Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

i'm a bit lost

catie-sboycatie-sboy
edited June 2005 in Buddhism Basics
I just wanted to know what the difference is in Zen Buddhism? :confused:
I've looked everywhere but haven't really found the answer I'm looking for. Any help is great! Thanks!!

:bowdown:
(think it's cool)

Comments

  • comicallyinsanecomicallyinsane Veteran
    edited June 2005
    What difference are you asking about? Are you asking what is Buddhism compared to other beliefs or are you asking what Zen Buddhism is compared to other Buddhist philosophies?
  • catie-sboycatie-sboy
    edited June 2005
    it seems to me that there is a difference...and i'm just trying to see what that difference is.
  • comicallyinsanecomicallyinsane Veteran
    edited June 2005
    Ok let me rephrase. Are you asking th edifference between Buddhism and other religions such as Islamic or Christianity? Or are you asking about different types of Buddhism?
  • catie-sboycatie-sboy
    edited June 2005
    different types of buddhism.
  • _BeautifulSpringtime_BeautifulSpringtime Veteran
    edited June 2005
    Zen began in India - but really took off in China, where its practical nature appealed to the Chinese mindset. Zen in most popular throughout the world in it's Japanese guise. But make no mistake - it's still really Buddhism.

    This is my beginner's guide:

    The Zen schools are just different schools of Buddhism.

    The different schools of Buddhism concentrate on different features of practice:
    Some take more time for ritual, sutra study or chanting whilst others spend almost all their time meditating.

    While Zen is seen as 'different' it really isn't.

    It's in front of your nose.

    It is a school that places much emphasis on zazen (meditation) but also has it's own rituals, preferred sutras and mantras.

    One feature that I believe (and either Simon or Wolfscalissi will correct me if I'm wrong) sets Zen aside from the other schools is it's use of Koans (for either discussion between teacher and student or for student reflection).

    A koan is designed to help one intuitively feel what fails to be described in words. A famous example of a Japanese Koan is: mu which means 'nothing'.

    If your interest is high - I suggest looking into to all the different schools, and seeing what suits you best.

    I hope I have been of some help!
  • catie-sboycatie-sboy
    edited June 2005
    you have been very helpful, thank you!
Sign In or Register to comment.