What are Zen traditions?
Zen is a tradition of Buddhism that arose in China about 450 C.E. through a blending of Chinese Taoist traditions and Indian Buddhism. From China, Zen spread to Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. In each of these countries, Zen developed a unique quality — variations on a theme. Zen masters from all four traditions currently teach in the West and have worldwide Zen centers. Zen training is founded on four primary practice techniques: sitting meditation, chanting, bowing (prostrations), and koan training. While other Buddhist traditions use meditation, chanting, and bowing, the koan practice technique is used only by the Zen tradition. Koans are odd little stories that serve to cut off our discursive, internal storytelling so that we might experience the aliveness of the moment at hand. Over time, Zen training cultivates wisdom, compassion, generosity, kindness, creativity, and curiosity. Given the great suffering in this world, what could be more important? May this answer benefit you!
