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Zen Buddhism
A sect of Buddhism that focuses on sitting meditation and enlightenment through silence.
411 Questions
"Zen" is a form of the Buddhist belief. Shiatsu is a technique of moving muscles and nerves around with hands and fingers to keep them healthy and relaxed.
When was Zen Buddhism founded?
Bodhidharma was the First Zen Patriarch of China. Scholars disagree about the exact date he came to China from India and how long he was in China before he died. Many think that he went to China about the year 520.
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What is the Purpose of Buddhism?
To end sufferings caused by Ignorance and by following the Four Noble Truths and living the Eight Fold Path. For more info, see "Buddhanet. Audio" on left and click on "Narration"
What were 8 rules the Buddha assigned?
The Eight Precepts are: # To refrain from taking life # To refrain from taking that which is not freely given (stealing) # To refrain from sexual misconduct (improper sexual behavior) # To refrain from lying and deceiving # To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness. # To refrain from eating at the wrong time (by only eating from sunrise to noon, one ensures that all food eaten in a day is digested before nightfall) # To refrain from all entertainments and decorations (e.g., dancing, wearing jewelry, watching movies, going to shows, etc. This especially includes entertainments that bring the viewer's mind to sexual imagery) # To refrain from using a high, luxurious bed, or beds that provide extraneous softness or comfort
A koan is a question or statement usually associated with Zen Buddhist practice posed to lead a student to comprehend without thinking. A mantra is a chant, prayer or Vedic hymn (all terms approximate) which is repeated multiple times to facilitate a state of mind usually as part of meditative practices. Mantra should not be confused with mandala a symbolic geometric drawing. A mantra is in some ways a verbal mandala.
The term "koan" is from the Chinese kung-an, which literally means "public cases." Koans in zen training are enigmatic expressions that have come down from centuries of dialogues between masters and their students.
Koans are thought of in two ways: as verbal tools to bring about spiritual awakening and as expressions of the awakened minds of masters.
Koans are verbal signposts or pointers. Taken in isolation, they make no sense. The conceptual contradictions are useful in assisting trainees is going beyond mere conceptual thinking to awareness of the totality of what-is.
There are different kinds of koans. A good introduction is THE KOAN edited by S. Heine and D. S. Wright.
protestant, catholic, christian, methodis, muslim, allah,
Why do Buddhist monks abstain from sex?
Buddhist monks must abstain from sex due to a strict set of 227 rules of conduct, because it is thought that sexual intercourse, regardless of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual, is succumbing to desire, and therefore a hindrance to achieve Nirvana (enlightenment).
What is the impact on a Buddhist person's faith after he or she is married?
There is no reason to suspect that marriage would have any impact on a Buddhist's "faith".
Buddhism is a way of life, seeking moderation and the decrease in desire which leads to unhappiness. Whether the spouse is or is not a Buddhist would not necessarily make the Buddhist convert to the spouses religion, or adopt non-Buddhist lifestyles like lusting after thins in excess of physical needs, partaking in drugs or alcohol, being cruel, being untruthful, stealing etc.
If you are a Catholic can you also practice Buddhism?
Catholics may not become Buddhist and remain Catholic. However, a Catholic may adopt some of the methods used by Buddhist to increase their own spirituality, such as meditation.
The word zen in zen Buddhism comes from the Indian word?
The word Zen is the Japanese translation of the Chinese ch'an, a mispronunciation of the Sanskrit word, dhana.
A Buddha figure symbolizes someone who is awake. In other words, a Buddha is someone who is enlightened, who is no longer deluded by dualistic concepts.
What is the Buddhist's holy book?
The sacred book of Buddhism is called the Tipitaka. It is written in an ancient Indian language called Pali which is very close to the language that the Buddha himself spoke. The Tipitaka is a very large book. The English translation of it takes up nearly forty volumes.
AnswerThe book that has all the Buddhist teachings is called the "Thripitaka".Apart from this, there's another book called "Dhammapada" that contains verses on directions to lead a good life.
What are the basic beliefs of Mormons?
The Church's official 13 ARTICLES OF FAITH, or Fundamental statements of belief are:
- We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
- We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
- We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
- We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
- We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
- We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
- We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
- We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
- We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
- We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
- We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
- We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith
Here is the Church's website built to answer those sorts of questions: http://www.mormon.org (see links)
There is a Basic Beliefs link up at the top of the page, as well as a link where questions can be asked directly.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) have many beliefs, some of which are unique and others which fit in with mainstream Christianity. The following is just a summary of their basic beliefs, you can visit the "Related Links" below to learn more details or to ask questions to Church representatives.
