Originating in China as Chan Buddhism, then spreading to Vietnam and Korea, then to Japan, where it became known as Seon Buddhism and Japanese Zen, In the West, it is generally known as Zen
The term, Zen, is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of Chan, which has its origins in the practice of Dhyana (meditation) in India.
Zen Buddhism is associated with Mahayana traditions, particularly Yogachara, Huayan, and Madhyamaka, although its origins were strongly influenced by Taoism.
The practice of dhyana is central to Zen. Dhyana is a form of meditation, also used in Hinduism and Jainism, intended to achieve a state of perfect equanimity and awareness.
Practitioners generally assume a sitting position, either lotus, half-lotus, Burmese, or yoga postures, with hands placed on the lap, left hand on right, with fingers outstretched, and palms upward. The hands and fingers form a triangle. This is a gesture of meditation known as the dhyana mudra. Sometimes the practitioner uses a pad to sit on, or perhaps a chair.
In the Sōtō school of Zen, a meditation practice known as shikantaza is commonly used, in which the practitioner simply sits in silent reflection, being aware of his thoughts but allowing them to come and go without interference.
In some Zen temples, meditation is practiced in groups. Known as sesshin, this may involve a daily routine in which monks meditate for several hours a day. Lay students may take part in intensive sessions, from one to seven days in a row, during which meditation periods are broken with rest breaks, meals, and short periods of work.
Some schools of Zen practice a meditation method known as kōan, which is a story or dialogue between a Zen master and student. This may be practiced during sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), or during any other daily activity. The student is expected to demonstrate his understanding of the kōan through his responses, while the master may approve or disapprove of the student's answer, guiding him to the correct answer.
Also used in Zen monasteries is a daily liturgy that involves the chanting of significant sutras.
In the West, the emphasis is on meditation and the application of Zen teachings in daily life, but in Japan, it also serves as a function of public religion. Most Sōtō laypeople visit their temple only for funerals, although they may practice Zen in their personal lives.
Given the large number of Zen schools, and the variety of teachings, it is difficult to point to standard Zen principles. The largest schools of Zen Buddhism are Rinzai, Sōtō, and Ōbaku-shū.
Although the public face of Zen is its emphasis on meditation, literature also has a place. Zen is rooted in the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, and Zen monks are expected to be familiar with the Zen canon and to be well versed in Mahayana sutras, particularly the Lotus Sutra. A rich textual tradition, based on the interpretation of Buddhist teachings and the words of Zen masters, has developed.
Zen Buddhism, including any of its schools or sects, are the focus of the websites listed in this category, or any subcategories. These may be institutional or purely informative.
Recommended Resources
Located in Elmhurst, New York, and founded by Chan Master Sheng Yen in 1977, the CMC is affiliated with Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Its history and origins are defined, along with a biography and introduction to its founder, and a calendar of talks, weekly activities, and events. Its meditation traditions are elucidated, and a photo gallery, audio, video, and live broadcasts are included. Contributions may be made online.
http://www.chancenter.org/
Online since 1998, the site offers a mixture of Eastern quotes for each day of the year, electronic cards inspired by Zen, and a meditation room that includes a single quote and a count of the number of visitors who are online at the same time. Another resource is a monthly journal that illustrates Zen principles, quotations, and admonitions. An archive of other journals is available, and a gift shop allows for the online purchase of Zen books, posters, and other items.
https://www.dailyzen.com/
Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
The Jogye Order, known as Zen in the West, is one of the original Nine Schools of Seon Buddhism. The site includes a history of Korean Buddhism and expounds on its monastic practices, tenets, ceremonies, meditation practices, and cultural heritage, as well as an introduction to the Patriarch of the Jogye Order. An archive of its publication, “Lotus Lantern Magazine,” may be viewed online.
http://www.koreanbuddhism.net/
Founded in 1983 by Seungsahn, a Korean Seon master, the Kwan Um School of Zen is an international organization of Zen centers, headquartered in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Its organizational structure, centers, teachers, programs and events are highlighted, and an introduction to Zen, its meditation techniques, teaching library, and other resources are acknowledged, and membership information is included.
https://kwanumzen.org/
The Rinzai school is one of the three main sects of Zen Buddhism. The RZC is an international association of Buddhist practitioners following the Zen tradition. Its organizational structure, leadership, and associated groups are identified, along with membership policies and a private section for registered members. The site also includes an introduction to Zen and its practices and a synopsis of RZC publications.
https://www.rinzaizen.org/
The Sōtō-shu school of Zen Buddhism is the largest of the Zen sects in Japanese Buddhism. Founded in the Tang Dynasty, it emphasizes Shikantaza. An introduction to the denomination is advanced, including a message from the head priest, and a history. Its practices, sutras, meditation techniques, and a calendar of events are illustrated, and a library of videos, Zen stories, talks, comics, journals, sermons, and a glossary are included.
https://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/index.html
SZBA was formed by American and Japanese Zen teachers in 1996 in order to bring the North American Sōtō stream of Zen together for the purposes of networking, support, training, and the implementation of ethical standards. Membership information, a private member area, and a guide to teachers, centers, and intensive practice opportunities are elucidated. A guide to meditation and the Soto Zen tradition are featured.
http://szba.org/
Offering a collection of materials relating to Zen Buddhism, including the history, teachings, and philosophy of the Buddhist tradition. The site includes a teachings page with commentaries by various teachers, mostly contemporary, while its essays section publishes the results of studies, histories, reading lists, book reviews, and book sources, including critiques of Zen. Links to other Zen resources are included, along with other essays of interest.
http://www.thezensite.com/
Established in 1956, the Zen Studies Society is the work of an American Rinzai Zen Community, intended to support the Buddhist scholar D.T. Suzuki in his quest to introduce Zen Buddhism to the West. An overview of Zen Buddhism is shared, and information and schedules of intensive training programs, work studies, and events are posted. Its guidelines for day visits and guests are conveyed, and Zen teachings are described in several informational articles.
http://zenstudies.org/
A guide to Zen Buddhism and Zen meditation, the site answers questions about who the Buddha is, Buddhist beliefs and principles, and the history of Zen, as well as various meditation techniques, Zen concepts, and quotes from Zen teachers. Other resources include Zen and Japanese art, Zen and Japanese martial arts, and famous Zen masters. A directory of Zen temples and a suggested reading list are included.
http://www.zen-buddhism.net/
This comprehensive free guide to the principles and practices of Zen Buddhism includes the text of pieces of Zen literature and a discussion of karma, reincarnation, and a glossary of terms. An introduction and guide to the Zen Buddhist tradition are presented, along with stories, readings, book reviews, art and prints, audio, video, DVD recommendations, and digital art wallpaper. An online discussion forum is included.
http://www.zenguide.com/
