Zen Buddhism

From my (Buddhist) perspective, I don't see why not. Buddhism is a way to train the mind and is not concerned with deities, though the Buddha would say that the belief in any supreme being is a form of clinging, which will lead to suffering. But if the Buddhas message resonates with you, why not.

As for Yin-Yang, that is a Daoist (Taoist) symbol represents how polar opposites interconnect and are interdependent to make a whole. This is truly a perspective (mental outlook) symbol, not religious. So again, from my perspective, why not.

As a former Christian, I could see that a Buddha statue in a Christians house may offend some Christians, again for the reason that Buddha rejected any notions of a creator God or infinite lived deities.

strength in Chinese is 力量(li4 liang4) courage in Chinese is 勇气(yong3 qi4)

Nothing is more important in zen than awakening (kensho, satori, enlightenment). This may be understood as liberation from the incessant stream of thoughts.

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I don't know *exactly* who said it, but I can tell you it's a really old Chinese belief. My grandma used to tell me that all the time because I performed rescue breathing on someone when they fell out of their boat on the lake. She used to tell me I needed to find out what his name was because he was now my responsibility.

It's not a new thing either, it goes waaaay back.

I know that's vague but I hope I helped...

Yes, many religions have special or sacred texts that are considered authoritative and hold religious significance. For example, Christianity has the Bible, Islam has the Quran, Hinduism has the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, and Buddhism has texts like the Tripitaka and the Dhammapada.

Even though there are books of answers and traditional answers to koans, there are no answers. Your answer comes from your mind not someone elses.

Asking what the answer to a koan is demonstrates that you should reexamine what the purpose of a koan is.

The have a "proper" answer set out for a koan would undermine its function as a training device in the instantaneous appreciation of the whole and reduce it to an intellectual exercise like solving a math problem. Review Robin Williams' discussion of the analytical review of poetry in "The Dead Poets Society"

In this case, to answer "Nothing" would made "Nothing" "Something" and be contrary to the basic premise of the question. A suitable answer could be "Roses on a bush", but only if you understand why.

Zen, in its simplest and purest form, is about being in the Now. Zen meditation is about being present in the moment. It is fairly easy for most people to practice because it is our natural state. You are not trying to learn a new skill you are simply allowing what is meant to be. That is, for you to be here, in this moment, alive…right now. It is very simple and very effective in relieving stress and depression.

One of the many wonderful things about Zen meditation is that you can practice it almost anywhere at any time. You can multi-task it which is wonderful for people with busy lives and you receive all the benefits associated with any other style of meditation.

Sure!

zen seeks sight

Juzu or nenju is the Japanese word for the Buddhist rosary, known in Sanskrit as mala or japamala, meaning "garland of flowers". Known as su-zhu in CHina and by similar names throughout Asia, the Buddhist rosary has 108 beads, representing the 108 delusions people suffer. It is prayed by reciting a repeated religious phrase (mantra) and sometimes merely holding/wearing one is deemed sufficient.

Zen is, in part, the instantaneous appreciation of things as they are. So examples could be:

* A warm summer day. * The first sip of cold beer afte r doing the lawn * Thinking about a book you've just read * Seeing shoots come up in the garden * Painting a wall * A warm bed * The gap between inhaling and exhaling a single breath

suffering

A zabuton is a Japanese cushion.

Zen means looking into the true nature of "I." Wisdom means seeing that "I/my/me" is insubstantial, it's just thinking that appears and disappears like clouds in the sky. When this "I" gets smaller, then you can act compassionately moment to moment. Since there's no need to be selfish, each action can be for all beings.

Koans are often called "zen riddles". They are statements that cause the student to abandon logic as the route to understanding. They do not necessarily follow the riddle format (What is... ?) but can be simple statement like "Show me the face you had before you were born."

Koans do not have "no meaning" although they may not have an easily explained or consistent answer. The meaning may be nested layer upon layer with the answers being koans themeselves.

The cause is the Chinese invention of the magnetic compass. The effect is the voyage of Zheng He. The invention of the magnetic compass allowed Zheng He to make his voyage.

The benefits are wisdom and compassion. Practicing Zen can be sitting in meditation (zazen) concentrating on a question such as "Who is asking this question? What wants to know?" or "just sitting" (shikantaza). Practicing Zen can be staying mindful in activity, being here and now, rather than lost in thought, holding on to the present by continually letting go of distracting thoughts, fears, resentments, ego. With the practice of Zen comes the realization, suddenly or gradually, that the thinker and the thought and the object of thought are one, that everything is connected to everything else, that everything is a reflection of the self. With this realization grows a deep love for every living being and a desire to relieve suffering. These are all just words, hopefully pointing in the right direction and encouraging anyone who is still waiting, to begin this very moment!

zen

The Zen circle, or "enso," is a symbol in Zen Buddhism representing enlightenment, the universe, and the cyclical nature of life. It is often drawn in a single, unbroken brushstroke, reflecting the idea of simplicity and the beauty of imperfection. The open circle signifies the ongoing journey of personal growth and the acceptance of the impermanence of existence. Ultimately, it embodies the balance between form and formlessness, completeness and incompleteness.

There are many books suitable for beginners that teach about zazen. Understand that zazen is a practice. The best way to learn about zazen is to do it--not just to read about it. From that perspective, the best book for beginners that teaches not only some of the theory behind Zen Buddhism but also clearly instructs how to begin a zazen practice at home is still Philip Kapleau's THE THREE PILLARS OF ZEN.

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Here is an explanation by the Buddhist scholar Dr. Walpola Rahula: "A being is nothing but a combination of physical and mental forces or energies. What we call death is the total non-functioning of the physical body. Do all these forces and energies stop altogether with the non-functioning of the body? Buddhism says ‘No.’ Will, volition, desire, thirst to exist, to continue, to become more and more, is a tremendous force that moves whole lives, whole existences, that even moves the whole world. This is the greatest force, the greatest energy in the world. According to Buddhism, this force does not stop with the non-functioning of the body, which is death; but it continues manifesting itself in another form, producing re-existence which is called rebirth."

In Shia Islam, the holy book is the Quran, which is also the sacred text for all Muslims. However, Shia Muslims place significant emphasis on the teachings and interpretations of their Imams, who are considered to be divinely appointed leaders. Additionally, Shia traditions include other texts, such as the Nahj al-Balagha, a collection of sermons and writings attributed to Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam.

It means refuge or shelter.

Legally you can, but that brings us to "house rules".

Parents can decide what comes into or stays in a house.

Parents with strong religious views may override any decision made by minor children to bring foreign religious items or anything else into that house. There are however Buddha graphics or drawings that look like Chinese/japanese art works.