An Explanation of Zen Buddhism

Zen, or Zen Buddhism, comes from the teachings of Siddhartha Guatama, who lived around 500 B.C. In 475 it traveled from India to China where it mixed with Taoism and became the Ch'an School of Buddhism. Around seven hundred years later it spread to Japan where it was called Zen Buddhism.

The concept of Zen Buddhism is to allow the mind to let go of preconceptions and any other false way of thinking. People of many faiths practice Zen to free the mind and see life simply. There is no system of beliefs or rules to follow. Zen is simply a method of allowing the mind to settle and experiencing life in the present moment.

Zen offers several ways to practice. Sitting and walking meditation are most common but Zen allows those who have difficulties to invent their own way. Whichever way it is practiced Zen offers help to everyone searching for understanding and clarity. It is about having time for yourself in whatever way you choose.

A very important idea in Zen is that one must practice. In the beginning, one may not be able to sit for long periods or may be frustrated with the wanderings of the mind but through practice one can eventually reach the ultimate goal of seeing inside one's own nature. It is extremely important to practice having time for oneself every day to work on this.

The mindfulness practitioners of Zen hope to achieve simply involves paying attention to how one feels. It involves noticing what the mind is thinking, how the body feels, and what is going on around oneself. There is no need to focus on anything or try to focus the mind. When maintaining the proper posture and breathing the mind will settles itself. During this awareness thoughts will come and go and the idea of mindfulness is to let them pass with no attachment to them.