2025.04.22

What is Zen? 4,000 years of history and wisdom that resonates in the present day

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When many people hear the word "Zen," they may think of "zazen," "temple," "tranquility," and "simplicity." However, Zen is not limited to the mere act of zazen or a specific religious ritual. It is a deep and pervasive system of wisdom and a way of life that has been passed down from the distant past and suggests how we humans should live and relate to this world. What is Zen that has developed uniquely over the nearly 4,000-year history of Buddhism and continues to influence people around the world, especially in East Asia and, in modern times? Let's unravel this profound world in detail from a multifaceted perspective of history, teaching, practice, and significance in the present day.

Article Contents

1. The Origin and History of Zen: The Origin of the Four Thousand Years of Flow
2. Zen Teachings and Philosophy: An Approach to Truth Beyond Words
3. Practicing Zen: Living the Buddhist Path in Everyday Life
4. The Spirit of Zen and its Influence on Culture and Society: Creativity in Silence
5. Zen in the Modern Age: A New Sound of Old Wisdom
6. Conclusion Zen is a never-ending journey of self-exploration

1. The Origin and History of Zen: The Origin of the Four Thousand Years of Flow

Zen has its roots in Buddhism itself, which was born in India about 2,500 years ago. It can be said that the event in which Shakyamuni (Buddha) sat in meditation under the Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment was the first moment of Zen. The core of Buddhism is not in the knowledge of scriptures or rituals, but in the inner transformation of "enlightenment" that the Buddha experienced. In Zen Buddhism, this experience of enlightenment transcends words and letters and is said to have been transmitted directly from the master to the disciple from the master to the disciple. This is one of the most important ideas of Zen Buddhism.

While Buddhism in India was divided into various schools, the origin of Zen existed as a current that emphasized the practice of "Zenna," or "dhyāna" from Sanskrit, meaning meditation and spiritual unity. It was introduced to China around the 5th century AD. Legend has it that an Indian monk named Dharma traveled to China to bring the teachings of Zen. There is an anecdote that he continued to sit in Zen meditation against the wall for nine years at the Shaolin Temple in Mt. Yangshan, and from this point on, Zen Buddhism took root in China and developed.

Chinese Zen developed dramatically during the Tang Dynasty. In particular, the appearance of the Six Ancestors was epoch-making. He was a woodcutter who could not read, but he quickly attained enlightenment under Goso Gunin and inherited the cloth bowl (proof of a rightful successor). Huineng preached that everyone has Buddha-nature (the possibility of becoming a Buddha) and that enlightenment is not limited to special ascetic monks, but can be attained by everyone in their daily lives. His teachings became the foundation of later Zen Buddhism, which moved away from conventional dogmatics and directly pointed directly at the human mind itself. After Huineng, Chinese Zen flourished, and many schools called the Five Families and Seven Sects were born, each of which developed its own teachings and training methods.

Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan only in the Kamakura period. Fragmentary Zen teachings had been handed down before that, but it was Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect, and Dogen, the founder of the Soto sect, who really took root. Eisai traveled to the Southern Song Dynasty to study the teachings of the Rinzai sect and brought Zen to Japan along with the custom of tea tea. He spread Zen to the samurai and imperial courts, and Rinzai Buddhism developed within the temple system of Gozanjisatsu. On the other hand, Dōgen also traveled to the Southern Song Dynasty and inherited the teachings of the Soto sect from the Zen master Nyōjō. Dōgen preached "shikantaza," which holds that zazen itself is the act of the Buddha, and pursued the path of distancing oneself from authority and devoting oneself to zazen. In the Edo period, Ryūki Ishen came to Japan from China and founded the Ōbakushu sect. As a result, Zen Buddhism in Japan is mainly composed of three pillars: Rinzai Buddhism, Soto Buddhism, and Yellow Wood Buddhism.

