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Zen Buddhism
A sect of Buddhism that focuses on sitting meditation and enlightenment through silence.
411 Questions
What is meant by the state of spiritual enlightenment in Zen Buddhism?
In Zen the enlightenment is most often seen as coming in a sudden burst, like suddenly getting a subtle joke and bursting out laughing a long time aftter the joke is told. This is called "Satori". The word means "understanding." A lesser or preliminary form of satorri is "Kensho" Using the analogy of the joke again, this is the point where you understand that the subtle joke had a deeper meaning but can't quite put your finger on it.
In both cases the enlightenment is that point in time where things all come together.
How many rules of enlightenment are there?
There are no "rules" of enlightenment.
There is the Eight Fold Path TO enlightenment.
Right View - focus on the 4 Noble Truths -suffering exists, suffering comes from desires, suffering can be eliminated, the Eight Fold path is the way
Right Intention - committed to improving one's moral and ethical thinking/action
Right Speech - think before you speak. It is a lie to say "I never meant to say that". You had a choice unless a gun was to your head.
Right Action - Such as do not steal or take things not freely GIVEN (no "finders keepers")
Right Livelihood - gangsters and drug dealers are out
Right Effort - avoid things that encourage the violation of these ideals
Right Mindfulness - control your thoughts, censor yourself when bad thoughts occur, avoid situations that allow them
Right Concentration - this is the meditative state. People like to take the shortcut to this place. Doing that is like trying to put a roof on a house without walls or a foundation.
There are 5 Basic Precepts
1) do not murder
2) do not take anything not freely given
3) avoid improper sex (adultery and the like)
4) do not engage in gossip or lies
5) avoid substances that alter your state of mind
How does one make or buy a Zen robe kesa?
I assume you mean a wakesa. Do you have an osho you practice with? I expect he or she has directions (and probably materials with which to make it). The process is simple. Cut a length of fabric about 48 inches or so (maybe less if you're on the short side), and about 3" across. Fold it in half and, with the insides out, sew one short end and the long end closed. Then turn the wakesa right side out and close the open end. Then take a short length of a decorative cord, tie knots in each end, and sew one knot to the end of the wakesa on one side. Slip on a tassel, then sew on the other knot to the other end of the wakesa. Next, cut a small white panel and sew it onto the inside of the wakesa. (Your osho will write your traditional Buddhist name on the white panel, the date you took your precepts, his/her name, etc)
What are the four noble truths of India?
There are 4 noble truths of ancient India. First, suffering is present in all things, but nothing will last forever. Second, suffering is brought on by your own natural cravings. Third, the true way that you can end suffering is to give up all things you crave. Fourth, the only sure way that you can give up cravings that are causing you suffering is to live your life in accordance with the Eightfold Path.
WHAT DOES ZEN-LIKE MEAN
An act that is "zen like" is an act done without separation.
For example, if you are washing the dishes while thinking about what you are going to do when you finish washing the dishes, your actions are separated from your thoughts.
On the other hand, if you are one with washing the dishes, if your attention is wholly focused on what you are doing, you act is "zen like" because it is performed without separation. Distinguish physical pain from psychological suffering.
Since all suffering comes from separation, the ideal way to act in Zen is to do one act at a time with complete concentration. That is a simple idea, but it's not easy to do.
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Where does Buddhism originate from?
A young leader wanted to find the best way of life, he sat under a tree starving until he found the answer to his question, he carried followers which started missions to spread the religion.
Was buddhism written in sanskrit?
Buddhism was originally transmitted orally by the Buddha and his followers, so it was not written in Sanskrit. The earliest Buddhist texts were written in Pali, which is a Middle-Indo-Aryan language. Sanskrit was later used for the writing of some Buddhist texts in certain regions.
