What is the difference between Zen Buddhism and traditional Buddhism?

Answer 1

Zen (Ch'an) Buddhism is one of the traditional schools of Mahayana Buddhism. Besides Mahayana (the predominant form of Buddhism in China, Vietnam, and Japan), there are also Theravada Buddhism (predominantly in Sri Lanka and Thailand) and Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism). On the whole, Zen has a marked anti-intellectual cast, compared to the rather scholastic Theravada schools; its focus is entirely on meditation, not on intellectual knowledge. Zen lacks the deity worship of Vajrayana, which is derived from the latter's syncretism with Tibetan animism (called Bon). If you're drawn to Buddhism, my advice is to experience all three major schools before deciding where to settle down and practice.

I'm a Christian, BTW, and I apologize for my ignorant co-religionist who made his comment above.

Answer 2

Hi,

I would like to add something to the answers here.

From what I know , Traditional Buddhism Schools and zen Buddhism are complimentary . They are not at opposites of each other .

Before one can gain the Supreme Enlightenment and see and experience one's Buddha Nature through Zen , one has to go through the various cultivation and practice offered by Traditional Buddhism.

Traditional Buddhism has progression levels , allowing a person who wished to become a Buddha , to study and practise from zero knowledge, zero spirtitual practice and progress stage by stage up .

Whereas Zen Buddhism has no levels , no teachings by the written text , employs unorthodox methods, to let one gain the Supreme Enlightenment.

It is not easy. Without the foundation cultivation from Traditional Buddhism, one could not really comprehend what Zen is all about, as you would be experiencing directly your Buddha Nature.

To use an analogy, you could think of Zen Buddhism as doing your Doctorate Degree while the Traditional Buddhism are your training to get your Diplomas and Bachelor Degrees .

Without the foundation training in your DIplomas and Bachelor Degrees , it is impossible for you to pursue your Doctorate Degree.

Hoped this helps.

Answer 3

Details about Zen you can find at wikipedia (link below).

Now what's the difference?

Zen is daily life. Zen is simple.

The only problem is to remove all your waste in mind so that the pure and simple mind remains. That's not that easy. Zen Buddhists do this by practicing zazen, sitting meditation. In the beginning it is help full to have an experienced teacher, because your mind is so acquainted with certain structures in thinking. The teacher will know and apply a few very effective tools like koan practice, depending of the particular school.

Once, after a couple of years, you may have gained a little glimpse into the true nature of things. The rest of your life you have to struggle hard to get this experience into your everyday life.

Then in the end life is simple.

Now try to compare this kind of view to Theravada, Mahayana or Vajrayana-Buddhism (links below).

Answer 4

Hi,

Ok. In essence, both Zen Buddhism and "traditional" Buddhism are no different. Both emphasises the understanding of emptiness.

What differs however, is the method and practice. Zen might emphasis more on meditation and the direct experiencing of "enlightenment". Traditional Buddhism would emphasise on purification to experience "enlightenment".

In fact, Buddha taught different methods to cater to different individuals.

Hope this helped.

Answer 5

Well there is no traditional buddhism just many different sects created when the religion traveled in the form of oral traditions. All that matters anyway is the basic teachings of buddha you shouldnt get lost in different sect meanings. All you need to do is apply the questions that buddha presents in a n unbiased way.

Answer 6

There are numerous kinds of Buddhism depending upon what percentage Buddha's they settle for. the most unusual is Thervada Buddhism which specially accepts the Gautama Buddha's (the founder 600 BC) teachings purely. Tibetan, zen & chan (mahayana) Buddhism has teachings of many Buddha's no longer spoken by using Gautama Buddha. however the message of all is analogous - Do sturdy to all & meditate properly.

Answer 7

None. Both will lead you straight to hell.