Melissa
I would like to practice Zen Buddhism and I was doing research on the internet on how to do so. It says to read Buddhist literature and to study the Doctrine. This may sound like a stupid question, but is there a book that focuses on the Doctrine other then having to read articles on the internet? Also is there any other books that focus on Buddhism and its spiritual philosophy? If so please give me the link to where I could possibly buy a book on it.
Any additional information is greatly appreciated, thank you!
Answer
While there are many books about Zen Buddhism, they all fail to capture the essence of this ancient tradition. That's because Zen is fundamentally about practice, not knowledge. In Zen, we say that books are like fingers pointing to the moon. If you give your attention to the finger, you may never see the moon.
Zen practice includes sitting meditation, chanting, work periods, and other activities that cultivate wisdom and compassion. While you can read about these activities, reading will never give you a sense of the world of Zen. It would be like reading about tennis rather than playing it.
This webpage gives a very good description of how to practice Zen meditation - zazen (which is quite simple):
http://www.mro.org/zmm/teachings/meditation.php
The best guide to Zen practice in book format is Robert Aitken Roshi's "Taking the Path of Zen:"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0865470804?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0865470804&adid=1T62EWQYJXZM2NK7KXN7
These links will take you to the best websites on Zen. Although these aren't really designed for newcomers, you may find useful information on them:
http://sweepingzen.com/
http://www.thezensite.com/
Note that the first site (Sweeping Zen) contains links to many Zen centers. If you can go to a Zen center, you will get direction instruction - by far the best way to learn Zen and Buddhism.
There are many good general introductions to Buddhism and everyone has their favorites. Mine is "It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein. I like this book because the author, a senior Buddhist teacher, writes with warmth, wit and wisdom. And she draws on events and circumstances of everyday life to illustrate how the ancient principles of Buddhism remain relevant to the ordinary concerns of ordinary people.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H2MEGY?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000H2MEGY&adid=027ES72NXV2WJY7ZNM7G
Best wishes on your path!
While there are many books about Zen Buddhism, they all fail to capture the essence of this ancient tradition. That's because Zen is fundamentally about practice, not knowledge. In Zen, we say that books are like fingers pointing to the moon. If you give your attention to the finger, you may never see the moon.
Zen practice includes sitting meditation, chanting, work periods, and other activities that cultivate wisdom and compassion. While you can read about these activities, reading will never give you a sense of the world of Zen. It would be like reading about tennis rather than playing it.
This webpage gives a very good description of how to practice Zen meditation - zazen (which is quite simple):
http://www.mro.org/zmm/teachings/meditation.php
The best guide to Zen practice in book format is Robert Aitken Roshi's "Taking the Path of Zen:"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0865470804?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0865470804&adid=1T62EWQYJXZM2NK7KXN7
These links will take you to the best websites on Zen. Although these aren't really designed for newcomers, you may find useful information on them:
http://sweepingzen.com/
http://www.thezensite.com/
Note that the first site (Sweeping Zen) contains links to many Zen centers. If you can go to a Zen center, you will get direction instruction - by far the best way to learn Zen and Buddhism.
There are many good general introductions to Buddhism and everyone has their favorites. Mine is "It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein. I like this book because the author, a senior Buddhist teacher, writes with warmth, wit and wisdom. And she draws on events and circumstances of everyday life to illustrate how the ancient principles of Buddhism remain relevant to the ordinary concerns of ordinary people.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H2MEGY?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000H2MEGY&adid=027ES72NXV2WJY7ZNM7G
Best wishes on your path!
What are your thoughts regarding Zen buddhism?
Q. Any reasons you find to doubt some of the central ideas behind Zen buddhism would be ideal.
Answer
Zen Buddhism is an interesting way of looking at life without religious beliefs. To me it's a look inside ourselves in regards to the way we human beings think and act. The thing I appreciate about the Buddha is his edict to not believe what he's said. "Don't take my word for anything. Check it out for yourselves." To me that takes himself out of being God. He said we all have Buddha nature.
The Buddha On Belief:
Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. "
Donny (Life Coach)
Zen Buddhism is an interesting way of looking at life without religious beliefs. To me it's a look inside ourselves in regards to the way we human beings think and act. The thing I appreciate about the Buddha is his edict to not believe what he's said. "Don't take my word for anything. Check it out for yourselves." To me that takes himself out of being God. He said we all have Buddha nature.
The Buddha On Belief:
Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. "
Donny (Life Coach)
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