Zen Buddism is a combination of Mahayana Buddism and What?
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Zen is a branch of Buddhism and as such is based on and deeply rooted in the Buddha's teachings. It is also very much the child of China and has some teaching derived from Confucianism and Taoism. The Zen branch calls itself the Buddha Heart School and traces its lineage back to the Buddha, with the Flower Sermon being the first transmission of the Dharma. It's common for daily chanting to include the lineage of the school, reciting the names of all "dharma ancestors" and teachers that have transmitted Zen teaching.\n\nZen is part of the Mahayana branch of Buddhism (Northern) and some practical differences are to be found with the Theravadins (Southern). For example, Zen and other Mahayana traditions place greater emphasis on the practice of the Paramitas (Path of Perfection) and less on the Eightfold Path, although familiarity with the Eightfold Path is still required. Another difference is in sutra study; Zen and other Mahayana traditions focus on the Mahayana Canon, while the Southern schools place emphasis on Tripitaka study.\n\nAll Zen schools, Rinzai or Soto, are versed in Buddhist Doctrine and Buddhist Philosophy, including the Precepts, Four Noble Truths, Pratitya Samutpada, Three Signs of Being, Five Skandhas, Three Fires, Four Right Efforts, Five Hindrances, Ten Fetters, and the Bhavacakra (and its symbolic representation). At the same time, Zen's emphasis on direct seeing into one's nature keeps it lively and at the edge of the tradition.\n\nThis openness has allowed non-Buddhists to practice Zen, especially outside of Asia, and even for the curious phenomenon of an emerging Christian Zen lineage, as well as one or two lines that call themselves "nonsectarian." With no official governing body, it's perhaps impossible to declare any authentic lineage "heretical." Some schools emphasize lineage and trace their line of teachers back to Japan, Korea, Vietnam or China; other schools do not.
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Yes. There were a number of Brahmin hermits, Hindu ascetic & Vedic monks and Yoga masters (Yogi's) all advocating meditation. The Buddha studies with several masters from many of these tradition's.\n\nIf you are interested in an in depth look at the Buddha, what he studied and the word around him, go to the link below. It has a lot of information. \n\nhttp://www.buddhanet.net\n\nIn particular, for the life of the Buddha, check out this page:\n\nhttp://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/lifebuddha/index.htm\n\nI hope this helps.
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The Triple Gem\n1. The Buddha — The self awakened one. The original nature of the Heart;\n2. The Dhamma — The Teaching. The nature of reality;\n3. The Sangha — a. The Awakened Community. b. Any harmonious assembly. c. All Beings.\n\nThe Four Noble Truths\n1. The Noble Truth of Dukkha - stress, unsatisfactoriness, suffering;\n2. The Noble Truth of the causal arising of Dukkha, which is grasping, clinging and wanting;\n3. The Noble Truth of Nirvana, The ending of Dukkha. Awakening, Enlightenment. "Mind like fire unbound";\n4. The Noble Truth of the Path leading to Nirvana or Awakening.\nAll Buddhist teachings flow from the Four Noble Truths. \n\nThe Four Bodhisattva Vows\n1. I vow to rescue the boundless living beings from suffering; (Link to 1st Truth)\n2. I vow to put an end to the infinite afflictions of living beings; (Link to 2nd Truth)\n3. I vow to learn the measureless Dharma-doors; (Link to 4th Truth)\n4. I vow to realise the unsurpassed path of the Buddha. (Link to 3th Truth)\nFoundation of the Mahayana Path, these vows say. 'Whatever the highest perfection of the human heart-mind may I realise it for the benefit of all that lives!'\n\nThe Eight Fold-Path\nRight, Integral, Complete, Perfected.\n1. Right View, Understanding;\n2. Right Attitude, Thought or Emotion;\n3. Right Speech;\n4. Right Action;\n5. Right livelihood;\n6. Right Effort, Energy, and Vitality;\n7. Right Mindfulness or Awareness;\n8. Right Samadhi "concentration", one-pointedness. Integration of, or establishment in, various levels of consciousness.