Introduction to Zen Buddhism

Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha

   The word buddha is a Sanskrit word which mean " The Awakened One", one who is awakened to Reality, to the true nature of the mind; one who knows the world and all sentient beings without delusion, one who is perfect in wisdom and compassion. Other common epithets of the Buddha are: tathagata (Thus Come One), or bhagavat (World-Honored One).

   The Buddha lived approximately 3000 years ago (some say 2500). He was an Indian prince named Siddharta, who gave up his throne in order to search for the Truth, to find a way to bring relief to the sufferings of humanity. After many years of diligent practice, he reached Supreme Enlightenment while sitting under a bodhi tree. He then exclaimed, " Wonder of wonders! All sentient beings are inherently complete and perfect! But they do not realize it because of their delusions and cravings." Thereupon he was known as Sakyamuni (or Gautama) Buddha, and embarked on an untiring journey to teach living beings how to see Reality, how to gain true wisdom, and how to free themselves and attain true peace and joy. His teaching is known as the Dharma. The Buddha taught for 49 years until he entered nirvana at the age of 80.

   Many disciples followed the Buddha's examples; they renounced the home life to devote their lives to the practice of Enlightenment, and to teach other sentient beings the same. They formed the ordained community of Buddhist monks and nuns known as the Sangha.Sangha means "harmony" or "harmonious assembly". The Sangha is responsible for preserving and propagating the Buddha Dharma. Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are called the Three Jewels, the true treasures of the world.

Buddhist ideal

   Buddhist believe that everyone can be awakened, that everyone can become a Buddha. To be awakened means to see reality as it is, not as we think it is. To see reality is to gain true wisdom and this wisdom will free us. We are not trapped by external conditions, but by our misperceptions and prejudices. Whatever we do,our actions create reactions that come back to affect us. Because of this,we are responsible for our own actions. Also because of this, we are responsible for our own salvation. Each one of us capable of achieving perfection. We just need to know how. The Dharma teaches us how.There are many ways of practice, many "Dharma gates" to achieve enlightenment, and they all fall into these general categories: performing good deeds, meditation, and studying the Dharma.

Zen Buddhism

   There are many Schools of Buddhism. They differ not in the final objective of reaching Buddhahood, but in their different emphasis on methods of practice.

   A particularly important and influential school is Zen (also called Chan/Ch'an in Chinese). Zen's origin goes back to the Buddha. One day, an assembly gathered to hear the Buddha's Dharma talk. However, on that day, instead of speaking, the Buddha simply held up a flower in front of the assembly in silence. No one understood the meaning except one disciple, Mahakashapa, who broke into a smile. Thereupon the Buddha said, " I have the supreme teaching, inexpressible by words and speech; it is the true Eye of the Dharma, the profound Mind of Nirvana, the Reality transcending all forms--I now transmit to Mahakasyapa." Thus was of the first transmission of the "mind-seal" and Mahakasyapa became known as the first patriarch of Zen.

   The Zen lineage continued in India until the time when the 28th patriarch, Bodhidharma, sailed to China and passed on the teaching. Bodhidharma became known as the first Patriarch of Chinese Zen. Thereafter Zen flourished inChina, especially after the great Sixth patriarch, Huineng. Throughout Chinese history, there were many enlightened masters, as well as notable Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese masters. Today, all forms of Chan or Zen practice trace their root to Bodhidharma and Huineng.

   What is Zen? Practically, we may say that it is a state of mind, a mind of calmness, stability, and clarity; a mind free of delusions and confusions; a mind in accord with true Reality. it is not a dull mind, but one filled with infinite potentials. such a mind is the source of wisdom; it is a state of true liberation and joy.

   To achieve the Zen state of mind, proper meditation practice is very important. Meditation help us to focus, calm down, become aware, and begin to see as they are. A properly trained mind is one ready for awakening.