Zen Buddhism Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is Zen Buddhism?
A school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty, known as Chan. It emphasizes direct experience and meditation over doctrine.
Who is credited with bringing Zen to China?
Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who traveled to China in the 5th or 6th century.
What is the core practice of Zen Buddhism?
Zazen, which means ‘seated meditation’.
What is ‘Zazen’?
The practice of sitting in a specific posture to calm the body and mind, allowing one to experience insight and enlightenment directly.
What is the goal of Zazen?
To still the mind, observe thoughts without attachment, and realize the nature of existence directly.
What is a ‘Kōan’?
A paradoxical question or story used in some Zen traditions to challenge the student’s rational mind and provoke a deeper, intuitive understanding.
Can you give an example of a famous Kōan?
‘What is the sound of one hand clapping?’
What is ‘Satori’ or ‘Kenshō’?
Terms for moments of sudden enlightenment or awakening to one’s true nature. Kenshō means ‘seeing one’s true nature’.
What does Zen mean by ‘emptiness’ (Śūnyatā)?
It doesn’t mean nothingness, but rather that all things are ‘empty’ of a separate, independent, or permanent self. Everything is interconnected and impermanent.
What is ‘non-duality’?
The understanding that distinctions like self/other, mind/body, and subject/object are illusions. Ultimately, reality is a single, unified whole.
What is a ‘Sesshin’?
An intensive, multi-day Zen meditation retreat.
What is the role of a Zen master (Rōshi)?
To guide students in their practice, provide instruction, and use various methods, including kōans, to help them achieve awakening.
What is meant by ‘direct transmission’?
The Zen belief that enlightenment is passed directly from the mind of the master to the mind of the student, outside of written scriptures.
Who was Dōgen Zenji?
A 13th-century Japanese Buddhist priest who founded the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan.
What are the two main schools of Zen in Japan?
Sōtō and Rinzai.
What is the main difference between Sōtō and Rinzai Zen?
Sōtō emphasizes ‘shikantaza’ (just sitting) in Zazen, while Rinzai often uses kōans as a central part of meditation practice.
What is a ‘zendo’?
A meditation hall or room where Zazen is practiced.
How does Zen view scriptures?
While respected, they are seen as a ‘finger pointing to the moon.’ The goal is to see the moon (enlightenment) directly, not to just study the finger (the texts).
What is the ‘beginner’s mind’ (Shoshin)?
A concept from Zen Buddhism meaning to approach things with an attitude of openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceptions, just as a beginner would.
What is a ‘samu’?
Work practice or mindful work; a form of meditation in action where daily chores are done with full attention.
