Zen Buddhist Monk Research Paper

The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence. Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comport, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom. Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that they solutions to our problems are within us not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. (Brian White)

What is Zen? Zen is something that can not be put into words. There are a few things that come close to attempting to describe what Zen is, but still do not fully reach the teachings of Zen. One attempt by Tao translator and philosophy author Derek Lin at defining what Zen is: “Zen means being free of the distractions and illusory conflicts of the material world.” “Being free of the distractions and illusory conflicts of the material world.”

My previous perceptions and stereotypes of the Zen culture was totally wrong. In my misguided illusion, I had envisioned a rigid and closed pseudo philosophy, limited to just Asian culture and martial arts; shrouded in mystery. I guess this was my first impression, especially since I grew up watching a lot of martial arts movies during the early 80’s (Kung Fu theater, channel 5). In fact, the only thing similar to

At one point in the documentary, a monk is asked to describe Buddhism in two words. He chooses, “Practice mindfulness.” The entirety of the Buddhist religion is very much based on awareness and mindfulness. Throughout his childhood, the Buddha was

Be they Buddhist; hammer Indian, and the traditions of the humanist (Wolfteich et al., 2016). The virtue of humility has been on the support side of many scholars, researchers, theologians and the leaders of the spiritual development. This virtue has been on the wrong books of philosophers and the feminist scholars. They have intensely scrutinized it bringing out negative demeanors on its exact constituents on humility (Wolfteich et al., 2016).

Diasetz Teitaro Suzuki was born in Japan in 1870, received his philosophical training as a Buddhist disciple at the great Zen monastery at Kamakura, and was a distinguished professor of Buddhist philosophy at Otani University, in Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Suzuki dedicated his life to the study of Zen Buddhism and to the interpretation and effective

Zen is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China when Buddhists were introduced to Taoists. Zen emphasizes the originally pure nature of mind, much as other Mahayana schools of Buddhism. Traditionally, Zen is a form of Buddhism that strictly emphasizes practice for the realization of Buddhist truths, particularly for realizing the truth of no-self, emptiness, and the uncreated mind. Zen offers not only the foundations of a religion but the outline of a psychology as well. Its teachings are about the structure of the self and how the mind works. The book, Basho’s Narrow Road-Spring and Autumn Passages, offers powerful insights into the tribulations and joys of the Buddhist path, especially Zen. Zen practice is raw, intimate,

Zen can be a difficult concept to understand. Translated by many as meaning "meditation" or "a state of mind", Zen can be perceived as a new understanding on how to live one's life. Demanding persistence, patience and discipline, living a life of Zen everyday is not an easy process but can ultimately prove to be extremely meaningful and worthwhile.

The daily life for monks found on page 345-356, provides ongoing examples of how monks preserved and circulated the teachings of Buddha through practice. Merit plays a significant role in the Buddhist monasteries. Merit is not signally achieved through scriptures and teachings, however it is implemented throughout their daily routine. Lopez mentions, “In order to obtain monastic life, one must clearly understand the rules (pg. 345).” One could only hope by understanding the rules, a sense of empathy starts to emerge. The daily life of a monk teaches them to avoid every offense appropriately (pg. 346). The rules teach the monks to become more emotional intelligent, which is the pathways to achieve merit. After reading through rules for monks

I went to a Zen Buddhist temple; whose origins are from Siddartha Gautama commonly known as the Buddha. The two-hour liturgy consisted of five parts: chanting, zazen, kinhin, zazen and chanting. While I value meditation and prayer, I found zazen difficult, thus respect and admire those who identify with Buddhist spirituality.

“Rather have I been of humble mind than exalting myself; as a weaned child on its mother’s breast, so You solace my soul.” The first passage clearly states that the monks must be “obedient without delay” because it’s a “virtue of those who hold nothing feared to them than Christ” and that due to their “professed holy service,” they should take commands by the Superior as though it were a divine command and execute that command right away. They practice obedience in this manner due to

Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 12th century, although it became really prevalent during the 14th century. It accentuated enlightenment through instinct and meditation and as Zen teachings grew through Japan its influences could also be seen in their culture. Zen principles could be seen in Japanese art through their themes and method of illustration, and other cultural customs like the Japanese tea ceremony. The ceremony first started in humbler forms in Zen temples as a symbol of leaving the world to nurture the mind and spirit.

Killing the Buddha or Becoming One: The long and winding road from early Buddhism to Zen

Zen Buddhism is an inspiration which comes from personal experience to perceive the meaning of life. It has often been seen mysterious. In the book, An Introduction of Zen Buddhism, D.T. Suzuki points out that Zen is hard to understand and explain. In addition, he argues that Zen is not a religion, belief, knowledge, dogma, or an idea. It disdains logical thinking. Since Zen had never wasted time and effort to explains, Zen is hard to understand well. In the other word, Zen looks nihilistic because in the world of Zen knowing is unknown, and unknown is knowing; although, it seems contradictory, but it is the true meaning of Zen. In chapter three, Is Zen Nihilistic, D.T. Suzuki explains that Zen have jumped out the normal logical thinking to teach people thinking the fact. Consequently, in Chapter 3 entitled,“Is Zen Nihilistic?” D.T.

Also to have an altar both in the home or workplace where incense can be placed and on the daily basis, try to be kind and cultivate mindfulness as much as possible. Being a Buddhist is very simple and there isn’t much need to be done, it is a healthy way of living and can benefit life in many ways. What is mostly important to be a Buddhist is to make time in the day, doesn’t have to be too long, about ten minutes is fine, to be in silence and review the day. Not that the other traditions and practices are less important, they are just as important to a