Clues to the meaning of Zen
Because Zen is so hard to explain here are some quotations that may help
you get an idea of it:
* The essence of Zen Buddhism is achieving enlightenment by seeing
one's original mind (or original nature) directly; without the
intervention of the intellect.
* Zen is big on intuitive understanding, on just 'getting it', and
not so hot on philosophising.
* Zen is concerned with what actually is rather than what we think or
feel about what is.
* Zen is concerned with things as they are, without trying to
interpret them.
* Zen points to something before thinking, before all your ideas.
* The key to Buddhahood in Zen is simply self-knowledge.
* To be a human being is to be a Buddha. Buddha nature is just
another name for human nature - true human nature.
* Zen is simply to be completely alive.
* Zen is short for Zen Buddhism. It is sometimes called a religion
and sometimes called a philosophy. Choose whichever term you prefer; it
simply doesn't matter.
* Zen is not a philosophy or a religion.
* Zen tries to free the mind from the slavery of words and the
constriction of logic.
* Zen in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's
own being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom.
* Zen is meditation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/zen_1.shtm\
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<http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/zen_1.sht\
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