Zen Buddhism From Chinese Buddhism - 1195 Words

Zen Buddhism originated from Chinese Buddhism that was transmitted to Japan. The Zen school was known as one of the many Buddhist religion in Japan. In Japan, â€Å"Zen is defined as the â€Å"buddha mind,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦the ultimate reality, or â€Å"emptiness,† of all things and the enlightened state, or knowledge of that reality, characteristic of a buddha† (Bielefeldt 1995: 198). Zen emphasizes on the insight into the Buddha-nature through seated meditation (zazen), meditation practice, and teacher-sudden interaction. Zazen was understood as an expression of the Buddha nature. Zen Buddhism, focus on â€Å"a separate transmission outside scripture, not depend on words or letters, a school based solely on the teaching of Bodhidharma, which â€Å"points directly at the†¦show more content†¦In Buddhism, Buddhists generally achieve enlightenment by using meditation. Meditation helps Buddhist spiritual cultivate their minds by purifying their minds in a deep con centration. Enlightenment is the â€Å"natural and true state of the mind† which â€Å"exist within the mind of all sentient beings† as the mind comes to the awareness of its â€Å"own inherent potential† (Gregory 1987:289). The mind is free from thoughts and attachment of the world. To attain the Bodhi one must take part in meditative practices, followed by initial and transforming experience of awakening. After wakening the going process of cultivation of one’s insight until one’s attain ultimate perfection. One can seek enlightenment by practicing mediation; however, over time there is a controversy between how one attains enlightenment. Sudden enlightenment traditionally was known as the true teaching of Buddhism â€Å"in which the robe and Dharma have been uninterruptedly transmitted over successive generations† (Gregory 1987: 279) of Bodhidharma’s teaching of the Platform Sutra. The passing down of the Dharma role symbolized the official lineage of transmission; the robe is the proof of the Dharma. Yet over time, the robe no longer upheld this tradition. However, the Platform Sutra overtook this responsibility, as this Sutra became the doctrine of Buddhism. Sudden enlightenment came to dominate Chinese thought very quickly because it does not require