Zen Buddhism
Origins and History
Zen Buddhism, also known as Chan in China, Seon in Korea, and Thien in Vietnam, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty. Zen school was strongly influenced by Taoism and developed as a blend of Chinese Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism.
Bodhidharma, an Indian Buddhist monk, is traditionally credited as the transmitter of Zen to China. However, the precise identification of Bodhidharma and his teachings remain the subject of debate. Zen traces its roots back to the Indian monk, but it was in East Asia that the school grew and developed its distinctive characteristics.
Teachings and Practices
Zen emphasizes direct, individual experience and meditation (dhyāna) over formal education and the study of religious texts. Zen teachings can be likened to "the finger pointing at the moon". Zen monks are fond of saying that "Words are the fog one has to see through." It is not the study of Zen that is important but the practice.
The practice of Meditation, or Zazen (seated meditation), is central to Zen practice. It is the heart of Zen Buddhist training and practice. Zazen is considered the path to awakening. It is a means of insight into the nature of existence and is practiced in all schools of Zen.
Zen in the Arts
Zen principles have also been influential in the development of the aesthetic of many forms of Japanese art and culture, with its influence being especially strong in the areas of pottery, ink painting, poetry, garden design, and architecture.
Zen and the West
Zen Buddhism was introduced to the United States in the late 19th century and has since spread throughout the western world. Today, there are numerous Zen centers in the United States and Europe, and Zen Buddhism continues to grow in popularity.