\n\nThe Five Precepts\nI undertake to:\n1. Abstain from killing living beings;\n2. Abstain from taking that which not given;\n3. Abstain from sexual misconduct;\n4. Abstain from false speech;\n5. Abstain from distilled substances that confuse the mind. (Alcohol and Drugs)\nThe underlying principle is non-exploitation of yourself or others. The precepts are the foundation of all Buddhist training. With a developed ethical base, much of the emotional conflict and stress that we experience is resolved, allowing commitment and more conscious choice. Free choice and intention is important. It is "I undertake" not 'Thou Shalt". Choice, not command.\n\nThe Five Precepts in positive terms\nI undertake the training precept to:\n1. Act with Loving-kindness;\n2. Be open hearted and generous;\n3. Practice stillness, simplicity and contentment;\n4. Speak with truth, clarity and peace;\n5. Live with mindfulness.\n\nThe Ten Paramita\nParamita means gone to the other shore, it is the highest development of each of these qualities.\n1. Giving or Generosity; *\n2. Virtue, Ethics, Morality; *\n3. Renunciation, letting go, not grasping;\n4. Panna or Prajna "Wisdom" insight into the nature of reality; *\n5. Energy, vigour, vitality, diligence; *\n6. Patience or forbearance; *\n7. Truthfulness;\n8. Resolution, determination, intention;\n9. Kindness, love, friendliness;\n10. Equanimity.\n\n\nThe Four Sublime or Uplifted States\n1. Metta — Friendliness, Loving-kindness;\n2. Karuna — Compassion;\n3. Mudita — Joy, Gladness. Appreciation of good qualities in people;\n4. Upekkha — Equanimity, the peaceful unshaken mind.\n\nFull development of these four states develops all of the Ten Paramita.\nThe Five Powers or Spiritual Faculties\n1.Faith, Confidence;\n2. Energy, Effort;\n3. Mindfulness;\n4. Samadhi;\n5. Wisdom.\n\nThe Five Hindrances\n1. Sense craving;\n2. Ill-will;\n3. Sloth and Torpor;\n4, Restlessness and Worry;\n5. Toxic doubt and the ruthless inner critic.\n\nThe Four bases or Frames of Reference of Mindfulness\n1. Mindfulness of the Body — breath, postures, parts;\n2. Mindfulness of Feelings, Sensations — pleasant, unpleasant and neutral;\n3. Mindfulness of States of Consciousness;\n4. Mindfulness of all Phenomena or Objects of Consciousness.\n\nThe Three Signs of Existence or Universal Properties\n1. Anicca — Impermanent;\n2. Dukkha — Unsatisfactory,
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Buddhism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha.\n\nThe Four Noble Truths\n\nThe Buddha taught that life was dissatisfactory because of craving, but that this condition was curable by following the Noble Eightfold Path ( This teaching is called the Four Noble Truths )\n\nDukkha: All worldly life is unsatisfactory, disjointed, containing suffering. \n\nSamudaya: There is a cause of suffering, which is attachment or desire (tanha) rooted in ignorance (avidya). \n\nNirodha: There is an end of suffering, which is Nirvana. \n\nMagga: There is a path that leads out of suffering, known as the Noble Eightfold Path. \n\nThe Noble Eightfold Path\n \n In order to fully understand the noble truths and investigate whether they were in fact true, Buddha recommended that a certain path be followed which consists of:\n\nRight Understanding \nRight Thought  \nRight Speech\nRight Conduct \nRight Livelihood  \nRight Effort \nRight Mindfulness  \nRight Concentration \n\n Buddhist texts\n\nThe Buddhist canon of scripture is known in Sanskrit as the Tripitaka \n\nThese terms literally mean "three baskets" and refer to the three main divisions of the canon, which are:\n\nThe Vinaya Pitaka, containing disciplinary rules for the Sangha of Buddhist monks and nuns, as well as a range of other texts including explanations of why and how rules were instituted, supporting material, and doctrinal clarification. \n\nThe Sutra Pitaka , contains the actual discourses of the Buddha. \n\nA third type containing commentaries or systematic expositions of the Buddha's teachings. In the Theravada school, as well as in several others, this division is called the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
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Buddha or the Bodhidharma (sanskrit) or daruma (Japanese) is the enlightened one.\n\nOne who has attained enlightenment, who has broken through the earthly plane and saw things as they really are.
