Buddhas and Zens Differences - Essay Example

Zen Buddhism claims that its enlightenment has been passed down from Buddha himself over the last 2500 years. However, this claim is more of a distinction of form rather than an essence. Traditional Buddhism can be called Theravada, most commonly practiced in Southern Asia. Original Buddhists carefully follow the numerous rules of conduct, referred to as the Vinaya, which controlled the lives of early monks. Zen belongs to a subdivision of Buddhism that identifies itself as the Mahayana. The Mahayana was an effort to expand the restrictive structure of Buddhism, thus it appeared outward and accessible. It is not proper to generalize the differences between Buddhist traditions and Zen since they share similar concerns such as a common path and the understanding of the scenery of reality. However, differences can be seen with regard to techniques of medication, nature of enlightenment, and conception of the meaning of life.

Differences in techniques of meditation
Several methods of meditation exist, which were used in the original teachings of Buddhism. For instance, those methods used in Tibetan Buddhism are called “visualization methods,” meaning that when a practitioner carries out this meditation, he requires something to rely on, often an image (Tan 38). On the other hand, Zen Buddhism has different methods; they do not require any image or item to rely on, particularly in Shikantaza. Another difference is that, in Original Buddhism, meditation involves different techniques that develop concentration, insight, mindfulness, and tranquility. Zen Buddhism in contrast seems to view the breath, body, and mind as one reality. Primarily, they study the self, where to be liberal is to identify the unity of the self.
The Zen Buddhists practice features that are not present in Original Buddhism, though the Chan spirit has been preserved, as well as the teachings of the great Buddha masters. The Zen monasteries are recognized for their discipline because it differs from other Buddhist monasteries in this sense. Their way of practicing meditation proves this. Numerous long meditation sessions of about two years each are held on a daily basis. The Monks come together for this function. Some meditative traditions stress the necessity to separate oneself. Further, it teaches the significance of a person freeing him or herself from destruction but the Zen Buddhists regard the group environment to be useful as it provides particular mutual reinforcement. Each Monk will have a specific topic of meditation, assigned to him by the Master or the roshi ((Tan 39).
The difference in nature of enlightenment
In the perspective of original Buddhism, Buddha-nature is equal to perfection, because the attainments of Buddha were the maximum that could be accomplished. The nature of enlightenment in Buddhism is in connection to Hui Neng, a Buddhist Monk. The story about his succession signifies how the quest for enlightenment should be expressed. In original Buddhism teachings, by adhering steadily to religious discipline, the mind will slowly be purified and thus wisdom prevails. In contrast, Zen Buddhism maintains that Perfection requires a radical and immediate reversal of an individual’s reversal of habitual thoughts, rather than a gradual purification. In this sense, the concept of sudden enlightenment came into existence. In addition, “letting go” in Zen Buddhism happens after the enlightenment. The image of their meditation techniques gives a precise idea of fanaticism and energy, which Zen believes essential in the quest for enlightenment.
In simple terms, the difference between the teachings of the Original Buddhism on “gradual enlightenment” and Zen’s “sudden enlightenment” makes it clear that the two religions are parallel in a way (Tan 40). In gradual enlightenment, one can see progress happening, such as a huge and huge sense of dethatching from the world, but there is no evidence of such a practice in sudden enlightenment. In addition, whereas in Original Buddhism it is often assumed that, the practice will entail a significant span of time, some little time prior to getting the results; this is not so in the Zen practice.
Differences in the conception of the meaning of life
Original Buddha teachings present that every human being is a lord in his own way, influences his own destiny, and cannot be controlled by somebody else. According to these teachings, man’s immediate problems are his own suffering and he is responsible to free from Sansara. Generally, these teachings focus on man’s existence involving life, suffering, and the way out of death. All that exists is a consequence of antecedent causes. Every occurrence or event serves as the root of the necessary circumstance for the start of the next event. On the other hand, Zen is characterized by the attitude to life in a non-judgmental way (Tan 38).
The enlightened mind sees no need to categorize or to judge events as bad or good, wrong or right, or ugly or beautiful with the objective of being liberated from this world.  Read More