What is Zen? · Centre Info · Resident Teacher ·  Why Sit a Retreat?

What is Zen?

The roots of Zen Buddhism can be traced back 2,500 years to the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni.  The teachings transmitted “mind to mind” from teacher to student, spread from India to China, Southeast Asia, Korea, and Japan and eventually appeared in the west at the turn of the 20^th century.

The essence of Zen Buddhism is practiced in the realization of the Four Great Vows. 

The Four Great Vows are:

 Sentient beings are numberless; we vow to save them all.

Delusions are endless; we vow to cut through them all.

The teachings are infinite; we vow to learn them all.

The Buddha Way is inconceivable; we vow to attain it.

 Zen means meditation.  Meditation means wisdom.  The formal aspect of Zen Buddhism includes: sitting meditation, chanting of the sutras, bowing and kong-an practice, all done within the context of a Great Question such as, “Who am I?”  Practising with a Great Question, the mind that is before thinking, the not-knowing mind appears.  This before-thinking mind is our original nature.  It has no name and no form, and is clear like space.  So, whatever one hears, sees, tastes, touches, thinks and smells is the truth.  Sugar is sweet; salt is salty.  However, attaining truth is not enough.  How does truth function, moment by moment?  When driving your car, just drive.  When eating your lunch, just eat.  If someone is hungry, give them food.  If someone is thirsty, give them something to drink.  That is Zen.  That is the true human way – reflecting the truth in each moment as it arises for the benefit of all beings.  

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Last updated: 12 April 2006.