2008 Woodie Awards
Keeping a Zen mind
Ranger Religion & Politics editor answers some questions about Zen Buddhism
Angelica Perez
Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: Religion & Politics
- Page 1 of 1
I was born a Catholic and then became a Baptist; somewhere down the line I lost my religion. I was agnostic for a period of time, and then I discovered Buddhism - specifically Zen Buddhism. I still am a fledgling in the practice this Eastern religion, which like many religions is a lifestyle of its own. Although I still am learning, I thought I would enlighten you with some of the knowledge I have gained by answering some common questions about Zen Buddhism.
What is Zen Buddhism?
Zen Buddhism was founded in China by Bodhidharma in the 6th century. It's a division of the Mahayana sect, which stresses philosophical teachings, but in Zen Buddhism philosophical teachings are given less emphasis. Zen is like other Buddhist sects; teach the fundamental elements of Buddhist philosophy, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Zen training emphasizes daily life practice along with intensive periods of meditation. Zen emphasizes the execution of menial tasks (i.e., daily life) as an opportunity to encounter true reality.Do you pray?
Zen Buddhism focuses more on meditation than prayer. Meditation is a process we use in order to reach Nirvana, full awakening or enlightenment. There are different positions in which we meditate; the most common is the lotus position, a sitting position in which awareness is directed toward one's posture and breathing.
Do you believe in a god?
In Zen Buddhism, Buddha is not so much a god; rather he is a great philosopher. By following the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, we can achieve the ultimate release, Nirvana.
What is Zen Buddhism?
Zen Buddhism was founded in China by Bodhidharma in the 6th century. It's a division of the Mahayana sect, which stresses philosophical teachings, but in Zen Buddhism philosophical teachings are given less emphasis. Zen is like other Buddhist sects; teach the fundamental elements of Buddhist philosophy, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Zen training emphasizes daily life practice along with intensive periods of meditation. Zen emphasizes the execution of menial tasks (i.e., daily life) as an opportunity to encounter true reality.Do you pray?
Zen Buddhism focuses more on meditation than prayer. Meditation is a process we use in order to reach Nirvana, full awakening or enlightenment. There are different positions in which we meditate; the most common is the lotus position, a sitting position in which awareness is directed toward one's posture and breathing.
Do you believe in a god?
In Zen Buddhism, Buddha is not so much a god; rather he is a great philosopher. By following the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, we can achieve the ultimate release, Nirvana.
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