Zen-Japan

= ZEN-JAPAN BUDDHISM by (Brenden Geary)  =



// Three things everyone should know about Zen-Japan: //
Zen means **meditation**. More specific, Zen also means the individual experience of the Buddhist enlightenment. Another translation of Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism is spread throughout the lands of Japan and taken very seriously. Meditation of Zen is called "za-zen". It is taught in the Buddhist classrooms that the belief of Zen is experiencing the meditation of enlightenment called "satori". Zen is not only found in Japan, but as well in Korea. The originator of Zen was found in China and later descended from India. Some where around the thirteenth century Zen was introduced to the people of Japan. The introduction of Zen to Japan was brought forth by Chinese people with their teachings and religious practices. The main focus of these Zen Buddhas in Japan was to live a simple life and respect the natural aspects of life. These aspects created many motives and ideas for artists in Japan. The three basic questions asked when you think about Zen are, "Who am I?", "Where am I from?", and "Where am I going?" All of these questions can be answered through the study of Zen and yourself.

** http://www.zenstudies.org/onzen.html-  Eido Shimano Roshi **
//** Critical Vocabulary/ Major concepts: **//

Zen Buddhism has many words that are important to its' teachings and philosophies: **Mudita**--sympathetic joy, being happy for others, without a trace of envy. One of the four brahma vihara. (Showing envy was a sign you were not ready for enlightenment, Mudita was key in success to making it to the Pure Land) **Mandala**-a complex, circular, symmetrical image used in meditation (Meditation was so complex and critical for reaching enlightenment) **Maitri**-caring. loving kindnes displayed to all you meet. One of the four brahmavihara. (Showing maitri to all people would push you closer to enlightenment) **Ho-tei**-Japanese name for Pure Land ( The goal of the Zen and any Buddhist person was to reach the Pure Land)


 * http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=5989&pst=489093- Zen Vocabular**y

//** Historical timeline (major developments): **//


 * 538 or 552** - Buddhism was formally introduced to Japan.
 * 1141-1215** - Eisai founded Zen Buddhism in Japan.
 * 1173-1262** - Shiran founded the Jodo-Shin section in Zen teachings.
 * 1200-1253** - Dogen founded the Soto section in Zen teachings.
 * 1959** - Buddhism celebrates 2,500 years in Japan (Inspiring)


 * http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/jap_timeline.htm- Timeline of Major Japanese Events in Buddhism.**


 * Geography **

**// Monastic Practice //**
Meditation in Zen is a key concept. Meditation is time to find more about ones self. The core concept of Zen is meditation and daily practice. During meditation the Buddhist student should be aware of his or her surroundings. During this time of meditation he or she should feel the energy entering and leaving their bodies. They should be one with their own mind, body and soul. Practicing with limited objects during meditation, each student will receive the full effect. Daily meditation is key for becoming closer and closer to enlightenment. Practicing in the monastery during meditation may take several hours a day. Short breaks and small meals are allowed during the day with the exception of meditating all day.

Picture: Zen Monk meditating for hours at time during the day.

//** Lay Practice **//
Back in the time of Buddha, lay people who practiced Zen Buddhism wore white robes in order to be sanitary during meditation. Families that did not have monastery connections would worship as a family and everyone would dress in their white robes. Lay people are able to practice just as much as the monastic people do. While practicing it is believed, that worship will cleanse your soul. The more the lay people worshiped during each day, the closer they would get to reaching enlightenment through Zen Buddhism teachings.     Copy and Paste site to www.youtube.com

**// http://www.westernchanfellowship.org/training-in-lay-zen.html- SImon Child (Everyday common worship) //**

//** Sacred Scripture: **//
Here is a website of sacred scriptures of Buddhism: http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/

This website will allow you to read each special section of the Buddhist worship and Gods.

**// Buddha Images (of the Zen tradition): //**

Zen Buddhism was the belief that worship should be done in a circular form. The idea of stuff on the outside and nothingness in the inside.

This face was the basic Buddha for Zen Buddhism. Each place where worship took place the Buddha would be present at all times.

// Pilgrimage Sites //
During each pilgrimage the Zen Buddhist would spread or preach Zen which enriched many people therefore, Zen Buddhism would travel from word of mouth.

// Current Events //
Current Issues in Buddhism include: The Dalai Lama who is the protector of all evil believes Shugden has evil spirits in worshiping. He has put an end to this god and its' worshiping. The Dalai Lama believes this is a mistake that never happened. Most of the Tibetan Buddhist believe in this god Shugden who is believed to associate evil worshippers and Chinese spirits.

This is a portrait of the Dalai Lama.

http://soc202events.blogspot.com/2009/04/dalai-lamas-ban-on-worship-of-buddhist.html- Jesse Morales

// Personal Reactions //
After researching Zen Buddhism, I have learned a lot more in terms of worship and the power and strength of one's mind. Zen Buddhism is unique because of the attention the teachings and rituals give the Buddha. I feel that Zen Buddhism is the most intense learning and reaching of enlightenment Buddhism has to offer. I tried to compare Zen Buddhism with most of my daily rituals as a Catholic. Worshiping in a circle is unique because that means everyone is close and you have something in the center of your circle with significant importance. Lay people in the Zen community are comparable to the lay people in the Catholic faith because worship is almost as intense as if you were in a monastery. feel that this assignment helped me reach a better understanding of Buddhism and I can relate more to the Zen teachings. :)

GRADING: F: Follows directions. Steals material. (No attempt to cite anything.) C: Follows directions. Pastes the correct items into the correct places but takes no care in explaining the choices made. Uses less than six sources. Text is SLOPPY - no proofing! B: Follows directions. Describes the choices made using complete sentences and clear language. Labels items correctly. Cites sources. Organizes the visuals. A: Does B - but, shows some extra care, thought and research. An A has a "Wow" factor. This does not mean more color or flying moneys. It means that the content selected does a great job TEACHING about Buddhism in that region.