First and foremost, Mormons believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. God is the Father of our spirits, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the Holy Ghost bears witness of both the Father and the Son. These three are each separate beings, working together in perfect harmony.
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may receive salvation, if they accept Jesus Christ and obey His commandments.
Mormons do not put a heavy emphasis on the "original sin", because they believe it was nullified by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Men will be judged according to their own sins, not Adam's transgression.
Mormons believe that to fully accept Jesus Christ, they must first have faith in Him, then repent of their sins, be baptized by immersion, and finally receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
Those who are called to teach, preach, and lead in the Church are called of God and receive their authority by the laying on of hands, not from a seminary or ministerial degree.
The Church believes that it is the restoration of the original New Testament Christian Church and strives to follow the same organization, including the use of Prophets and Apostles.
Mormons believe in the gifts of tongues, prophesies, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. These are gifts of faith and may come to anyone in time of need.
The Church uses the King James Version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture. The King James Bible is considered the most correct English translation of the Bible, but it is not perfect.
The Church is founded on revelation. Revelation is given to both Church leaders and individuals to assist them both personally and in building the Kingdom of God. The leader of the Church is considered a Prophet who receives direct communication from God, the same as the Prophets of the Old Testament.
Church members believe in a literal gathering of the Ten Tribes of Israel from the four corners of the earth. They believe that Zion, the New Jerusalem, will be built in America, and that Christ is soon coming to reign personally upon the earth.
Mormons are strong supports of religious rights and fight for freedom of religion for all people. They hope that they may have the ability to worship God according to their beliefs, and grant all other religious groups the same opportunity. They are very active in interfaith coalitions in their communities.
Mormons believe obeying the law and in showing respect to national and local civic leaders. They are encouraged to vote and participate in the democratic process.
Mormons strive to model their lives after Jesus Christ. They try to be honest, chaste, and charitable in all things. They avoid vulgar, immoral, and objectionable entertainment. They respect their bodies by avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and other harmful substances. They are also very active in spreading their faith and are happy to share their beliefs with others.
Mormons believe the family is the fundamental unit of society and the Church. They emphasize strengthening families (both within and outside the Church) as a primary function. The family is responsible for raising and teaching children.
Mormons also believe in offering salvation to those who have died without the opportunity. Within temples (different than typical meetinghouses, where Sunday services are held), Mormons can perform baptisms for ancestors who have died. They believe that this gives the deceased individual the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ in the afterlife before they are judged.
How do you organize a Zen bedroom?
HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE A ZEN BEDROOM
Organizing a Zen bedroom for zazen (meditation), a bedroom you can use for zazen practice, is wonderful.
Zen Buddhism is a practice, a way of life. It is not a religion.
Please don't confuse it with accepting a creed or set of beliefs. The only faith required to begin practicing is the belief that the practice may prove beneficial.
Without that initial faith, nobody would practice zazen, which is the name of the practice of Zen Buddhism.
It's helpful to compare it to another practice.Suppose that you were considering doing strength training. You wouldn't ever do any strength training unless you believed that doing it would benefit you. (Once you discovered for yourself that it was beneficial, you would have no need for that faith because it would have been replaced by your own experience.) Furthermore, if you did it, you should make it part of your routine. How? You'd need to answer certain questions. Where do you go to do strength training? How do you learn how to practice correctly? Do you do it alone, with a training partner, or in a group? When do you train? What do you do when you train? How should your organize your other physical habits like eating and sleeping so that you maximize the benefits from strength training?
The purpose of zazen is to discipline (train, purify) the mind. Suppose that you believe that practicing zazen would benefit you. (It will!) How do you learn what to do? It's best to learn from an expert, either from a book, DVD, or, ideally, in person. Where do you train? Either elsewhere (such as at a zen center or a training partner's home) or at your own home. If you practice at home, you may or may not have someone to practice with you.
Should you train alone, with a partner, or in a group? Well, just as with beginning a strength training practice, it's difficult to begin and sustain a zazen practice alone. It's very helpful to have a good teacher, a good training partner, or both. Practicing in a group (a sangha) is beneficial, but you may or may not have access to one. Even if you regularly train in, for example, a meditation hall with others, having a place to practice at home every day is an excellent idea. Once you learn how to "sit" properly, what is critical is doing it daily--even if it's only for 15 or 20 minutes.
