Zen Enlightenment

Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine. ~ Shunryu Suzuki

There are many religions in the world, which preach the virtues of patience humility, brotherhood and universal solidarity. One such popular religion is Buddhism, which was founded by the followers of Siddharth Gautama, who came to be known as The Buddha. Zen Buddhism is a branch of the Mahayana Buddhism. The name 'Zen' is actually derived from the Sanskrit word dhyana, which means meditation. In Chinese, it is referred to as Chan. Zen is a Japanese word derived from this Chinese word. The definition of Zen enlightenment can be stated as 'the state of mind where an individual gains awareness of his true nature'. When one thinks of Buddhism, or in that matter Zen Buddhism, the images of Buddhist monks in yellow robes, meditating, tending to plants or arranging flowers in the pagodas conjures in the mind.

Unfolding Zen Enlightenment

Zen, which is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes on meditation and existential wisdom. This art of meditation is known as zazen, and practice of dharma (or divinity) for attainment of holistic awakening and awareness regarding oneself and humanity. As mentioned earlier, Zen is the Japanese word for dhyana. Though practiced in India, Zen Buddhism slowly spread to Japan, Vietnam, China and Korea. It became more widespread in Japan in the 12th century. This school of Buddhism was further branched into Rinzai and Soto. This sect involves the teachings of the Buddha and emphasizes on the importance of Buddhist meditation to attain enlightenment. It signifies that in this state the mind is able to gain understanding without the help of any media - like words, scriptures or ceremonies. It also claims that attaining enlightenment is not only for the selected few, but all human beings are capable to achieve this state by concentrating and practicing self control. Zen enlightenment can be achieved by man through his own strength.

Gautama Buddha explained the true meaning of what is enlightenment through his teachings. It was said that nirvana could be achieved while introspecting oneself. It also teaches the importance of oneness, subtlety, eternity and non-discrimination. Following these virtues can help an individual attain spiritual healing. According to the Buddha, enlightenment could be achieved by mere silence. This enlightenment or bodhi, which is said to be sudden, reveals the truth about love and wisdom. It means to be one with the universe rather than being carried away by individuality and illusion. The main concept is to understand that the entire universe is made of same particles which are inter related to each other. The mind can be controlled to think accordingly. In this enlightenment, one can control pain, turn on bliss and live a contended life.

Zen Enlightenment Quotes

The followers of this sect preached the importance of meditation to attain spiritual awakening. Given here are some beautiful quotes about Zen enlightenment, which reveals the meaning and importance of life to mankind.

"Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it. Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves."

"We do not learn by experience, but by our capacity for experience."

"One who conquers himself is greater than another who conquers a thousand times a thousand on the battlefield."

"As one lamp serves to dispel a thousand years of darkness, so one flash of wisdom destroys ten thousand years of ignorance."

"True wealth is the ability to let go of your possessions."

"Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

"The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear."

"It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our daily lives. If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them."

"Contentment that derives from knowing when to be content is eternal contentment."

"Do not conquer the world with force,
for force only causes resistance.
Thorns spring up when an army passes.
Years of misery follow a great victory.
Do only what needs to be done.
Without using violence."

Attaining Zen enlightenment helps one discover the inner self and unravel the true meaning and secrets of life. It is also said that this doctrine is the ultimate road to achieve happiness.