What is Zen?
Before proceeding to expound the teaching of Zen at some length in the
following pages, let me answer some of the questions which are frequently
raised by critics concerning the real nature of Zen. Is Zen a system of
philosophy, highly intellectual and profoundly metaphysical, as most
Buddhist teachings are? I have already stated that we find in Zen all the
philosophy of the East crystallized, but this ought not to be taken as
meaning that Zen is a philosophy in the ordinary application of the term.
MA by Minura Mirsultanova
Intellectual Element in Zen
1 Intellectual Element
There may be an intellectual element in Zen, for Zen is the whole mind, and in it we find a
great many things; but the mind is not a composite thing that is to be divided into so
many faculties, leaving nothing behind when the dissection is over.
2 Philosophy of the East
We find in Zen all the philosophy of the East crystallized, but this ought not to be taken as
meaning that Zen is a philosophy in the ordinary application of the term.
3 Logic and Analysis
Zen is decidedly not a system founded upon logic and analysis. If anything, it is the
antipode to logic, by which I mean the dualistic mode of thinking.
Teachings of Zen
1 Zen Teaches 2 Intellectual Analysis 3 Cardinal Doctrines
Nothing Zen has nothing to teach There s certainly nothing
'
Whatever teachings there us in the way of in Zen purposely set up as
are in Zen they come out
, intellectual analysis nor
; its cardinal doctrines or as
of one s own mind We
' . has it any set doctrines its fundamental
teach ourselves Zen
; which are imposed on its philosophy .
merely points the way . followers for acceptance.
Zen as a Religion
Religious Images in Zen Temples Immaculate Yogins
Encumbrances
As to all those images of It boldly declares that "the
Zen is free from all dogmatic various Buddhas and immaculate Yogins do not
and "religious" encumbrances. Bodhisattvas and Devas and enter Nirvana and the precept-
other beings that one comes violating monks do not go to
across in Zen temples, they are hell".
like so many pieces of wood or
stone or metal.
Zen and Meditation
Meditation in Zen Freedom from Discipline of Zen
Upon what do the fowl of
Encumbrances The discipline of Zen
the air meditate? Upon what If there is anything Zen consists in opening the
do the fish in the water strongly emphasizes it is the mental eye in order to look
meditate ? They fly; they ;
attainment of freedom that into the very reason of
.
swim Is not that enough ? ,
is freedom from all existence.
unnatural encumbrances .
Inner Workings of Zen
Inner Purity and Goodness
1 Zen believes in his inner purity and goodness Whatever is superadded or
.
violently torn away injures the wholesomeness of the spirit
, .
Freedom from Limitations
2 Not a single idea will disturb your consciousness when lo all of a sudden you
, !
will come to realize a light abounding in full gladness
.
Direct Communication
The intellect accomplishes its mission when it works as an intermediary and
3
,
Zen has nothing to do with an intermediary except when it desires to
communicate itself to others.
Practical and Living Zen
1 2
Practical Method Everyday Thought
Indeed, Zen cannot be anything else but original When a Zen master was once asked what Zen
and creative because it refuses to deal with was, he replied, "Your everyday thought."
concepts but deals with having facts of life.
Ultimate Fact of Zen
Zen Systematic training of the mind
Mysticism Revolutionized by Zen
Central Fact of Life Grasped by Zen in the most direct and most
vital manner
Understanding Zen
Direct Communication Attainment of Freedom Absolute Peace of Mind
Zen has nothing to do with For whatever authority there is When Zen is thoroughly
letters, words, or sutras. It only in Zen, all comes from within. understood, absolute peace of
requests you to grasp the point This is true in the strictest sense mind is attained, and a man lives
directly and therein to find your of the word. as he ought to live.
peaceful abode.
Practical Method of Zen
Practical and Living Direct Communication Original and Creative
Zen It has nothing to do with any Indeed, Zen cannot be
With the development of sectarian spirit. Christians as anything else but original
Zen, mysticism has ceased well as Buddhists can and creative because it
to be mystical; it is no more practice Zen just as big fish refuses to deal with
the spasmodic product of an and small fish are both concepts but deals with
abnormally endowed mind. contentedly living in the having facts of life.
same ocean.
