Unveiling the Mystery of Zen

Zen.  The word itself evokes tranquility – serene gardens, quiet monks pondering cryptic riddles. But what exactly is Zen? Is it a religion, a philosophy, or something else entirely?

A Path to Awakening

Zen originates from the word “Dhyana” in Sanskrit and “Jhana” in Pali, which means ‘meditation’. Zen Buddhism, a school of Mahayana Buddhism, originated in China as “Ch'an”, spread through Korea as “Seon,” and then to Japan as “Zen”; however, the pronunciation Zen is the most well-known in the West.

It emphasizes direct experience and insight into the nature of our Mind (original essence) over scripture and dogma. The core aim is to awaken our true essence, the inherent Buddha-Nature within each of us.

Beyond Duality: The Heart of Zen Practice

Zen cuts through intellectual concepts and the duality of good/bad, right/wrong. It invites us to experience the world directly, without the constant mental chatter and judgment.

This is primarily achieved through meditation practices that cultivate a "Don't Know" or "No-Mind" state. Here, the thinking mind quiets, allowing pure awareness to shine through unobstructed.

Mindful Inquiry: The Art of Zen

While seated meditation is the foundation, Zen extends beyond the cushion. The practice of Koan (inquiry) allows contemplative meditation to permeate all activities.

Zen emphasizes inquiry into the nature of our mind, the state before a thought arises. Questions like "What am I?" or "What is this that which is aware?" turn our attention inward, exploring the essence of our pure awareness. This inquiry can be practiced continuously, in stillness or motion.

Zen is not confined to meditation. It's a way of life that encourages mindful inquiry in every moment. From moving and resting to sitting and working, everyday activities become opportunities to explore the present reality with focused inquiry. Seated meditation remains the fundamental practice, helping beginners quiet the mind. However, the inquiry itself can continue throughout the day as we engage in mindful activities.

Seeing Through the Clouds: The Goal of Zen

Through meditation and mindful living, Zen practitioners may experience a moment of sudden awakening or enlightenment. Even if it’s a temporary experience, it provides a realization of our oneness with all, a dissolving of the illusion of separation. Then the practice continues until the knowingness and beingness become one.

The ultimate state of Zen practice is when the clouds of the thinking mind have subsided and the ever-present Buddha-Nature radiates as the Absolute Wisdom. Even when one has a temporary or spontaneous experience of our essence, we come to realize that we are already a Buddha, an awakened or enlightened being within. All we have to do is stop clinging to the illusion of false identity as an individual self but for some, it will require the practice of letting go and mindful inquiry into “What am I?”.