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I.B.P.S. Toronto\n6525 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga, ON, L5N 7K6\nTel: (905) 814-0465, Fax:(905) 814-0469\nEmails: torontofgs@fgs.org.tw, info@fgs.ca\nWeb site: www.fgs.ca\nTradition: Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism\nAffilation: Fo Guang Shan\nSpiritual Director: Ven. Master Hsing Yun
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There are many forms of Buddhism and as you know, Zen is only one of them.  Zen is a form of Mahayana Buddhism. The Name Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese Character Ch'an which was the name given to the Dhyana teachings of Buddhism. \n\nA few of the more distinctive teachings of Zen(Ch'an) are:\n- Zen puts a great deal of emphases on meditation. This includes traditional sitting meditation, walking meditation and meditation while performing daily tasks such as eating, working, etc...\n- Zen puts little emphases on textual studies. Zen practitioners do read the sutras, but unlike many other forms of Buddhism, the sutras are not considered the paramount in the achievement of enlightenment. \n- Some forms of Buddhism, such as most schools of Tibetan Buddhism as well as Pure Land schools of Buddhism have many ceremonies, and rituals. Zen has many fewer and less 'secretive' practices.  \n- The Use of the Koan.  Most other schools of Buddhism believe that Enlightenment comes from a deep understanding of the doctrines of Buddhism. Zen teaches the enlightenment is a spontaneous response that is NOT perpetuated by classical study and knowledge... It just happens. A koan is a question, statement or story that generally contains aspects that are inaccessible to rational understanding, yet may be accessible to intuition and thus lead to enlightenment. \n- Generally speaking, Zen puts less emphases on Buddha the man and more on Buddha's teachings. \n\nI hope this helps.
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All I could think of is the religion Buddhism.\nOh, and martial arts too. (Kung fu).
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Buddhism is a nontheistic religion and philosophy focusing on the teachings of the Buddha Śākyamuni (Pāli:Sakyamuni), born Siddhārtha (Pāli: Siddhattha) of the Gautama (Pāli: Gotama) gotra, who probably lived in the 5th century BCE. Buddhism spread throughout the ancient Indian sub-continent in the five centuries following the Buddha's death, and propagated into Central, Southeast, and East Asia over the next two millennia. Today, Buddhism is divided primarily into three traditions: Theravāda (Sanskrit: Sthaviravāda), Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna. Buddhism continues to attract followers worldwide, and, with around 708 million followers, it is considered a major world religion.\n\nA Buddha is considered to be a person who discovers the true nature of reality through years of study, investigation of the various religious practices of his time, and meditation. This transformational discovery is called bodhi or "enlightenment". Any person who has, without the instruction of others, become awakened to the principles of the Dharma, is called a buddha. Śākyamuni is said to have been only the latest of many of these; there were other buddhas before him and there will be others in the future. According to the Buddha, any person can follow his example and become enlightened through the study of his words, and by leading a virtuous, moral life. In general, the aim of Buddhist practice is to end all kinds of suffering in life. To achieve this state, adherents seek to purify and train the mind by following the Noble Eightfold Path, and eventually to gain true knowledge of reality and thus attain liberation: nirodha or nirvāṇa(Pāli nibbāna).
