Zen
...Zen 41). This acquiring of a new viewpoint in Zen is called Satori and its verb form is satoru. Without it there is no Zen, for life of Zen begins with the “opening of Satori.” “Satori may be defined as intuitive looking into, in contradistinction to intellectual and logical understanding, whatever the definition, Satori means the unfolding of a new world hitherto unperceived in the confusion of a dualistic mind” (Suzuki 48). Zazen, or its Sanskirt equivalent dhyana, means “sitting cross-legged in quietude and in deep contemplation” (Suzuki 48). “The practice originated in India and spread all over the East. It has been going on through centuries now, and the modern followers of Zen still strictly observe it. In this respect, Zazen is the prevailing practical method of spiritual discipline in the East, but when it is used in connection with the Koan, it assumes a special feature and becomes the monopoly of Zen” (Suzuki 49). Zen is Zazen. “Buddha had practiced Zazen under the Linden tree in Buddha-gaya(the east of India) for seven days seven nights then finally he attained spiritual enlightment”(What is Zen?). True Zen consists of sitting quietly in the correct posture. It is not a special state, it is a normal state: silent, peaceful, without agitation. Zen means to put the mind at rest and to concentrate the mind and body. “In zazen there is no purpose, no seeking to gain something, no special effort or imagination. It is not knowledge to be grasped by the brain. It is solely a practice, a practice which is the true gate to happiness, peace and freedom.” (What is Zen?) This is the word of Taisen Deshimaru Roshi. The practice of Zaen is the secret of Zen. Zazen is a daily practice. It is not easy, not difficult but very effective in expanding consciousness and developing intuition. And not only does zazen release great energy, it is the posture awakening. “Wile practicing, do not seek to gain anything. Without object, only concentrate on the posture, the breathing and the attitude of mind.” (The Practice of Zazen) “ “Thinking non-thinking” wrote Master Dogen, “How do we think without thinking? Think from the depths of non thinking.” This is cosmic consciousness. Our conscous sense cannot define it, words cannot explain it. It comes only through our living zazen experience.” (The Practice of Zazen) In generally most people think training of Zen as, so-called, practicing zazen and being deep in meditation entirely. On the other hand, in training of Zen, all of our daily lives like from sleep and wake up, stand and sit to wash face and go to bathroom are important for practicing Zen. No stereotypes of the real, the people who practices Zen for enlightenment that cannot be explains in letters or a mouth are called “Unsui”. Zen also has influenced the field of art. In the Kamakura period in Japan, Eisai and several other Zen masters brought Rinzai Zen to Japan. “This Zen offered spiritual support to the warrior class and helped establish Bushido, a warrior code unique to Japan. The warrior’s approach to life had much in common with Zen. Both stressed the transcending of life and death; both esteemed courage, resoluteness, simplicity, and austerity. Disciplined action was characteristic of both warriors and Zen priests. Such leaders as Tokimune and Tokiyori were influenced by Zen masters from China” (Fromm, Erich Zen Buddhism and Psychoanalysis 78). “During the war years at the end of the Kamakura period, the Zen monks were responsible for preserving Japanese education and culture. Among other things the monks taught the common people the Zen influenced Confucianism of Shushi. The bulk of the material published at that time dealt with Zen-often Zen sayings and verses. Zen monks became associated with the ability to read foreign documents” (Fromm 79). Fromm insists that: In the arts Zen infused with architecture, sculpture, paiting, calligraphy, gardening, tea ceremony, flower-arrangement, Noh, Yokyoku, Renga, and Haiku. The characteristics of this Zen art have often been discussed. One scholar, for example, finds seven basic characteristics. I believe, though, that four are probably enough-simplicity, profundity, creatibity, and vitality. These happen to be characteristics of Zen itself as well as Zen art. The Zen monks spurned luxury and simplified what they wore and ate. This is evident even today in the Zen monastery life. But this simplicity is far from superficial; it is firmly anchored in depth. While emphasizing practice, Zen does not ignore philosophy. Zen and Judo are essentially similar. Judo represents one of the Japanese traditional cultures, and it is the art of using one’s strength, both physical and mental, with maximum effectiveness. Through practice in offensive and defensive tactics, it helps the trainee realize the full potentialities of his body and mi...