FAQs about Zen Practice
What is Zen?
Zen is a branch of Buddhist practice that formed in China when Indian Buddhism made contact with Chinese Taoism. Quite simply, Zen is the practice of "waking up" to reality. Zen teachings and practices are meant to help us wake up to life as it is right this moment, providing insight into ourselves and the nature of existence. When engaged as a discipline, Zen allows us to see more clearly where our suffering and dissatisfactions originate from and allow us to address them.
Do I need to be Buddhist to practice Zen?
Simply stated, no.
While some prefer to devote their practice solely to a Zen Buddhist tradition, it is not required or necessary. Zen practice is meant to help us wake up to the present moment and address our suffering. Zen does not require a "belief" system, but rather asks that you develop a personal faith that the teachings, practices and dedication will lead to awakening to the present moment. You do not need to convert and abandon your previously held beliefs and practices. Many people from several different faiths practice Zen while continuing to practice their original religions. Some have said that practicing Zen has allowed them to deepen their relationship to their original faith tradition.
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a practice based on the teachings of a man, Siddhartha Gotama, who became known as the Buddha, which means "awakened one". He sought out answers to why we suffer and how we can transcend suffering in our lives. As a result he went through years of intensive meditation, challenging yogic discipline and extreme asceticism before realizing that the way to liberation from suffering was through a middle path. Between the chasing of desires and the extreme ascetic practices was a Middle Path that lead to liberation. Once Gotama came to this understanding, he attained enlightenment and was called the Buddha. He spent the remainder of his life teaching to those who cared to listen about his insights. After his passing, his teachings continued to be spread and over the centuries more teachings were added to the Buddha's, which collectively became known as "Buddhism".
Why do people bow to a the Buddha statue? Is it worshipping?
There are three aspects to bowing. The first is to pay respect to the Buddha, who worked very hard to attain enlightenment and who dedicated the rest of his life compassionately helping others become free from suffering.
Second, bowing is act of contrition or repentance and encourages humility in the practitioner. We all make mistakes in life and bowing allows us to recognize our mistakes and begin to shift our energies and mind to correcting them. Bowing allows us to redirect the effects of karma that we create through our thoughts and actions.
Third, bowing is recognizing the Buddha in yourself. Buddhism teaches that we all have the ability to "wake up" and become Buddha's. We all have Buddha nature within us. So when we bow to the Buddha, we are acknowledging and giving respect to our true self, which is already freed from suffering and at peace.
Zen is a branch of Buddhist practice that formed in China when Indian Buddhism made contact with Chinese Taoism. Quite simply, Zen is the practice of "waking up" to reality. Zen teachings and practices are meant to help us wake up to life as it is right this moment, providing insight into ourselves and the nature of existence. When engaged as a discipline, Zen allows us to see more clearly where our suffering and dissatisfactions originate from and allow us to address them.
Do I need to be Buddhist to practice Zen?
Simply stated, no.
While some prefer to devote their practice solely to a Zen Buddhist tradition, it is not required or necessary. Zen practice is meant to help us wake up to the present moment and address our suffering. Zen does not require a "belief" system, but rather asks that you develop a personal faith that the teachings, practices and dedication will lead to awakening to the present moment. You do not need to convert and abandon your previously held beliefs and practices. Many people from several different faiths practice Zen while continuing to practice their original religions. Some have said that practicing Zen has allowed them to deepen their relationship to their original faith tradition.
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a practice based on the teachings of a man, Siddhartha Gotama, who became known as the Buddha, which means "awakened one". He sought out answers to why we suffer and how we can transcend suffering in our lives. As a result he went through years of intensive meditation, challenging yogic discipline and extreme asceticism before realizing that the way to liberation from suffering was through a middle path. Between the chasing of desires and the extreme ascetic practices was a Middle Path that lead to liberation. Once Gotama came to this understanding, he attained enlightenment and was called the Buddha. He spent the remainder of his life teaching to those who cared to listen about his insights. After his passing, his teachings continued to be spread and over the centuries more teachings were added to the Buddha's, which collectively became known as "Buddhism".
Why do people bow to a the Buddha statue? Is it worshipping?
There are three aspects to bowing. The first is to pay respect to the Buddha, who worked very hard to attain enlightenment and who dedicated the rest of his life compassionately helping others become free from suffering.
Second, bowing is act of contrition or repentance and encourages humility in the practitioner. We all make mistakes in life and bowing allows us to recognize our mistakes and begin to shift our energies and mind to correcting them. Bowing allows us to redirect the effects of karma that we create through our thoughts and actions.
Third, bowing is recognizing the Buddha in yourself. Buddhism teaches that we all have the ability to "wake up" and become Buddha's. We all have Buddha nature within us. So when we bow to the Buddha, we are acknowledging and giving respect to our true self, which is already freed from suffering and at peace.
