Zen Buddhism

Zen

Japanese term for Chan, emphasizing meditation.

Chan

Chinese origin of Zen Buddhism, focusing on enlightenment.

Siddhartha Gautama

Buddha who lived 6th-5th century BC.

Kapilvastu

Birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama in Nepal.

Brahmanism

Belief system rejected by Siddhartha Gautama.

Four Sights

Experiences leading Siddhartha to seek enlightenment.

Dukkha

Human existence characterized by suffering or unsatisfactoriness.

Nirvana

Cessation of Dukkha, ultimate goal in Buddhism.

Noble Eightfold Path

Guidelines to achieve Nirvana and end suffering.

Anattā

Concept of non-self; self is an illusion.

Craving

Desire for impermanent things causing dissatisfaction.

śūnyatā

All things lack independent nature; emptiness concept.

Han Dynasty

Period when Buddhism was introduced to China.

Tang Dynasty

Time when Zen was developed in China.

Song Dynasty

Consolidation period for Zen Buddhism in China.

The Platform Sutra

Hagiography of Huineng, sixth patriarch of Zen.

Huineng

Zen patriarch, central figure in The Platform Sutra.

Koans

Zen riddles used to provoke enlightenment.

Hagiographies

Biographical texts about revered Buddhist figures.

Buddha Nature

Inherent potential for enlightenment in every being.

Buddhist Canon

Collection of texts central to Buddhist teachings.

Meditation

Practice emphasized in Zen for achieving enlightenment.

Huineng

Historical figure and sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

Shenxiu

Northern School master, rival of Huineng.

Buddha nature

Inherent potential for enlightenment in all beings.

Southern School

Zen school emphasizing sudden enlightenment.

Northern School

Zen school focusing on gradual enlightenment.

Conditioned mind (yuanxin)

Mind that distinguishes between subject and object.

Original mind (benxin)

Pure mind embodying inherent Buddha nature.

Sudden enlightenment

Realization of Buddha nature without gradual effort.

Gradual enlightenment

Process of developing Buddha nature through hard work.

Mirror-like mind

Mind reflecting reality without attachment or distinction.

Koans

Paradoxical anecdotes used to provoke enlightenment.

Anattā

Buddhist doctrine of non-self or no permanent self.

Effortless action

Achieving enlightenment through spontaneous, unmotivated actions.

Zen practice

Engagement in everyday activities with mindfulness.

Merging with the world

Unity of self with all living beings.

Buddhist canon

Traditional texts of Buddhism, deemed unnecessary by Zen.

Daoisation of Buddhism

Integration of Daoist principles into Zen practices.

Confucianisation of Buddhism

Incorporation of Confucian values into Zen thought.

Buddhist sutras

Scriptures central to Buddhist teachings, challenged by Zen.

Effortless enlightenment

Zen perspective on achieving realization without striving.

Metaphors in Zen

Use of symbolic language to convey deeper truths.

Fictional figure

Character representing ideas rather than historical reality.

Chopping wood and drinking tea

Everyday activities as practices of Zen mindfulness.

Bodhidharma

Mythical figure who introduced Zen to China.

Koans

Riddles inducing puzzlement for enlightenment.

Anattā

Buddhist concept of non-self.

Śūnyatā

Buddhist concept of emptiness.

Zen Patriarchs

Masters who transmit enlightenment lineage.

Huineng

6th patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

Hongren

5th patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

Shenxiu

Contender for 6th patriarch position.

Emulating Patriarchs

Mimicking Zen masters to gain authority.

Sinicisation

Adaptation of Buddhism to Chinese culture.

Confucianisation

Integration of Confucian values into Buddhism.

Language Performance

Language as an act, not reality reflection.

Final Judgment

Zen master's conclusive assessment of tradition.

Shock Method

Using shock to induce enlightenment states.

Rationality Paradox

Conflict between language and enlightenment expression.

Transmission of Authority

Passing down Zen teachings through patriarchs.

Meditative Practice

Contemplation on Koans for deeper understanding.

Judgment Cycle

Monk's repeated attempts to grasp Koan meaning.

Literary Genre

Koans as a form of teaching literature.

Paradox of Language

Language's limitations in conveying ultimate truth.

Zen as Confucianisation

Zen's adaptation reflecting Confucian hierarchical values.

Buddha State

Achieving enlightenment through non-rational means.