- Zen is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that originated during China’s Tang dynasty as the Chan or Buddha-mind school and later broadened into sub-schools and branches.
- Zen can be identified by its emphasis on simplicity, zazen meditation and nonduality – while Theravada emphasizes detachment from worldly affairs.
Differences in philosophy may also play a part in how Zen and Theravada practitioners approach the dharma, such as whether Buddhists engage more closely with their emotions or detach more from them compared with each other when practicing their respective schools’ respective branches dharma practices dharmas.
The act of samadhi
Zen practitioners utilize not only koan methods but also “just sitting”, an act of samadhi that emphasizes wisdom and compassion simultaneously in all circumstances of daily life, transcending either-or, dualistic viewpoints.
Zen was first mentioned in 672 CE at a Shaolin temple in China and is commonly associated with Bodhidharma from South India’s Pallava Dynasty as its founder. Bodhidharma taught an unconventional transmission that did not rely on words alone for spiritual enlightenment; its heart lies within meditation as its practice transcends self-binding. Zen emphasizes freedom from attachment and desire through this practice as its teachings emphasize positionless awareness as opposed to attachment or control over oneself.
An emphasis on disciplined living
In order to attain peace, Zen requires learning how to let go. Although Zen may seem harsh at first, with its emphasis on disciplined living and being able to endure pain, its paradoxical teachings also allow for some degree of spontaneity that results in freedom and peace.
Some Zen traditions incorporate formal rituals of Dharma transmission through esoteric initiations; other schools do not. Both approaches stem from Mahayana teachings that believe Buddha exists within all humans.
The basis for Zen
Mahayana Buddhism, which serves as a basis for Zen, emphasizes an absolute truth that goes beyond Theravada Buddhist’s relative truths. Mahayana teachings refer to an “emptiness” or suchness of all things that is neither rising nor ceasing; these concepts serve as the cornerstone for Zen meditation practice.
Butsudans, or altars, are at the heart of Zen monasteries, temples and homes alike. Offerings are made to statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas as well as deceased family members and ancestors. Buddhists also recite major Mahayana sutras such as Heart Sutra and chapter 25 of Lotus Sutra (known also as Avalokitesvara Sutra), as well as texts such as Dharanis or Recitation of sacred Mantras or poems like Song of Precious Mirror Samadhi; usually these texts are accompanied by formal ceremonies in which teachers give Dharma talks.