Today, in the West, Tibetan buddhism is much better known than zen buddhism. But beyond their respective notoriety, what are the differences between these two schools of buddhism?
Zen is often seen as a minimalist and direct path. It relies on a single meditation method, to be deepened over a lifetime.
Tibetan buddhism, on the other hand, offers a great diversity of techniques and stages, and relies on a richer ritual.
A common geographical origin
Buddhism was born in northern India, on the border of Nepal, from the enlightenment and teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha.
From the Buddha, lineages of masters were created who transmitted the Dharma, the Buddhist Law, to one or more disciples. Buddhism gradually spread in India and beyond, and some of these lineages have survived to this day.
In Tibet, buddhism became imbued with local animist beliefs and practices. In China, it became chan
. In Japan, it took the name zen
(see the history of zen).
A different teaching
From the beginning, zen and Tibetan buddhisms differ widely in their teaching methods.
Tibetan buddhism has many branches, all of which provide gradual teaching. The practitioner must go through many stages before reaching the supreme meditation, the one in the posture of Buddha, which led him to awakening.
Zen buddhism uses a more direct method and immediately teaches the right posture to any beginner sincerely wishing to know and practice the posture of the illuminated Buddha, zazen.
In Tibetan buddhism, meditations also have an important place, but the body posture is less rigorous than in zen, where the right posture of zazen is very important. The masters and teachers of the dojos take special care to help practitioners, both novices and experienced, to find and keep this posture.
The transmission method
The method of transmitting the Dharma is also different. The successor of the Dalai Lama, one of the spiritual leaders of Tibetan buddhism, is a child in whom signs are found indicating that he is the reincarnation of his predecessor.
In zen buddhism, transmission is done from master to disciple, I Shin Den Shin
, from my mind to your mind, and is formalized by a secret ceremony called shiho
.
More or less sober practice places
Tibetan temples are rich in colors and gilding, sculptures and paintings.
Zen temples, even more so the temples of master Deshimaru’s lineage, such as the Yujo Nyusanji zen temple in Europe and the Shobogenji zen temple in Latin America, than Japanese temples, are sober and bare.
Which current to choose?
It is not a question here of saying which current is better than the other. The summit of the spiritual mountain is unique, but various paths lead to it. It all depends on your sensitivity and the encounters that have punctuated your life.
Zen meditation (zazen) is often seen as the steep and direct path to the top of the mountain. The cable car, as master Kosen used to say. This path requires willpower, patience, and perseverance, all qualities that are acquired through regular practice, in-depth study and… a high mountain guide!
What is the best branch of buddhism? Try it for yourself! You will then be able to judge what suits you best.