7-Zen Buddhism and Japanese Aesthetics

Zen Buddhism

A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and insight into the nature of existence.

Rinzai

One of the main schools of Zen Buddhism in Japan, known for its use of koans in meditation.

Soto

The other main school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, primarily focusing on zazen, or seated meditation.

Zazen

The practice of seated meditation in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing posture and breathing.

Koan

A paradoxical riddle or statement used in Zen Buddhism to provoke doubt and test a student's progress.

Satori

A sudden insight or awakening in Zen Buddhism.

Mappo

The last stage of dharma, according to Japanese Buddhism, indicating a decline in the true teachings of Buddhism.

Dogen

A Japanese Zen master who founded the Soto school of Zen and emphasized the practice of zazen.

Eisai

A Japanese monk who is credited with bringing Rinzai Zen to Japan and integrating it with Tendai principles.

Bodhidharma

The legendary monk who is traditionally credited with bringing Zen Buddhism (Chan) to China.

Higashiyama culture

A cultural movement during the Muromachi period associated with Zen that emphasized art, aesthetics, and simplicity.

Tea Ceremony

A Japanese ritual in which tea is ceremonially prepared and served, often reflecting Zen principles of mindfulness and simplicity.

Ikebana

The Japanese art of flower arrangement that emphasizes harmony, balance, and simplicity.

Muromachi period

The historical period in Japan from the late 14th to the early 16th century characterized by the rise of Zen culture.

Tendai

A Buddhist school in Japan that played a key role in the development of various forms of Buddhism, including Zen.

Buddha-nature

The inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within all sentient beings in Buddhism.

Bushido

The code of honor and morals developed by the Japanese samurai.

Shinto

The indigenous spirituality of Japan, involving the worship of kami (spirits) and ancestor reverence.

No theatre

A traditional form of Japanese drama that incorporates music, dance, and dramatic storytelling.

Haiku

A form of Japanese poetry that traditionally consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable structure.

Cosmic Buddha reverence

Reverence towards the concept of a universal or cosmic Buddha, representing the ultimate reality in Buddhism.