I know what it's about,but I'd like to understand it better, bassically I'm interested and I feel like I need either and both in my life, it would really help me out. I'm 19 and in a "caccoon" to become a better person and leave behind some of my "ways", basically I want to just want get deep into it and get reborn, but I live in Louisiana where there really isn't anything to offer in this area. except books on it at barns and nobles. do you recomend anything to do or read ppl to talk to, personal words of wisdom..
enlighten me lol
2007-11-21 13:25:20 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Lizzy, there are two Zen centers in New Orleans (see below). If you don't live close to New Orleans, contact these centers and see if they have sitting groups near your home.
While there are a few Zen books worth reading -- and only a few -- books are no substitute for the guidance and support of other people who have the same aspirations as you -- to become a better person, leave behind "ways" that hinder our life, and get reborn. So I hope you'll contact one of these centers.
Here are two books that provide excellent inspiration and guidance to beginning students:
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Suzuki Roshi
"Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" by Zen Master Seung Sahn
You're already enlightened. And with practice, you'll realize it. Welcome.
2007-11-21 16:38:47 · answer #1 · answered by P'ang 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Zen and Buddhism aren't mutually inclusive. You can study Zen and not be a Buddhist and you can be a Buddhist and not study Zen. There is however a sect of Buddhists that study Zen hence the name "Zen Buddhism".
Zen all by itself is a form of meditation. It's used to centre the being, relax, free the mind and all that bit. I had a sensei a long time ago that advocated it's use but I never got too deep into it.
Honestly, I don't think you can learn this from a book or a video. If you want this, I mean truly want this, then you're going to have to go and find a temple or a teacher that will instruct you. It's not necessary to adopt a monastic lifestyle when learning this but certain places do place a premium on it.
2007-11-21 16:14:48 · answer #2 · answered by JavaJoe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Zen is a Japanese version of Buddhism, where one sits and meditates on a question that has no answer, a koan. It's meant to disrupt the habitual thought patterns so that you can be open and clear minded, at which time you can experience an epiphany about the nature of life/man, and become enlightened. Then I'm sure you've come across the Four Noble Truths, the very basics of Buddhism. Start here: http://www.buddhanet.net/
It is important to have a guide to teach you; it's difficult to pick up when it's not the culture in which you're born. ALSO, practicing Buddhism does not mean you have to give up your current belief system. Namaste.
2007-11-21 13:34:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
What is an isn't orthodox praxis of any religion is totally up for grabs and usually a matter of who kills who and wipes the other guy's version out. The Son Buddhist monks (Korean Zen Buddhist) I trained with in Korea had the same practices as the ones in Monterey. Their version dates back to the 9th century. The Zen Buddhist temples here in the US seem to be mostly Japanese Soto, like the ones up the coast in San Francisco and Tacoma. I studied kendo in one. as far as I could tell the Soto practices were the same as in Japan except Americans don't like to sit zazen.
2016-05-24 23:24:04 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're asking this question online, so I assume you have a computer. Therefore, you have a universe of knowledge at your fingertips. Start researching for yourself, teach yourself; don't have to be spoon-fed the information. Do your own homework. Go into any search engine (www.google.com, www.ask.com, etc.), type in whatever religion (or any topic) you need info about, and click "Search"...then dive on into the results. That "grey matter" inside your skull is there to be used...
2007-11-21 13:31:58 · answer #5 · answered by Gypsy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read some Alan Watts books. Lao Tzu. Go online and search for zen, taoism, beat poetry, and jazz.
2007-11-21 13:29:50 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with previous poster: Alan Watts is a good place to start. Try "The Wisdom of Insecurity".
2007-11-21 13:32:51 · answer #7 · answered by mrchowwow 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are serious about it, immerse yourself in it. For a start you have the internet, and that is a great resource to have when you want to undertake any learning process. Good luck.
2007-11-21 13:30:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Zen is a tool. a sort of prayer, if you will, that can be used within the context of any religion.
2007-11-21 13:29:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
there are no conflicting stories or commandments for believers only meditation.
2007-11-21 13:37:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