The Mystic Tradition Of Zen Buddhism - 1487 Words

First of all I will discuss the mystic tradition of Zen Buddhism and its various components. I have never thoroughly researched Zen Buddhism before engaging in the Spirituality and Research Methods class that is being taught by Professor Scott at Texas Tech University. Therefore a formal definition of Zen is a â€Å": Japanese sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment by direct intuition through meditation† (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2017). Additionally an article I examined articulated that Zen is the most recognized form of Buddhism that has been used in the Western world. There are about 9.6 million Zen Buddhists who live in the country of Japan and this form of mysticism has spread to other Western countries over†¦show more content†¦This form of mysticism remained in a very simplistic form up until the twelve century A.D. In addition Zen is an ancient form of conduct that has been seamlessly transferred from master to pupil stemming from th e emergence of an individual who was called Siddhartha Gautama. This individual was also known as Buddha and he lived over two thousand five hundred years ago and permanently resided in the country of India. Zen has been strongly dictating the main-stream culture of Japan for many generations. The Zen priests partook in an intricate role during the governmental upheaval which occurred during the sixteenth century in the country of Japan. They engaged in the dual roles of both representatives and overseers during this particular conjecture of time which resulted in conserving Japan’s cultural identity. There were multiple divisions of Zen that were implemented during the ninth century in the country of China. The Rinzai school of Zen was brought to Japan by a Chinese spiritual leader by the name Ensai during 1191. The influential teacher Ensai also reiterated that Zen is responsible for protecting the provinces of Japan and devoted followers should engage in benediction and prayer. â€Å"Rinzai Buddhism emphasizes the use of Koans, paradoxical puzzles or questions that help the practitioner to overcome the normal boundaries of logic† (Religionfacts.com, 2004). Therefore Soto Buddhism is an extra division ofShow MoreRelated The Relationship Between Confucianism And Buddhism Essay2935 Words   |  12 PagesChinese looked beyond their own borders for intellectual sustenance was during the period when Buddhism was absorbed from India† (LaFleur 23). Why did this religion appeal to the Chinese when they disregarded so many other external influences? After all, being tied to the rest of the world by the Silk Road meant they were constantly inundated with novel concepts from far and wide. 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