Throughout history, Zen has been influenced by its relationship with power and changes in social conditions, but at its core, the spirit of seeking to "look inward and awaken to the truth" has been passed down from generation to generation. It transcends the boundaries of the religion of Buddhism and has a great influence on Japan's culture, art, and spirituality.

2. Zen Teachings and Philosophy: An Approach to Truth Beyond Words

Zen teachings are often incomprehensible to words and logic. At its core, it is the experience of enlightenment, which cannot be reached through logical thinking or the accumulation of knowledge. As a result, Zen teachings are often full of paradoxes or expressed in ways that defy common sense.

One of the fundamental philosophies of Zen is " Furyumonji, Kyogebetsuden, Jikishijinshin, Kenshojobutsu It is summed up in the word.

Furitsu characters, Kyogai Betsuden : Letters and words cannot fully express the truth. The idea is that true teachings are those that are transmitted directly from the master to the disciple, from the heart to the heart, without relying on the scriptures. This is a succinct expression of Zen's attitude of emphasizing understanding as experience rather than understanding as knowledge.
直指人心 To face the human mind directly. It shows the importance of looking at the truth deep within one's own heart, rather than relying on external authority or dogma.
Seeing Buddha : To attain enlightenment and become a Buddha by discovering the Buddha-nature, which is the essence of the self, that is, the possibility of becoming a Buddha. Each of us takes an optimistic view that we already have perfect Buddha-nature.

In addition, Zen is the fundamental idea of Buddhism. Sky Emptiness is the truth that all beings have no fixed substance, are interrelated, and are constantly changing. We suffer from a fixed view of things in terms of concepts such as "self," "others," "good," and "bad," and by clinging to them. Understanding emptiness means moving away from these conceptual constraints and accepting reality as it is. In Zen, " None or Mushin is also related to this idea of emptiness. Nothingness is not mere negation or emptiness, but a pure and open state of mind in which all discernment and attachment have disappeared. Mushin is the work of the mind that does not intentionally think or judge something, but responds naturally to the situation.

One of the key teachings of Zen is " 平常心是道(びょうじょうしんこどう) There is. This is the idea that we are not aiming for a special state of enlightenment, but that everyday life itself is a practice and a path to enlightenment. He explains that doing each and every one of our daily activities, such as eating, cleaning, walking, and talking, with all our hearts and minds, is the Buddha's deed and leads to enlightenment. It expresses the realist aspect of Zen, in which it is not only miraculous events and special experiences that are precious, but also that truth resides in ordinary everyday life.

Dōgen, the founder of the Soto sect, said, 只管打坐 I preached. This is not to gain anything, not to attain enlightenment, but to simply do zazen. I believe that the moment when you are doing zazen is already the form of the Buddha and the state of enlightenment. The act itself is the goal, and we value pure practice that is not bound by results or evaluations.

On the other hand, in the Rinzai sect, " Koan There are many questions and tasks that the master gives to his disciples, and there are many things that cannot be solved by logic such as "Listen to the sound of one hand, not the sound of clapping hands." The disciple ponders the kokan and engages in zazen meditation and engages in questioning and answering with the master in a place called "sicchu". In the process of working on the public proposal, we aim to break down conventional thought patterns and lead to an experience of enlightenment that transcends the boundaries of words and logic.

These teachings and philosophies are not in opposition to each other, but are like a light that illuminates the one path of Zen from various angles. What they have in common is not knowledge or form, but an attitude that emphasizes a deep exploration of one's inner self and a grasp of truth through experience.

3. Practicing Zen: Living the Buddhist Path in Everyday Life

It is not enough to understand Zen teachings as a theory. The most important thing is to put it into practice in your daily life. The practice of Zen is centered on zazen, but it also extends to all aspects of daily life.

