ZEN PHILOSOPHY
With roots buried deep in soils of Ancient India,
And watered by the exotic blend of three different
cultures;
Reflecting the mysticism of India, the pragmatism
of the Confucian mind,
And the Taoist's love of naturalness and spontaneity;
Buddhism bloomed and blossomed into an exotic
flower called ' Zen Philosophy '!
In 475AD, a pupil of Buddha called Bodhidharma,
went to China!
There this Mahayana School of Buddhism, mingled
with Chinese Taoism,
Evolving into Chan Philosophy!
'Chan 'derived from the Sanskrit word 'dhyana', which
meant silent meditation,
Through which the Buddha attained enlightenment
and salvation!
Later, in 1200 AD, the Chan philosophy, travelled
to the shores of Japan,
Where 'Chan ' got translated to ' Zen '!
Zen is the art of meditation to achieve inner awakening;
To gain intutive knowledge, highlighting the inadequacy
of logical reasoning!
It therefore advocates the practice of 'zazen', or 'sitting
meditation', -
For acquiring inner awakening through silent
contemplation!
Zen could be practised in our daily life,
Without entering a hermitage, leaving behind your
family or wife!
'Gain the naturalness of your original true nature, '
- preaches the Zen teacher!
'Rather than through mere faith and devotion,
which is contrary to Zen notion! '
One must awaken to this present moment to feel
this life,
And not waste time in speculations of an elusive
after-life! '
The 'Enso' or circle, is the Zen symbol which is
often deployed,
Symbolising enlightenment, strength, the universe,
and the void!
With this 'expression of the moment ' the Zen philosophy
starts,
And today the Enso is also the symbol of expressionist
art!
Never ask the Zen Master, ' What is Zen, when or how? '
For he will always tell you, 'Zen is the instant now '!
-Raj Nandy
New Delhi
11 Sep 08
(Having written three poems on KOAN, which is inseparable
part of Zen philosohy, I have tried to explain Zen philosophy!)
It's a fine piece Raj. I relate to it because I, myself, have always been inspired by The Great Buddha and, recently, I have cultivated an interest in Zen which is really a practical philosophy: you do - as you have rightly said - have to go into hermitage to mediate. It is all about the here and the now. I recently read a book by Tich Nathan entitled 'Living Buddha Living Christ'. In it one of the monks was asked: Sir, As monks what do you do? The monk replied: 'We eat; we walk; we sleep'. the person replied 'What's so special about that. We all do those things' to which the monk replied: 'When we eat, we eat, when we walk, we walk and when we sleep, we sleep'. I think that you would agree that the philosophy is very well enshrined in these simple words. I really enjoyed your poem which is very well written and very informative. Leonard
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Thanks for sharing Zen philosophy. I like to add in my list. Regards