Types of Buddhism: Zen

Zen is the Japanese form of the Chinese Chan, which is the phonetic pronunciation of the Sanskrit dhyana or meditation. The practice of meditation -- sitting or moving -- is the basis for Zen activity of all kinds, whether in the temple, tea-room, the home or the martial-arts practice hall.

Zen Buddhism originated from China as Ch'an Buddhism (from a Sanskrit word meaning 'sitting'/meditation). Followers are taught that everyone has the inherent potential to reach Enlightenment; it is simply a matter of engaging one's potential within. They believe that it is important to move beyond words so as to know the meaning of life. Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation and has given rise to several different named sects.

It is said that Zen started one day when the Buddha silently twirled a flower instead of speaking. None of his disciples understood, except Mahakasyapa, who smiled. The Buddha then explained that the essential truth of his teaching was beyond words, and that he had given it to Mahakasyapa.

The tradition passed down through a number of indian patriarchs to Bodhidharma, who brought it to China in the early sixth century AD. Zen extended throughout China and spread to Japan, Korea and Vietnam. When Zen reached Japan, it became at the same time more organized and more iconoclastic. Three major streams emerged, as well as many charismatic figures.

1. Soto Zen was founded by Dogen (1200-53). It emphasized zazen or sitting meditation, through which the sitter's Buddha Nature is revealed.

2. Rinzai Zen was founded by Eisai (1141 - 1215). It emphasized meditation on koans, riddles that have no logical answer. This creates a 'great ball of doubt', the shattering of which brings about sudden satori or enlightenment.

3. Obaku Xen, the smallest of the schools, was founded in China, and maintained Chinese traditions in its chanting, ceremonies and other practices, retaining aspects uch as the Pure Land teaching (focused on Amitabha Buddha).

Zen had an impact on all aspects of Japanese life. Millions of people who never practised religious Zen were influenced by it through arts such as calligraphy, painting, tea ceremony, flower arranging and music. In all the arts, the Zen way of teaching includes mindfulness, which is a form of meditation. The potter pauses before putting the clay on the wheel, the musician practises 'Blowing Zen' as he plays his bamboo flute. The Zen influence on the tea ceremony emphasizes being in the moment and caring for the guests. It has evolved it into a religious ritual, a moving meditation of hospitality. And, above all, the Zen ideal of the natural garden inspires visitors the world over with its peace and tranquility.