What is the difference between Tibetan Buddhism and Zen?
There are many different schools of Buddhism and several are now here in the west. They all are pointing at the same thing – complete enlightenment and an end to suffering. But each has developed its own way of getting there. The differences may seem to be quite significant to the outsider or beginner, after a few year’s of practice I have found that the differences become more subtle and less important. There are obvious differences – Tibetan monks wear claret and amber coloured robes and their ceremonies seem to be very colourful; Zen monks wear black robes and we hear more about the strictness of their meditation than their ceremonies; Theravada monks wear orange/brown/ochre robes and live a simple life according to ancient traditions. I know most about Zen – it comes in two main forms Soto and Rinzai. Soto relies on a simple meditation practice performed from the day you start until you die (or give up). Rinzai is famous for its Koan meditation – seeking to answer illogical riddles