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My dear friend, \n\nBelow I have done my best to try and explain the sects of Buddhism to level comprehensible to the general public; I sincerely hope it helps you.\n\nHowever, I first must briefly touch on the answer given by [Ronin], which is undoubtedly more a source than an answer.  To comment, our friend here has asked us to help her understand the differences between the branches of Buddhism, as she hasn't "been able to understand them perfectly and was wondering if anyone could put them into layman’s terms for [her]".  Citing wikipedia does neither for her, and I believe you may even insult her by suggesting she does not know how to search for information.  People come her, to the answers services because they have been unsuccessful in their quest for an answer; hence it is up to people who may know the answer to try and assist them in any way that we can, and not simply throw them more incomprehensible information.\n\nA period after the pir-nirvana of the Lord Buddha, the "Elders" and the "Novices" of Buddhism had an argument regarding the preservation of offerings for an overnight situation.  This let to a fine separation into 2 factions of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahasamghika (Elders and Novices) - the terms used previously are given in the ancient language Sanskrit.  In fact, the Mahasamghika was the stepping stone or hint that another form of Buddhism would take place, and that form would be known as Mahayana Buddhism.  Mahayana Buddhism was introduced to the world by Nagarjuna Buddha (or Nagarjuna Bodhisattva - depending on tradition), and the Mahasamghika slowly dissipated into another form of Buddhism, known as Hinayana.\n\nSo to briefly bring things into perspective:  Hinayana, Mahayana and Theravada.  However, this is not the end yet.  Some people actually place Theravada Buddhism under the banner of Hinayana Buddhism.  So, there are mainly the two branches: Hinayana and Mahayana (but readers please take note, it is not that I am in total agreement of this; I merely wish to use it as an example to simplify matters).  Now, to help you understand the differences.  Places like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, India etc are all examples where Hinayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are easily distinguished tending to look like a very large cloth wrapped around their body.  Countries like China, Taiwan, Korea, Tibet, Japan etc are all examples where Mahayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are not so easily distinguished tending to vary from tradition, but one thing is certain, and that is they often have a look of Chinese Tang Dynasty Royal Family robes.\n\nWell, "is that all", you ask?  No, because within the Mahayana tradition there is another lineage of Buddhism, known as the Tantrayana (or Vajrayana).  All the countries mentioned in the category of Mahayana fit this description, but please take note that there is an extremely large amount of overlapping.  And to complicate matter even further, these branches of Buddhism are separated in another general manner:  Exoteric and Esoteric.\n\nSo to conclude:\nExoteric Buddhism - Hinayana Buddhism (Thailand, Sri Lanka...etc)\n             - Mahayana Buddhism (Taiwan, Korea, China)\n\nEsoteric Buddhism-Tantrayana Buddhism (China, Tibet, Japan)\n\nRemember, it all depends in what context you are speaking of.\n\nI hope I have helped you, and would appreciate criticism and education from the learned friends of the world wide web.\n\nvhy
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Buddhism is a philosophy, and so can be compatible with various religious beliefs. Christianity is a belief system, which makes it incompatible with other beliefs.
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Religious philosophy or speculation about the nature of the soul based on mystical insight into the nature of God. \noften Theosophy The system of beliefs and teachings of the Theosophical Society, founded in New York City in 1875, incorporating aspects of Buddhism and Brahmanism, especially the belief in reincarnation and spiritual evolution.
