What Is The Difference Between Zen And Buddhism?
Whenever we talk about a Zen attitude, one thing comes to mind at the same time, Buddhism. Some consider them to be similar practices, but followers know how to distinguish Zen from Buddhism.
What Zen Really Means to Buddhists and what place does it occupy in this practice?
General information on the Zen attitude
Above all, we have to go back several decades before our era to learn more about Zen. From a theoretical point of view, it is defined as a philosophy that focuses on meditation in order toachieve inner enlightenment. It is a question of detaching oneself from emotions and from the external environment to perceive the good sense of life, to live in well-being and joy. Indeed, it is a way to evacuate stress and give way to the positive aspects of life. Thus, the Zen attitude translates into the search for serenity and harmony, inner peace and emotional, relational, physical and above all mental balance.
But from a practical point of view, it is the posture of zazen chosen by Siddharta Guatama, said Buddha, during his deep meditation. Indeed, this famous seated position of the Buddha has become the universal reference in zen and in the practice of Buddhism.
What does Satori mean?
The English translation of the Japanese term ” Satori ” East ” comprehension or “seeing into one’s own nature.” It is the true human nature, that is to say thevery essence of humanity. It has three aspects, including the human aspect, the physical aspect is the geometric aspect which we call spectacle. This essence is not to be shaped because it is natural and it determines the nature of the human being through his characters, good or bad. Moreover, the latter are at the origin of the mental agitation, that is to say the actions undertaken and the reflexes emitted by this person. Hence, the Satori is a mindset and an experience.
In other words, it is like a kind of symbol that thought sends and then dictates gestures. J. Krishnamurti says about this: “Symbols exist, of course, as a means of communicating with others; through language, painting, poetry, we communicate something that we feel or think. Added to this is the instinct of self-preservation, which is defined by the desire to preserve everything, including origin, personality, taste, esteem and many others. For Buddhist masters, Satori takes the form of Nirvanathat is, the ultimate truth.
Reiki in the Zen attitude
Japanese meditation master MikaoUsui founded the Reiki At the beginning of the 20th Century. It is a method that contributes to personal development, that is, to relaxation through meditation. The French translation of the term is “the strength of the spirit”, which aims to satisfy each person. Moreover, the principle of Reiki is based on this principle, as Christian Mortier, traditional teacher of Reiki at the Reiki Institute says: “the well-being of the human being depends on himself. According to him, the definition of this practice is as follows: “The purpose of Reiki is to accompany anyone from their discomfort to their lasting well-being. »
Today, there is even an institute that teaches the basics, basic principles and techniques of Reiki. Before each session, the teacher meets with the consultant to find out his motivations and expectations. Then, as far as the practice is concerned, unlike meditation, the session takes place in a absolute silence to strengthen the connection with oneself.
Zenitude in Buddhism
According to the Buddhist concept, Zen is above all something that we live before being a practice. Zen Buddhism is an integral part of Mahayana which is the original form of Buddhism. Also called “great vehicle”, this doctrine concerns the emptiness and has the primary goal of attaining complete Buddhahood. It refers to the enlightened state of the Buddha, i.e. it goes back to the spiritual enlightenment known as Satori in Japanese and Nirvana in Sanskrit, as stated above.
The practice of Zen in Buddhism is a way oflearning to know each other through lived experiences. It also allows us to better know our environment and others in order to live in harmony with them.
The similarity between Buddhism and Zen
In terms of similarity, Zen is considered the very essence of Buddhism as it corresponds to meditation. However, Siddhartha Guatama or Buddha attained enlightenment by meditating for 49 days. Indeed, this enlightenment is the starting point of Buddhism because this doctrine was born from the experience of the Buddha. This is why we say that meditation is the original form of zazen and that the most authentic practice is that of dhyana. The latter is related to emptiness because it consists of emptying the mind and eliminating bonnos through psychological techniques. The most common definition of bonno is illusion.
In Zen Buddhism, illusion reflects reality and emphasizes humanity’s attachment to aspects of life, including physical, material, and mental. Zazen influences these three aspects and is a source of revolution and change in life. Hence the similarity between the two.
The difference between Buddhism and Zen
Buddhism concerns the teachings of the Buddha at the end of his awakening. This religion is based on a well-defined doctrine, its own practices and writings, traditions and cultures which influence the Buddhist way of life. In Buddhism, the attainment of spiritual enlightenment and the importance of salvation and wisdom are emphasized. The words of Buddha support this thesis: “The truth and the way of salvation are offered to all men, whether they live in a cave, a monastery or a house. (…) It is not reserved for those who renounce the world. »
In Zen, it focuses on Taoism and values experiences rather than theoretical concepts and teachings. But again, unlike Buddhism, Zen is not based on belief in God or others.
