Zen is a word from Japan that means "meditation." It is a major school of Japanese Buddhism that claims to transmit the spirit of Buddhism, or the total enlightenment as achieved by the founder of the religion, the Buddha.
Zen has its basis in the conviction that the world and its complements are not many things. They actually share one reality. The one is a component of a greater wholeness that some people refer to as being named God. Reason hides this unity by analyzing the diversity of the world. It can be perceived by the intuition, which is the non-rational part of the mind. Meditation is the only way to reach enlightenment regarding the essence of reality, not analytical analysis.
Buddhism has incorporated meditation into its practice from the very beginning. However, a school of meditation developed in India and was brought to China by Bodhidharma about the year AD 520. The ancient Chinese religion Taoism provided the meditation school with a solid platform on which to build when it first arrived in China. This religion is founded on the notion that there is a single underlying reality known as the Tao. Intuition was elevated above reason by Taoists, just like by those who practiced the meditation school. The Ch'an school of Chinese meditation was able to effortlessly incorporate this Taoist practice.
The monastery, where teachers and students converse in the pursuit of enlightenment, serves as the focal length of Zen. A newcomer arrives at a monastery with a certificate proving that he is a regularly ordained disciple of a priest. First, admittance is denied to him. Following his eventual admission, he spends a few days of his probation being questioned by his master. Once he has been accepted, he begins to participate in the community's life of meditation, prayer, service, and labour for humanity.
Modern Zen
Modern Zen refers to the contemporary interpretation and practice of the ancient Zen Buddhism, which originated in Japan. Unlike traditional Zen, modern Zen is not limited to monastic life, but rather aims to bring the teachings and practices of Zen into everyday life. It emphasizes a combination of meditation, mindfulness, and practical applications of Buddhist principles in daily life.
In modern Zen, the focus is on personal development, self-awareness, and inner peace. The traditional Zen teachings of mindfulness, impermanence, and non-attachment are applied in new and creative ways, such as through art, music, and writing.
Modern Zen also incorporates elements of Western psychology and spirituality, and often uses technology to reach a wider audience. There are online communities, apps, and video resources that offer guided meditations, teachings, and resources to help practitioners deepen their practice.
Modern Zen continues to evolve as it adapts to changing cultural and social conditions, but it remains committed to preserving the essence of traditional Zen teachings.
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