Branches of Buddhism

[Matt]

I've found general explanations of the difference between Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism, but can anyone tell me or point me to material that would explain the difference between these branches and Zen Buddhism?

[Brian]

Zen is part of the mahayana tradition. It is the most widely practiced form of buddhism in Japan, China, Vietnam, Canada, and the US.

So, in that regard, Zen isn't really a "branch". Zen is the most commercially accessible form of practice here in the US. What I mean by that is that you can find plenty of books, materials, temples, catalogs, etc. all related to Zen training.

BTW: Zen is a japanese word. The chinese call it "ch'an" or something like that, and I don't know what the Vietnamese call it, but it's all the same thing - Mahayana buddhism.

[Matt]

Why is it called Zen and not Mahayana then?

[Brian]

Originally posted by Matt@Jan 24 2004, 04:51 PM
Why is it called Zen and not Mahayana then?
Okay, let me clarify..

Zen is different from Zen Buddhism. Zen is a philosophy, and you can apply that philosophy to buddhist practice. Zen is the concept of being completely present, aware, and only existing in the present moment. This, as you can see, coincides with Buddhist practice. Buddhism predates Zen. Siddartha was just Siddartha. His teachings were as they are.

I have a very limited understanding of Zen, so I could be way off here, but I believe that people of any faith can practice Zen philosophy: Jewish Zen, Christian Zen, Buddhist Zen, etc.

I'm sure eventually somebody will read this thread and want to throttle me ;)

[Matt]

I knew about Zen as a seperate philosophy, but how is it applied to Buddhism that would made it different from another Mahayana tradition?

[Brian]

In all honesty, I just don't know very much about Zen.. I've never gone to a Zen temple or spoken with a Zen master or even a Zen practitioner. I'm sure as this site grows, there will be someone who is better qualified to answer that question for you.

[Sabine]

In all honesty, I just don't know very much about Zen.. I've never gone to a Zen temple or spoken with a Zen master or even a Zen practitioner. I'm sure as this site grows, there will be someone who is better qualified to answer that question for you.
That still helped me, though, thanks ^_^

[*BeautifulSpringtimeFist*]

I knew about Zen as a seperate philosophy, but how is it applied to Buddhism that would made it different from another Mahayana tradition?

Sounds like there is a bit of confusion here.

Zen is Buddhism - you go to a Zen temple and practice meditation, chant, and read/discuss sutras. Shakyamuni is especially revered in the Zen tradition.

This is an important point because Shakyamuni walked from his palace and sought a way to live his life fully. In the end it took years of meditation in a forest in order to realise the true nature of things. In the Zen traditions Shakyamuni is the example so there is heavy emphasis on meditation for the sake of being, not the chasing of Englightenment.

Zen is the Chinese practical approach to Buddhism (although Zen originated in India) where it is known as Chan. The Chinese people are known for their practical approach to things and due to this Zen Buddhism really appealed to them due to it's simple practical approach.

For this reason you can apply Zen philosophy to other things but it is not really separate from the true nature of the self and so, therefore, still Buddhism.

Zen is set apart from ather Mahayana traditions due to the heavy emphasis on meditation. It is seen as an easily accessable tradition but, in all honesty, it's simplicity can be difficult for westerners to grasp.

Can I ask: Why the interest Matt?

I hope this has been helpful.