Winston Jen Buddhist Literature Discussion Week 11 November 11, 208
When Zen is used in mainstream American culture, what is it used to connote? What, in the popular American mind, does Zen mean? Have our lectures and readings on Zen challenged your preconceptions about Zen? Why or why not? (And if the answer is yes, explain how your ideas about Zen have changed.)
Zen is a concept that many people think they know a lot about. It is a word thrown around to connote peace, serenity, and clearness of mind. However, as we look further into Buddhist texts about Zen, we see that the concept is way deeper than simply being in harmony with ones minds. Zen is strongly focused on wisdom and inner strength, and emphasizes dharma practice over the study of Buddhist texts. My perspective on Zen has changed very much after having read the texts in this class. As opposed to believing that Zen is simply a way of thought that create a peacefulness of mind, I now realize that it is strongly rooted in tradition. Popular American culture seems to think that Zen belongs in the same class gardens with and Buddha figurines and other such traditional Buddhist icons. However, Buddhist texts emphasize that Zen is a state of mind, and it focuses on the way that one can acquire their faith. It is very dependent on whether or not people can concentrate their beliefs on their experiences and what they have truly felt. It is interesting that Buddhist Zen is transmitted via thought from teacher to student. It seems that Zen is a far more comprehendible concept than the goals other forms of Buddhism establish. It is easier to accomplish than something like enlightenment, and it is far more believable. The idea that we are all Buddhas but simply have not realized it is almost like another step in welcoming the lay people into Buddhism; it offers ways for followers to seize the benefits of their karmic merit by becoming essentially more whole. Zen is also somewhat difficult to understand, however, since it does not really appear to lead anywhere. However, it exemplifies the primary doctrine of all religions, best articulated by George Michaelyou gotta have faith.