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The Mahayana appears to have developed between the 1st Century BC to the 1st Century CE. About the 2nd Century CE Mahayana became clearly defined. Master Nagarjuna developed the Mahayana philosophy of Sunyata (emptiness) and proved that everything is 'Void' (not only the self) in a small text called Madhyamika-karika. After the 1st Century CE., the Mahayanists took a definite stand and only then the terms of Mahayana and Hinayana were introduced. \n\nAround the first century CE, teachings of a different style appeared. The terms Mahayana and Hinayana appeared in the Saddharma Pundarika Sutra or the Sutra of the Lotus of the Good Law. Of great influence to the development of the Mahayana was Master Nagarjuna (2nd Century CE) who is known for his profound teachings on the philosophy of emptiness. About the 4th Century CE, the Masters Asanga and Vasubandhu wrote enormous amount of works on Mahayana. The Mahayana teachings were mainly written down in Sanskrit, and are now called the Mahayana Sutras. \nA clear division arose between the schools following the traditional teachings and Mahayana. Although the main philosophical differences may be small, they have profound consequences for the practices involved. \nThe Mahayana philosophy is based on the older tradition and fully accepts these teachings, but not all traditional interpretations. One of the most important aspects is for example the traditional interpretation that Buddhahood can be achieved only by very few people. The Mahayana teaches instead that every sentient being (being with a mind) can become a Buddha, the only thing preventing our full enlightenment is the failure to improve one's own actions and state of mind. The Mahayana tradition claims that all their sutras have been taught directly by Shakyamuni Buddha or have at least been inspired by the Buddha. \nThe main Mahayana motivation is to lead all sentient beings to enlightenment. Liberation from cyclic existence (Nirvana) and Buddhahood for oneself are regarded simply as fortunate by-products of one's efforts to help all beings. In fact, the only possible motivation with which one can become a Buddha is the altruistic wish to lead all sentient beings away from suffering. \nThis motivation is reflected in taking an additional set of vows, known as Bodhisattva vows on top of taking Refuge. The main vow is to free all sentient beings from suffering. These vows are not taken for this life only, but for all future lives as well, until this goal is achieved. The main practices of a Mahayanist are summarised in the 6 perfections: the perfection of giving, ethics, patience, joyous effort, concentration and wisdom. \nThe Mahayana tradition mainly developed in North India, and spread further North into China and Tibet. In China, Buddhist philosophy and practice was often mixed with Taoist and Confucian aspects. Via China, Mahayana Buddhism also spread to other countries like Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Japan. Also, in China the Ch'an tradition evolved, which was introduced into Japan, and there developed into Zen. Also, the very popular Pure Land Buddhism developed, which focuses on being reborn in the Pure Land of Amitabha, mainly through recitation of Amitabha Buddha's name. Pure Land Buddhism is known as Jodo in Japan.\n\nIn contrast to the current very clear division between Theravada and Mahayana schools, it must be noted that for many centuries, monasteries in India were filled with monks of both traditions. It was considered a very personal decision to choose for individual liberation or Buddhahood. The monastic and ordination rules are virtually the same, and the teachings overlap to a great extent. See for example this important text from the World Buddhist Sangha Council convened by Theravadins in Sri Lanka in 1966.\n\nThere are tons more about the three Veichels of Buddhism here too the jewls the stories and the symbols hope this helps I had to do a paper for theolgy a few weeks a
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I'm not a Tibetan practitioner, but I'm very intrested in all Mahayana schools, especially anything to do with the Lotus Sutra,\nEmail me at Shinai_Inaozuke@yahoo.com, if you want to talk
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Not sure what you mean, but Siddhartha (Buddha) was raised in the Hindu faith. A lot of the concepts of Hinduism have thus found their way into Buddhism.
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Lao-tzu said that if a man could concentrate fully on a single question for just five minutes he could conquer the world. \n\nZen meditation is, in fact, a discipline. On the surface it may appear that a "meditator" is blissed out, the zen features are a grounding of one's self so as to respond to the world in a non-reactive way. \n\nPeace.
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The Buddhist faith has many sects, as Christianity does, i.e., Catholics, Baptists (some sub-groups in that one), Latter Day Saints, etc.  Just as there are many "types" of bibles, such is true for Buddhism as well.  I belong to and practice Zen Buddhism, and Zen practitioners do not read some texts that say, Tibetan Buddhists do.\n\nJust my two cents...