Zen Buddhism is a straightforward and practical teaching,
which when properly understood and practiced,
is demonstrably capable of liberating man
from his deep-seated fears and anxieties so he can
live and die with peace and dignity.
--Philip Kapleau, Roshi--
Zen Buddhism
According to the teachings of Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism, Zen
involves:
- a special transmission outside the scriptures
- not relying on words and letters
- pointing directly to Mind
- seeing self-nature and attaining Buddhahood.
Zen is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism, established as a teaching in the west after centuries of
development in India, China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, respectively.
The Japanese word "zen" means meditation or Mind; the word "Buddha" means awakened. Zen
Buddhism is then the meditation practice of awakening to one's True-mind or Original-mind.
"Awakening" or "enlightenment" is to see things as they are, which is to transcend the
delusive notion of a discrete, enduring, separate ego or self and realize the "interbeing"
that has always been there--being one with all that is.
When we realize through awakening that we have nothing fundamentally to gain or to lose, we can
gradually relinquish the need to grasp and cling, as well as the fear and hostility that
accompany this need.
In Japan, there are two major schools of Zen Buddhism--Soto and Rinzai.
The lineage of the Center is traced directly to the late Japanese Zen Masters Daiun Sogaku Harada
and Hakuun Ryoko Yasutani. They created an integral
Zen, which is based upon the Soto recognition that, just as we are, we are whole and complete,
and the Rinzai recognition that, until we know this experientially for ourselves, it is of
no use to us. The Center emphasizes the Westernization of Zen Buddhist practice, but great
care is taken not to compromise the authenticity of the Zen tradition nor to lose touch with
its ancient roots.
