Zen Buddhism Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions from the lecture on Zen Buddhism.

Zen Buddhism

A practice focused on direct experience rather than theoretical study.

Satori

Sudden enlightenment or realization in Zen.

Sunyata

The Buddhist concept of emptiness, indicating nothing has a separate, permanent self.

Koans

Paradoxical stories or riddles used in Zen to challenge logical reasoning.

Non-duality

The philosophical concept that opposites are inseparable and fundamentally the same.

Codependent Origination

The idea that everything depends on everything else, emphasizing interconnectedness.

Emptiness (Sunyata)

Indicates things are empty of a separate, isolated self and does not imply nihilism.

Ordinary Mind is Buddha Mind

Zen's assertion that the inner experiences of everyday life are not separate from enlightenment.

Dogen's Stages of Enlightenment

Describes a process where one returns to the ordinary world with a new understanding of reality.

Indirection

A method in Zen to approach truth through suggestive statements rather than direct instruction.