My comments are embedded in your list below. If I don't comment on something it means I agree:
--- In [email protected], "ED" <seacrofter001@...> wrote: > > > > 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. [Bill!] I don't think 'knowledge' is a good choice of words. I'd substitute 'awareness'. > * To be a human being is to be a Buddha. Buddha nature is just > another name for human nature - true human nature. [Bill!] Buddha Nature applies to all sentient beings, not just humans. > * 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. [Bill!] I definitely classify Zen Buddhism as a religion. All religions do have some philosophy in them. Just plain 'zen' however is not a religion or a philosphy. (See below) > * Zen is not a philosophy or a religion. > * Zen tries to free the mind from the slavery of words and the > constriction of logic. [Bill!] Zen doesn't 'try' to do anything. > * 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. [Bill!] I don't like the references to 'bondage' and 'freedom'. Zen is not a silver bullet-train to happiness. It is acceptance of life as-is. > * Zen is meditation. ------------------------------------ Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