The most representative practice is still " Zazen It is. Zazen is literally sitting and doing Zen, but it's not just sitting still with your eyes closed. It is done through the preparation of a prescribed posture, breathing exercises, and mindset. Straighten your back, pull your chin back, and tie your hands into a hokkai seal. Breathe quietly, exhale for a long time, and be aware of natural abdominal breathing. The mind has various thoughts and emotions that come to mind, but it does not follow them or try to drown them out, but just observes. Leave your thoughts as they are, like clouds flowing through the sky. In the Soto Buddhist sect, we do not think about something, but rather "just sit". In the Rinzai sect, you sit while working on a public plan. Zazen makes us aware of how our minds are usually swayed by various thoughts and emotions, and cultivates the ability to focus on the reality of the moment. It is the most basic training to face the self and regain peace of mind.

Practices other than zazen are also important. Life in a Zen temple, from waking up to going to bed, is considered a practice.

Samu It refers to all daily labor, such as cleaning, tending to the garden, chopping firewood, and working in the fields. Sakusho is the practice of concentrating the mind while moving the body. By immersing yourself in the task at hand, you can shed distractions and develop a sense of gratitude. Sweeping has the meaning of not only cleaning but also removing the dust (disturbances) of the mind through the act of "sweeping dust".
Meal etiquette Eating is also an important practice. Meals at Zen temples are conducted in strict manners using nested bowls called "ōryoki". This is to increase awareness of gratitude for food and the people who make it, and to eat it without waste as a source of food for oneself. The life-sustaining act of eating itself is seen as a blessing of the Buddha and as part of the practice.
Sutra It is a light walking Zen that is performed after a long period of zazen. The purpose is to loosen the body that has been hardened by zazen, but while walking, focus your attention on the sensations of the soles of your feet and breathing, and meditate in movement. Not only when sitting, but also when walking, it is a practice of keeping your mind on the here and now in every moment of your daily life.
other Even the most obvious actions such as washing, dressing, bathing, and sleeping are all regarded as "deeds" in Zen. By carefully performing each movement and putting your heart into that moment, your entire daily life becomes a place of practice.

These practices are not meant to be done under special circumstances, but to find the Buddhist path in our daily lives. By applying the concentration and calm mind cultivated in zazen to daily actions such as work, eating, and sutras, we will gradually approach the state of "Ordinary Mindfulness." Zen practice is a difficult practice, but it has the power to enrich our lives and transform them into something full of gratitude and awareness.

4. The Spirit of Zen and its Influence on Culture and Society: Creativity in Silence

The spirit of Zen is not limited to personal practice, but has deeply penetrated and influenced Japan culture and society at large. In particular, the Zen aesthetic, which emphasizes simplicity, tranquility, and the ability to discern the essence, is strongly reflected in Japan's art and lifestyle.

Arts & Culture : Zen influences can be seen in many of Japan's signature traditional cultures, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, gardens, ink painting, and haiku. In the tea ceremony, the focus is on tasting a cup of tea in silence, and the spirit of a once-in-a-lifetime meeting in which the host and the guest communicate with each other is cherished. The Zen philosophies of wabi and sabi formed Japan's unique sense of beauty, which finds beauty in old and imperfect things. Zen gardens use stone and sand to abstractly express natural landscapes, inviting the viewer to contemplate. Ink painting attempts to capture the essence of the subject with limited colors and lines. The method of putting deep scenes and emotions into the concise seventeen notes of haiku also resonates with Zen philosophy, which strips away excess and captures the essence.
martial arts : Japan martial arts such as kyudo and kendo also incorporate the spirit of Zen. It is important not only to hone your skills, but also to improve your state of mind. It is believed that the greatest power can be exerted by facing the other person in a state of "mindlessness" or by facing the target. Elements of zazen, such as breathing techniques and methods of mental unity, are incorporated into the martial arts training.
Spirituality : Zen gives us the power to see the essence of things, to remain calm in difficult situations, and to find gratitude in everyday life. Rather than pursuing glamour and material wealth, the values of inner fulfillment and spiritual peace are rooted in Zen thought.

Historically, Zen was also supported as a spiritual practice for the samurai class. This is because it was believed that the courage to remain unfazed in life-or-death situations and the calmness to judge situations instantaneously were cultivated through Zen practice. In addition, during the Edo period, the teachings of Zen spread among the common people, and they became a source of emotional support for many people.

