Z is for Zen
My choice for today's Z-theme in ABC Monday is a Zen temple in Nagasaki - Sofukuji. It was constructed in 1629 and belongs to the Obaku school of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
Because Zen is so hard to explain here are some quotations that may help you get an idea of it (The Source):
* The essence of Zen Buddhism is achieving enlightenment by seeing one's original mind (or original nature) directly; without the intervention of the intellect.
* Zen is big on intuitive understanding, on just 'getting it', and not so hot on philosophising.
* Zen is concerned with what actually is rather than what we think or feel about what is.
* Zen is concerned with things as they are, without trying to interpret them.
* Zen points to something before thinking, before all your ideas.
* The key to Buddhahood in Zen is simply self-knowledge.
* To be a human being is to be a Buddha. Buddha nature is just another name for human nature - true human nature.
* Zen is simply to be completely alive.
* Zen is short for Zen Buddhism. It is sometimes called a religion and sometimes called a philosophy. Choose whichever term you prefer; it simply doesn't matter.
* Zen is not a philosophy or a religion.
* Zen tries to free the mind from the slavery of words and the constriction of logic.
* Zen in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's own being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom.
* Zen is meditation.
For more ABC pics - visit Mrs Nesbitt's place at
Tags: zen, nagasaki, japan, buddhism, temple, photo, foto, resa, abc wednesday
Because Zen is so hard to explain here are some quotations that may help you get an idea of it (The Source):
* The essence of Zen Buddhism is achieving enlightenment by seeing one's original mind (or original nature) directly; without the intervention of the intellect.
* Zen is big on intuitive understanding, on just 'getting it', and not so hot on philosophising.
* Zen is concerned with what actually is rather than what we think or feel about what is.
* Zen is concerned with things as they are, without trying to interpret them.
* Zen points to something before thinking, before all your ideas.
* The key to Buddhahood in Zen is simply self-knowledge.
* To be a human being is to be a Buddha. Buddha nature is just another name for human nature - true human nature.
* Zen is simply to be completely alive.
* Zen is short for Zen Buddhism. It is sometimes called a religion and sometimes called a philosophy. Choose whichever term you prefer; it simply doesn't matter.
* Zen is not a philosophy or a religion.
* Zen tries to free the mind from the slavery of words and the constriction of logic.
* Zen in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's own being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom.
* Zen is meditation.
For more ABC pics - visit Mrs Nesbitt's place at
Tags: zen, nagasaki, japan, buddhism, temple, photo, foto, resa, abc wednesday
Kommentarer/Comments
Postat av: Gary
Zen seems to be a popular thread for this week's ABC'ers.
Have learnt more about it today than I ever have!!
The joy of blogging!
Gary
Bodge's Bulletin
Postat av: Gemma
Great post! The temple is utterly awesome! Serene just to look at!
Postat av: babooshka
I went fo a zen moment. It is hard to explain, but you've done so exceptionally well.
Postat av: Kicki
Taack :)
Postat av: Denise
What an inspirational post! So much to know and discover out there.
Postat av: SugarKisses
Beautiful post. Thanks for the explanation of the photo.
Postat av: david mcmahon
G'day from Australia,
Came to check out your ABC Wednesday A post - but maybe I was too early!
Cheers
David
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