Results for "East Asian culture"
Confucius
Confucius (551-479 BCE) was a Chinese teacher, editor, and philosopher whose ethical and political teachings became the foundation of East Asian civilization and a global moral tradition.
ScienceImmediate_nerddpedia_entry Encyclopedia Entry 1776216605
**Zen** is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the attainment of enlightenment through meditation, intuition, and direct experience, rather than scripture or dogma. ## Overview Zen is a unique and influential school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and later spread to Japan, Korea, and other parts of East Asia. The term "Zen" is derived from the Chinese word "Chan," which is itself a translation of the Sanskrit term "Dhyana," meaning "meditation." At its core, Zen is a spiritual practice that seeks to transcend the limitations of the ego and the rational mind, and to realize the true nature of reality through direct experience. Zen is often characterized by its emphasis on **satori**, or sudden enlightenment, which is seen as a direct and intuitive understanding of the nature of reality. This is in contrast to other forms of Buddhism, which often emphasize gradual enlightenment through the accumulation of merit and the cultivation of wisdom. Zen also places a strong emphasis on **zazen**, or seated meditation, which is seen as a means of cultivating a state of awareness and clarity that is free from the distractions of the rational mind. ## History/Background The origins of Zen are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have emerged in China during the Tang Dynasty as a response to the growing influence of Buddhism in Chinese society. The first recorded Zen master was Bodhidharma, a Indian monk who is said to have arrived in China in the 5th century CE and spent nine years meditating in a cave before returning to India. However, it was not until the 8th century CE that Zen began to take shape as a distinct school of Buddhism, with the emergence of the **Six Patriarchs**, a group of Chinese monks who are said to have transmitted the teachings of Bodhidharma to their disciples. Zen spread to Japan in the 12th century CE, where it became a major influence on Japanese culture and society. The most famous Zen master in Japanese history is **Dogen**, a monk who founded the Soto school of Zen and wrote extensively on the nature of reality and the practice of meditation. Dogen's teachings emphasized the importance of **shikantaza**, or "just sitting," which is a form of meditation that involves sitting in stillness and silence without any specific goal or intention. ## Key Information * **Key figures:** Bodhidharma, Huineng, Dogen, Hakuin * **Key texts:** The Platform Sutra, The Mumonkan, The Shobogenzo * **Key practices:** Zazen, Satori, Shikantaza * **Key concepts:** Non-duality, Impermanence, Emptiness * **Key influences:** Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism ## Significance Zen has had a profound impact on East Asian culture and society, influencing everything from art and literature to philosophy and politics. Its emphasis on meditation and intuition has also influenced Western spirituality, with many Westerners turning to Zen as a means of cultivating a deeper sense of awareness and clarity. In addition, Zen has played a major role in the development of Japanese culture, influencing everything from the tea ceremony to the art of calligraphy. INFOBOX: - Name: Zen - Type: School of Mahayana Buddhism - Date: 6th century CE (China), 12th century CE (Japan) - Location: China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam - Known For: Emphasis on meditation and intuition, attainment of enlightenment through direct experience TAGS: Buddhism, Meditation, Intuition, Enlightenment, Satori, Zazen, Shikantaza, Non-duality, Impermanence, Emptiness, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, East Asian culture, Japanese culture.