Even in modern society, the spirit of Zen is accepted in various forms. In particular, in today's hectic world of information overload, zazen and meditation are attracting attention as a means of calming the mind and facing oneself.

5. Zen in the Modern Age: A New Sound of Old Wisdom

Zen is by no means a relic of the past. Rather, in today's so-called stressful society, such wisdom is increasingly in demand. Traditional Zen temple training is still practiced today, but apart from that, the essence of Zen has spread throughout the world in a different form.

The most prominent example is " Mindfulness Mindfulness is a disreligious, unreligious, systematized version of Buddhist meditation (especially Zen meditation) and is widely used in psychotherapy, business, and education. Mindfulness, defined as intentionally focusing on the present moment and accepting it as it is without making value judgments, is exactly the practice of living the here and now, as Zen teaches. It has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, and control emotions, and many people incorporate it into their daily lives.

Zen's philosophy of simplicity and leanness also resonates with modern lifestyles such as minimalism and sustainable living. The value that material wealth is not the only happiness is something that many people can relate to.

In the business world, we are increasingly seeing Zen philosophy and meditation being introduced into leadership training and employee mental health care. Calm judgment, equanimity in the face of difficulties, and the ability to work with a team are all beginning to be recognized as the key to business success.

In the fields of medicine and psychology, mindfulness-based therapies have been developed and used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. By becoming aware of and accepting one's inner self, it is expected to have the effect of enhancing one's ability to cope with difficult situations.

Of course, practicing in traditional Zen Buddhist temples is an important pillar of Zen in modern society. Through zazen meetings, sesshin (intensive training for several days), and lectures, many people have the opportunity to come into contact with the depths of Zen and reflect on themselves. In today's world where smartphones and the Internet are widespread and we are constantly exposed to information, the time spent in zazen, where we block out all information and simply face our inner selves quietly, is irreplaceable.

Zen is by no means a difficult philosophy or a teaching from a distant world. It is a way of life that each of us can practice through our own mind and body, here and now. The answer to the question "What is Zen?" should not be found in history books or scriptures, but in your meditation breath, in a cup of tea, and in the small daily deeds.

6. Conclusion Zen is a never-ending journey of self-exploration

Zen is not a religion bound by any particular doctrine or ritual, but rather a "path of self-exploration" and "a way of life." Over the course of its nearly 4,000-year history, it has developed its own philosophy and system of practice, derived from the origins of Buddhism.

The core of Zen is to find the truth by directly confronting one's inner self (Buddha-nature), emphasizing the experience of "enlightenment" that transcends words and logic, as indicated by the phrase "non-literal characters, non-teaching, direct finger human mind, and discernment of Buddhahood." Students have a deep understanding of Buddhist ideas such as emptiness and nothingness, and believe that equanimity is the way, and try to embody it through everyday actions such as zazen and sakusaku.

Zen practice is not just about acquiring skills, it's about transforming our consciousness. Through zazen, you will learn to live a life full of gratitude and awareness by quieting your mind, cultivating the ability to concentrate on the here and now, and carefully performing daily activities such as working and eating.

This Zen spirit has had a profound influence on Japan's culture, art, and martial arts over the course of its long history, fostering a unique sensibility that finds beauty in simplicity and silence. In modern times, mindfulness has spread all over the world, contributing to the mental health and self-growth of many people beyond the boundaries of religion.

There is no one definitive answer to the question, "What is Zen?" This is because it is not something that is learned as knowledge, but a never-ending journey of exploration that we sit down, experience for ourselves, and discover through our own lives. In today's rapidly changing world and information overload, the wisdom of looking at the essence of the self, rooted in the "here and now" as indicated by Zen, will be a compass to rescue us from confusion and lead a more peaceful and prosperous life. Zen makes us aware of our inner stillness, gives us the courage to accept ourselves as we are, and to face the truth of the world.

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