I need to know what days they worship.
Their special places and places of worship.
And what are their most important hoidays.
Sources are appreciated!
2007-11-04 06:02:01 · 8 answers · asked by Hayley_Bailey 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As other responders have noted, Zen Buddhism is not a religion in the ordinary sense -- it's better thought of as a mind practice or training. Serious Zen students perform this practice in every moment of their lives -- so no particular place or time is any more special than any other. The practice helps cultivate genuine wisdom and deep compassion for all beings.
That said, practitioners often go to Zen centers or temples to practice. Many centers hold daily practice in the morning and evening, as well as occasional retreats -- intensive periods of meditation that can last from one day to 90 days.
The most important holidays are Buddha's Birthday, which is celebrated in the springtime, and Buddha's Enlightenment Day, which is celebrated in the winter.
You can find out more about Zen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen.
2007-11-04 07:00:43 · answer #1 · answered by P'ang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about Zen Buddhism but my X-wife is Buddhist and she never "worshiped." The most important day was Buddha's birthday. As a matter of fact that is the day i meet her on. She was out looking for someone and it ended up being me. Don't ask me what day that was it has been a long time. My X would remember (even if it wasn't Buddha's birthday) women seem to remember those things.
I just checked my book on Buddhism and it doesn't have anything about "worship" in the index. Which doesn't surprise me. What westerners do is project their beliefs into Buddhism when they talk and write about it. Even the book i have does in many ways. Like calling it a religion. Which it isn't it is a philosophy of life or for living. A very good one at that. It is very close to REBT or the Cognitive Therapies.
2007-11-04 14:26:50 · answer #2 · answered by gdc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True, Zen is more of a way of life, but it tends to be clumped in the category. It's no big deal.
There is no "sabbath", you are thankful all the time.
There are temples, but they are really just a show for the people finding their way. You see, to be enlightened, you have to experience it. It cannot just be "told" to you. They also serve the purpose to house the priests and monks, who are there for the benifit of the people.
Holidays are of no importance, except to see friends and family. Holidays place expectations on the day, and that in itself causes a lot of suffering. Have you ever heard someone say "that person ruined our Christmas"? Well, if the concept of the holiday was moot, it is a lot easier to cope with a misbehaving relative, you see? Enjoy your own holidays with your friends and relatives, they are just not religiously important.
i am not necsecarily a follower of the Zen style, I don't think enlightenment is quite as instantaneous as they zen folks do, but it has it's own merits.
2007-11-04 14:27:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jim! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are no days of worship and there special places are the following : anywhere quiet and dark. There are no holidays. Zen is a way of life not a religion.
2007-11-04 14:07:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
They don't really have special days b/c they don;t "worship".
2007-11-04 14:06:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Existence is suffering.
2007-11-04 14:05:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you might find something here:
http://www.sfzc.org/zc/display.asp?catid=1,10
2007-11-04 14:13:32 · answer #7 · answered by vorenhutz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not even go there, it is not the way to be saved!
2007-11-04 14:07:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