

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All Zen schools, Rinzai or Soto, are versed in Buddhist Doctrine and Buddhist Philosophy, including, the Precepts, Four Noble Truths, Pratitya Samutpada, Three Signs of Being, Five Skandha, Three Fires, Four Right Efforts, Five Hindrances, Ten Fetters, the Bhavacakra (and its symbolic representation). At the same time Zen's emphasis on direct seeing into one's nature keeps it lively and at the edge of the tradition.

Related Topics:
Rinzai - Soto - Buddhist Doctrine - Buddhist Philosophy - Bhavacakra

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This openness has allowed non-Buddhists to practice Zen and even for the curious phenomenon of an emerging Christian Zen lineage, as well as one or two lines that call themselves "nonsectarian." With no official governing body, it's perhaps impossible to declare any authentic lineage "heretical." The principal safeguard is lineage and any authentic Zen school will be able to trace its line of teachers back to Japan, Korea, Vietnam or China.

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