Is there dogma in Zen Buddhism?

Question

I'm just curious. The four noble truths seem parsimonious. Alot of it seems like it could be verified empirically ( through the use of our senses)

Answer 1

NO! Dogma is not a part of the Buddhist tradition, at least not most Buddhist traditions. After all, that's the beauty of Buddhism, it IS empirical. The majority of the teachings can be verified and validated, that's why Buddha challenged his disciples to questions everything. Technically, there is nothing in Buddhism, at least not is Zen (Chan, Seon) that should be taken as dogma. If it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, it's not important.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

There's really not dogma in Buddhism, as it is not rules to avoid punishment or seek reward from an outside source. All Buddhism teaches the four noble truths and the eightfold path, but these are teachings to help one practicing Buddhism to keep a clear mind and avoid harming themselves or others, thus producing negative energy that will affect the way they carry themselves.

Zen Buddhism is the least dogmatic branch of Buddhism as a whole, while they still teach the four noble truths and eightfold path, you are right, in Zen, more time is spent on practicing meditation techniques to master the mind than reading and studying the teachings of the Buddha.

I find both studying the advanced psychology and knowledge of self and trying them out in your life, and incorporating zen techniques to be the most practical approach. Both are valuable in helping an indidual gain knowledge of self.

Answer 3

Have you ever heard the old joke about the guy who got lost in New York City while trying to get to Carnegie Hall to listen to a concert? In desperation the guy asks a man for directions ('cause a guy HAS to be desperate before he'll ask for directions, right?). He asks "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?"

The man answers "Practice, practice, practice."

It's the same thing with Zen.

Zen presents itself as being a direct transmission beyond "words and letters." To understand it, you have to do it. And the "it" here is essentially meditation. Practice, practice, practice.

But it truth, the practice is not only meditation. There are Three Trainings: Meditation, Morality and Wisdom. You have to engage all 3 in order to get the Big Picture.

I am a Zen priest, by the way. Check out our Zen Center of Las Cruces web age for some good info: www.zencenteroflascruces.org

Answer 4

I would say no after extensively studying the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn. Also, as the Dalai Lama has said, if science proves a Buddhist belief wrong,then we must change our belief.

Answer 5

Buddha said not to believe him just because he said it, but to do things for yourself.

Zen Buddhism in particular is the most atheistic form of Buddhism. The "dogma" is more associated with disciplined practice, not belief.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 6

High abstraction dogma.

Answer 7

What you are saying is that it's COMMON sense.

Answer 8

my karma killed Zen dogma



its at the pound now waiting to be picked up....

Answer 9

No but I have a dogma in my backyard.

Answer 10

sadly no. it was run over by the kharma...