How To Practice Zen Buddhism In Daily Life: How To Become Zen? Today you’re going to learn how to practice Zen buddhism in daily life. Zen is not a religion, but a philosophy. It to even begin to grasp the true gist of what Zen really is, we need to first understand Buddhism. origin. Bodhidharma is revered as the founder of Zen Buddhism when he migrated to China from India. the influence of Buddhism in the first place. Zen goes back hundreds of years ago to the spiritual awakening How To Practice Zen Buddhism In Daily Life: brings us to the topic of this article. Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism. This branch of “Zen” is derived from the Chinese word chan. Chan Zen started in China in the 6th century, introduced by an Indian Buddhist monk. The development of Zen Buddhism in China was influenced by Taoism and its concepts From China, Zen arrived in Japan around the 7th century although it did not become prevalent until the 12th century. Zen Buddhism had a significant influence on Japanese culture. To practice Zen is to practice a powerful form of spiritual exploration. Zen practice enables oneto maintain a healthy balance of needs and Its most distinctive characteristic that sets Zen apart from other schools of Buddhism is its emphasis on Zen teaches us that we do not need to observe sacred religious rites to achieve enlightenment. Instead, Zen teaches us to favor meditation which ultimately leads to a Zen teachings state that we must live in the moment and As stated by Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, this was precisely what the Buddha did to Zen teachings maintain that all sentient beings have the power to Through Zen practice, this ignorance may be overcome, resulting in Zen Buddhism usually requires training and guidance from a Zen master. However, more and more disciples are practicing Zen independently, particularly in North America. Zen is popular among Japanese samurais as a form of discipline and self-control. Artists call to Zen’s aid in calligraphy and painting. In the Western world, Zen has been incorporated into many daily ventures and enterprises such landscaping and even sports. Anyone can benefit from Zen if they only take the time to live it. Enlightenment through ZaZen ZaZen is one of the meditation practices by which one can This meditative discipline is the primary religious practice in Zen Buddhism. Generally, zaZen is a means of insight study of the self. The aim of zaZen is simply just sitting in a lotus position and letting When practicing zaZen at a Zen temple, a group of practitioners usually meditate together in is performed again upon rising at the termination of zaZen. The commencement of a zaZen session is announced by a gong is sounded at the cessation of a zaZen period. the following is a general outline of the zaZen meditation method. you sit is a crucial part of the overall zaZen experience. There are various sitting positions when practicing zaZen Full-Lotus Position which is the most used in Zen meditation practices as it is the most stable. at all, but are still suitable for zaZen meditation. First is the Kneeling Position which is accomplished restrictions and facilitate the deepening of your breath during zaZen. It is not a good idea to wear clothing eyes closed or at least half-closed during zaZen meditation as blinking is seen to disrupt zaZen. During zaZen meditation, your undivided attention and energy should be focused The more you practice zaZen, the more you become acquainted with the Hara and your blood pressure to its normal rate. ZaZen should be practiced on a daily basis. On the The more you become experienced in zaZen, the more relaxing your meditation sessions will become. Those experienced in deep zaZen meditation breathe at a rate of two or three breaths that can experience that wonderful stillness we seek in zaZen. In deep zaZen, heart rate, respiration, How to practice Zen meditation: Zen practice is all about observing the breath and the mind This is the first thing one must know when practicing Zen meditation. Another form of meditation in Zen Buddhism is kinhin. While zaZen is a sitting meditation Any meditator practicing Zen may use kinhin meditation as a form of respite between Like zaZen, kinhin has its benefits. It provides physical relief to a practitioner without disrupting the stillness of zaZen. It also brings the stillness of zaZen into the actions of our daily lives. Kinhin is nothing if not the extension of the stillness of zaZen. Kinhin and zaZen are not separate from one another Sometimes a liturgy accompanies Zen practice. This is especially true in Zen monasteries where the Heart Sutra which is the most popular sutra in Zen Buddhism. and consciousness.” Emptiness is the basis of Zen. All things in existence are based on an active In Zen Buddhism, reciting liturgies is a means by which a have attained Buddhahood. Liturgies are not limited to Zen practice; they are also used in funerals and memorials Essential Zen Teachings The most important thing Zen Buddhism teaches us is that we are already originally enlightened A central concept in Zen Buddhism is “suchness,” or Tathata. one is supposed to live in this world during Zen meditation, live in and live with suchness to the The Zen Buddhist implements Suchness in his daily life. He dines The most essential Zen-teachings could be narrowed down to the emphasis of inherent Buddha-nature, the importance of zaZen, and the Bodhisattva-ideal, which emphasizes compassion Zen has been around for over one thousand years during which many teachings and schools of Zen were formed. The three sects of Zen are Rinzai life in order to attain full Buddhahood. ZaZen is essential in attaining this insight and ripening it. lays emphasis on shikantazawhich is the Japanese term for zaZen, or “nothing but precisely sitting.” , one is already expressing Buddhahood by practicing zaZen or shikantaza. To him, meditation is the spirit of Buddhism and Zen Buddhism alike. The third school of Zen is SanboKyodan which is a combination of Rinzai and Soto SanboKyodan encourages both kensho and zaZen. One of the founding fathers of this school states that Zen is geared toward three goals: joriki, or development no taigen, or the understanding and utilization of Zen in daily life. Zen practitioners, whether expert or student, are not true disciples of Zen Buddhism if they do not abide by the Bodhisattva Precepts The principles are an essential part of Zen practice. To disregard them is to disregard Zen. take up the way of not killing. A Zen disciple is a Buddha disciple. A true disciple of kill an animal or any sentient creature. A Zen practitioner must do everything in his power to protect all take up the way of not stealing. A Zen practitioner shall not steal anything (2) or up the way of not speaking falsely. A Zen practitioner shall not lie or encourage others to lie. way of not using drink or drugs. A Zen practitioner shall never be under the influence of any substance way of not discussing faults of others. A Zen practitioner shall not publicize or discuss the transgressions of his of not praising myself while abusing others. A Zen practitioner shall not glorify himself and speak ill of others up the way of not being stingy. A Zen practitioner shall not be withholding nor encourage anyone to do the way of not indulging in anger. A Zen practitioner shall not harbor anger or encourage others to do A Zen practitioner should not only meditate, but follow the Bodhisattva It is what makes for a true adherent to Zen Buddhism. Thank you for reading this article about how to practice Zen buddhism in daily life and I really hope that you