Reneka Jones Victoria Holcomb Danyiel Brown Recia Jackson-Holcomb

OBJECTIVES
Describes how

significant moments in the Buddhas life informed the assigned tradition Includes unique practices and teachings of the tradition

INTRODUCTION
Zen is a subchool of Mahayana or the Greater Vehicle of Buddhism. Zen is a Japanese term, a short for Zenna. It is a transliteration of the Chinese term, Chan or Chan-na which in turn is a transliteration of Sanskrit, dhyana. The primary focus of Zen Buddhism is on spiritual practice through daily activities. Philosophical explanations are given lesser importance. Today, Zen Buddhism is practiced in a number of countries.

Siddhata Gotama Buddha

Siddhata Gotama was born into a

royal family in northern India, in 563 BC. At 29, he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism - called the Dhamma, or Truth - until his death at the age of 80.

ZEN IN CHINA AND JAPAN

Arts and Culture Schools

WHAT IS ZEN BUDDHISM?

School of Mahayana

Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; China and Japan.

The Mythology of Zen Buddhism

It is believed that the origin of Zen Buddhism lies in the Flower Sermon delivered by the Buddha. The Flower Sermon did not involve any

verbal communication between the Buddha and His disciples. Rather, what Buddha did was very simple, He upheld a flower before His disciples and quietly waited for a response from them. None responded, except one. This was Mahakashyapa and his response was simple, just a smile. The seemingly simple action and reaction from the Buddha and Mahakashyapa is considered to have a deeper meaning. It is believed that through this, the Buddha passed on a special insight to Mahakashyapa.

ZEN TEACHINGS & BELIEFS

All sentient beings have Buddha-nature.
Knowledge can be acquired from all aspects of life. Such knowledge helps to achieve enlightenment.

Meditation and mindfulness help in achieving new

insights which leads to enlightenment. The experiencing of mu (or 'wu', the lack of presence, emptiness) leads to satori (spiritual awakening)

ZEN TEACHINGS CONTD

The Six Paramitas

Dana paramita: unattached generosity, boundless openness. Open heart, mind and hand. Sila paramita: virtue, morality. Shanti paramita: patience, tolerance, acceptance, endurance. Virya paramita: energy, diligence, courage, enthusiasm, effort. Dhyana paramita: meditation, absorption, concentration, contemplation. Prajna: transcendental wisdom.

ZEN PRACTICES
The goal of Zen practice is to discover one's Buddha-nature. Practicing with others is seen as an important part.

ZEN PRACTICES CONTD

Calligraphy Chanting Flower arranging Haiku poetry Katsu Koan Maintenance of Zen gardens Painting Sesshin Zazen

CONCLUSION
Wherever Zen has established itself, it has rarely been one of the larger or more popular sects of Buddhism. The truth is, it's a very difficult path, particularly for laypeople. I don't think it's for everybody. Zen has influenced painting, poetry, music, flower arranging, and the tea ceremony. Ultimately, Zen is about coming face-to-face with yourself, in a very direct and intimate way. This is not easy.

QUESTIONS?????

REFERENCES
Chinul. Tracing Back the Radiance: ChinulsWay of

Korean Zen. Translated by Robert E. Buswell, Jr.. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 2002. Dumoulin, Heinrich. A History of Zen Buddhism. Translated from the German by Paul Peachey.Pantheon, Boston, 2007. The Purpose of Life According to Buddhism. (2012). The Religion Facts. Retrieved from www.religionfacts.com