Zen Buddhism is derived from a number of sources, the most significant being the sutras contained in the Mahayana doctrines of Buddhism. The scriptures having the sutras are found in the two most ancient centers of Buddhism, China and India. The sutras include the Lankavatara sutra, the Diamond, Lotus and Heart sutras, among several others. Zen Buddhism is most deeply influenced by these sutras, but some of its principles have been derived from other sources. The following are some key principles of Zen Buddhism.
• Zen Buddhism is akin to Buddhism in its chief teachings. Like Buddhism, the doctrines of Zen Buddhism preach of the eight fold path, the four truths, the seals of dharma etc. the only difference is that these teachings are derived from that of Mahayana Buddhism, therefore there are certain subtle differences.
• Zen Buddhism derives some of its doctrines from the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism. The followers of Zen Buddhism are taught to subjugate the self in their quest for knowledge and truth. Selfishness and egotism are to be done away with. In Zen Buddhism, it is believed the life is all about the accumulation of knowledge from various spheres, and this is achieved by passing difficult tests of merit.
• Zen Buddhism philosophers are of the opinion that Buddha resides in all our hearts and one has to strive to reach out to him. The vehicles to feel the divine residing within oneself are meditation and the six paramitas which all disciples should practice. These six paramitas include charity, discipline, meditation, strength, wisdom and patience. The practice of these six virtues breaks down the barriers between the self and the divine, and one can see the seat of Buddha within him.
The practitioners of this philosophy say that it is possible to reach Buddha by meditation, prayer, and practice of the six paramitas.
Zen Buddhism asks its followers to practice regular meditation to achieve oneness with the divine. However, meditation as a vehicle of meeting the God within one’s heart is an ancient practice. Not only does it exist as a religious practice, it is also a therapy to curb many illnesses of the modern lifestyle. It brings a sense of calm and serenity, cures people of their physical difficulties and emotional turmoil.
Meditation is also known to decrease stress levels and cure stress related diseases like hypertension, increased heart rate leading to cardiac and respiratory ailments, fatigue, problems in digestion and many other health problems. Regular meditation can also reduce impatience by calming the mind and body. It is a perfect way to keep good health no matter what the age. Meditation techniques laid down by Zen Buddhism can help by achieving the following.
1. It reduces blood pressure and keeps it within limit.
2. Brings down heart rate to normal, and thereby breathing problems are cured.
3. It helps the digestive system to function normally.
4. By keeping you calm, it reduces your fatigue, and ensures that your stock of energy is evenly distributed throughout the day.
5. It also brings down the secretion of adrenaline, a hormone causing excitement and thereby increased stress.
All this is possible if you go through a session of Zen meditation. The program works on your health by monitoring the auditory responses of the participants. People who’ve experienced the program also say that they feel and work much better after they have been initiated into meditation. It has also helped them to regain their ambitions in life and given them the zeal to follow them.
Here’s an excellent way to start enjoying the benefits of meditation today. The Deep Zen audio program is easy for anyone wanting to learn how to meditate – offering a free demo, and helps advanced meditators achieve deeper levels of meditation too. Try another free demo here: Totally Tranquil