Frequently asked questions about zen buddhism

The word religion is said to derive from the Latin term religare, that is to say to bind.

According to master Deshimaru, zen practice is the religion before religion, the one that precedes words, doctrines and divisions. It does not bother with dogmas.

Through the practice of zen meditation (zazen), zen connects us, highlights the link with our Buddha nature, the normal conditions that all people have within them. Thus, the practice of zazen aims to find, to touch the Buddha within oneself, that is to say, our original nature, free from any preconception.

This is why zen buddhism differs from other religions like Christianity. In particular, it has no bible and does not offer a special relationship to faith and God. Likewise, it says nothing about prayer or the place of heaven and hell.

Zen is simpler, in the sense that it primarily emphasizes the practice of zazen. It offers sutras, ceremonies, temples, but everything revolves around the fundamental practice of zazen meditation.

Sometimes confused with destiny in the West, karma is an important concept in buddhism and other paths, such as Hinduism.

It can be translated as action (action of body, speech and mind). It is the law of causality, where every action, gesture, word or thought produces an immediate or future influence, just as a seed produces the plant when the conditions are met.

We then often speak of karma as good or bad. It is the movement that carries us away in the pursuit of ephemeral pleasures and the avoidance of suffering, equally ephemeral. Nevertheless, karma is not a fixed line, but a dynamic process that can be transformed by one’s awareness and actions here and now.

Master Kosen says:

Zazen is a process that unties karma, truly, deeply, at the root. It is not a pleasant New Age meditation where you see little flowers, you have a nice little smile.

In buddhism, the Buddha (563 - 483 BC) was above all a human, who through the practice of meditation realized that he was a buddha, that is to say an awakened being.

Buddha is therefore not a god to be worshipped.

In zen buddhism, Buddha statues are used and bowed to, but they remain secondary. We do not bow to the statue itself, but to what it represents, within us.

Sometimes, in texts, the term sect can be used as in the expression the Soto sect. Originally, the term is not pejorative, it is synonymous with school.

However, in the West, it very often has the meaning of manipulating individuals for a harmful purpose, of abuse of all kinds, which is not the case with zen buddhism.

You are not asked to adhere to any dogma, just not to disturb the practice of other participants in zazen sessions.

Yes, but we don’t worry about it, we don’t debate it for hours with our minds trying to convince everyone.

For zen buddhism, the important thing remains the attention on our life here and now, through zen meditation (zazen) and activity in the present moment (samu).

This term means extinction in Sanskrit, and by extension, appeasement then liberation.

It is the extinction of our ignorance, the finality of buddhism, a total inner peace.

Nirvana is also not death as understood in the West, but rather the end of the belief in an autonomous and permanent ego.

It is however difficult to explain it fully with words, language being by nature limiting. It remains an intimate realization, beyond words, beyond the ego.

Answer from master Deshimaru:

You cannot understand it with your brain. On the other hand, if you do zazen, you can have satori unconsciously.

We do not practice zazen in order to obtain something (well-being, tranquility, etc.). Nevertheless, through practice, we can return to the present moment, shed the protective layers that we put on in order to evolve in our society, relearn the simplicity of the here and now, without artifice. It is a direct, non-intellectual experience, where we discover that everything is there, nothing to add, nothing to take away, unconsciously, naturally, automatically. We can therefore derive from it, or not, indirectly, positive effects on daily life.

The right posture of zazen is described very precisely here.

Pain is common in zazen, whether you are a beginner or have been practicing for years. The management of pain is mainly due to the attitude of the mind and body. The right posture and attitude of mind during zazen are described very precisely here.

The right posture of the mind during zazen is described very precisely here.

Zazen is a practice that is not only solitary and facing oneself. The energy of zazen also comes from the presence of the group (the sangha) and a master to guide the practice. Practicing in a dojo is preferable to practicing alone at home. Nevertheless, everyone’s life not always allowing us to go to the dojo as often as we would like, we have set up a practice group on zoom, zazoom. Practitioners therefore meet virtually, for the practice of zazen. Together, but at a distance.

The mind is smooth during zazen, does not stop on anything, does not rest on anything, like the wall in front of us. Neither inside nor outside, it allows us a reflection within ourselves. In practice, this facilitates concentration, allows us to escape any distraction coming from others or the environment.

Living zen in your daily life is above all living the moment, here and now, with simplicity, attention and authenticity. Unconsciously, naturally, automatically.

Although wellness methods are very honorable and useful, zazen is not one of them. Wearing the kesa and chanting the texts that all of buddhism shares is a very sure way to be part of the great tradition of zen, without dogmatism or rejection of other traditions or practices.