Having a Zen bedroom (or part of a bedroom) you can use for practice is wonderful. It's very helpful to develop a daily routine. Traditionally, it's best to sit either first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Try to sit at the same time every day. It's certainly easier physically to do that at home than to travel to practice at a Zen center or someone else's home.
Since the environment has an important impact on your mind, the place you select to practice should be clean and uncluttered.
Notice that Zen centers are always clean and uncluttered. Even if it is relatively small, that will help it to feel spacious.
You should always sit in the same place. It's best to sit in front of a blank wall that is painted in a neutral color(as opposed, say, to sitting in front of a wall that is covered with a wallpaper with a design). Sit on the floor and not, for example, on a bed, which is too soft.
The lighting should be soft, neither harshly bright nor too dark. Even though when practicing zazen one is sitting perfectly still, it generates a lot of heat; therefore, it is best if the room where you sit is slightly cooler than 70 degrees F.
It's critical to get your knees lower than your hips. It's best to use either a special meditation cushion ("zafu") or a meditation bench. This is the first (and only) piece of meditation equipment you may want to purchase. (If you don't have one, you may roll up and blanket and then fold it over; sit on top of the fold.) If you have one, use your bench or cushion on a meditation mat (although folding a blanket into about a 30 inch square will work fine if you don't have one). If you want a pillow to support your hands, you may use an ordinary bed pillow for that purpose. It's best if your mat and your hand support pillow are covered with dark (e.g., brown or black) cloth.
You should wear dark, loose fitting clothes such as cotten sweat clothes. (If you can afford one, owning a special meditation robe is helpful but not required.) It's helpful to wear the same clothes each time you practice. Establish a routine and stick to it; doing so will help you thrive.
The only other piece of equipment that you'll need is a timer. An inexpensive kitchen timer works fine. Just set it so far away from you that you don't hear it ticking while you are practicing, but not so far away that you won't hear it when it goes off. (Many relatively expensive, special digital timers for meditation are available on the Internet. They are nice, but having one is an unnecessary luxury.) It's possible these days to purchase CD's that provide practice periods of various lengths; consider this option instead of a timer if you have a CD player. The bells used to produce the beginning and ending sounds on such CD's have a lovely sound that is impossible to duplicate at home.
That's it! Of course, if it's quiet outside so that you can open a window and want to burn some incense, some people find that helpful. Eventually, you can obtain an altar if you want one. Similarly, if you want to sound a meditation bell three times before the beginning of a practice round, that's fine.
The key to it is to practice daily. Having a special room at home or a Zen bedroom is beneficial, especially after one has established a daily routine and is able to practice alone without any difficulty.
Zazen is a simple practice, but mastering it is not easy. By following these tips, you will make it as easy on yourself as possible.
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What is a characteristic of Zen Buddhism?
Zen Buddhists believe that words and thoughts contribute to our ignorance so rather than spend time attempting to debate or think our way to a realization on emptiness, it is better to simply get to down to the business of meditation to achieve enlightenment.
What came first Buddhism or the bible?
Buddhism came first, according to the present evidence.
Answer:
Buddhism predated Christianity by 500 years or so. However Judaism (the cultural antecedent of Christianity) and Hinduism (the cultural origin of Buddhism) both preceded these religions by thousands of years.
The Bible is another matter. It is was put into its present format over the past 1500 years or so. Many Christians do not consider a Bible to be a Bible unless it contains the "New Testament." It is however preceded by the Jewish Torah which is claimed to go back to the initiation of the Jewish faith (at least to the time of Moses)
All this gets a time line in order. The Bible in its present format (Old and New Restament) has been around for less than 1500 years, Buddhism has been around for 2500 years.
What was the influence of Buddhism on the teachings of Jesus?
There was no influence none whatsoever
Answer:
As Buddhism preceded Christianity by some 500 years and there was trade between the Mediterranean world and the far east there is every potential for ideas of Buddhism to be adopted into Jewish and Christian culture. The Greeks were influenced by Buddhism from their time in India and are in the same geographical area as the Jewish peoples. People often point to the commonality of some ideas in world religions (e.g. the Golden Rule) and it is easy to think that this was spread from one religion ot another rather than arrived at independently.
What are the settings and charactersfrom Zen and the Art of Faking it by Jordan Sonnenblick?
The characters are San Lee, Emily(Woody), the setting is nowheresvill
Zen is part of the Mahayana and Tibetian Buddhism?
If I understand your question correctly, Zen developed out of the Mahayana tradition. Tibetan tradition is different from both Mahayana and Zen.
Amongst Buddhist traditions all forms of footwear are possible.
The history is a little bit clouded, but it is about 1200 years old.
