Zen Buddhism is the mystical aspect of Mahayana Buddhism.

” (Analyze important aspects of Zen

Buddhism).

Zen Buddhism has its origins in China and combines Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism which

have its roots in India. It gained popularity in the 20th century in the West, having spread from Korea

then to Japan. It essentially is directed at given a meaning to life, while avoiding any logical misleading

either by thinking or the language. The first principle considered central to Zen is the enlightenment.

The strengths that Zen has is that it exhibits compatibility with other faiths hence can be used by for

instance Christians who are after finding mystical meaning of faith. It often possess paradox thus

requires an input of utmost discipline which if adhered to will lead to freedom. It possesses natural

spontaneity which is not to be mistaken for impulse. In a simplest view, Zen as a subject is vulnerable to

being misunderstood. It is something which one does and has with it a concept which words cannot

adequately describe. It does not rely on the words but rather has to be felt so as to understand. Zen

Buddhism also believes that all of us are born Buddha and that if we seek for the truth we have to just

look inside. The truth lies within us and not outside. All the answers we need are right where we found

the questions we pose. This truth cannot be obtained from philosophies or focusing on scriptures or

even ritualistic partaking. Meditation is the key to controlling our minds to avoid the traps that exist in

various webs.

Enlightenment opens up one to the realization that we gain nothing from the enlightenment

itself. It leads us to the realization that we can realize nothing. This has led to some scholars attributing

Zen to confusion and lack of self-realization. Others claim that there is nothing at all and we have always

had enlightenment and we will live with delusion all our lives. Zen holds a similar opinion as that held by

Taoism: an attempt to control nature is not only useless but is also an absurd one. Looking into the
history surrounding the West and its pursuit of advances in technology is a case example of man trying

to control nature. Zen would have a view that it is okay to act and not worry about whether this act is

wrong or right since neither is bad. Universally according to Zen has no right and wrong but understands

that these values are often superimposed by the society. The universe has not given a distinct view or

categorization. Zen’s moral stance is put under questioning with this statement. Zen however cherishes

the Four Great Vows which states that “I vow to save all sentient beings”. Zen has a contrasted view on

art which suggests art to be made in the simplest way possible. Music can be sung in any way, just as

anything can be drawn. The full understanding of the object’s inner body is what matters to an artist.

Zen music has no fixed pitch levels and cannot even be objects of discussion.