Zen is often perceived as an enigmatic concept, yet at its core, it’s profoundly simple. It embodies both our inherent nature – our truest selves expressing in each moment – and a dedicated practice that unlocks the joy of being. Zen is not a doctrine to be adopted, nor a belief system to convert to. It transcends dogma and rigid principles, offering instead a direct pathway to experiencing what might be called ultimate reality, or the absolute. Crucially, this profound reality is not separate from our everyday, relative world; it is interwoven within it. This immediate, unfiltered experience is our birthright. The practice of zazen, or meditation, serves as the principal means to realize the non-dualistic, vibrant, subtle, and interconnected essence of all existence.
This path of realization was illuminated approximately 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince who became known as Shakyamuni Buddha. “Buddha” simply signifies “awakened one.” His revolutionary teaching was the assertion that awakening is universally accessible; that fundamentally, we are all buddhas – whether we identify as Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Ashanti, Haudenasaunee, or secular.
Embracing a flexible and inclusive approach towards diverse cultures and beliefs, Buddhism found widespread acceptance throughout Asia. In China, it melded with Taoism, evolving into Ch’an, the Chinese term for meditation, which subsequently transformed into “Zen” in Japan. Over recent decades, Zen has increasingly become integrated into Western culture. The esteemed historian Arnold Toynbee even remarked that the eastward movement of Buddhism to the West was among the most impactful occurrences of the twentieth century.
Through committed and consistent meditation practice, we can come to realize the fundamental unity of self and other, the simultaneous nature of the conditioned and unconditioned, and the inherent identity of the absolute and relative. From this profound realization arises a natural wellspring of compassion and wisdom, fostering a peaceful and intuitively appropriate response to any circumstances that may arise. Zen practice is not about grand pronouncements or rigid religious frameworks. When questioned about Buddhism, the Dalai Lama succinctly stated, “My religion is kindness.”
So, returning to the fundamental question, What Is Zen? Pause for a moment. Release the urge to intellectually grasp something that is vast and limitless, far exceeding the capacity of the rational mind. Simply inhale with complete awareness. Savor the breath. Fully appreciate its life-giving essence. Now exhale slowly, with equal appreciation. Release everything; cling to nothing. Inhale with gratitude; exhale with love. Receiving and giving – this is the continuous exchange we engage in with every breath. To perform this simple act with conscious awareness, regularly, is the transformative practice we call Zen.
This seemingly simple yet deeply profound practice has the power to liberate us from the constraints of past regrets and future anxieties, as well as from the self-imposed and confining barriers we construct around what we mistakenly believe to be our separate and unchanging identities.
Who do we truly believe ourselves to be? When we delve into profound introspection, we encounter the koan “Who am I?”. We discover that the conditioned perspectives and ingrained habits we have come to identify as “self” lack any fixed substance. Through consistent zazen, we can free ourselves from this illusory self and uncover our true self – a being that is open, confident, and unburdened, flowing harmoniously with all that exists in the present moment. Consequently, a natural sense of responsibility towards the environment emerges, beginning with our own actions: conserving Earth’s precious resources, recognizing the interconnected consequences of every action. And quite naturally, we extend This Mind; we commit to living with mindfulness, integrity, and authenticity; we vow to liberate all beings from suffering.
Consider joining an Introduction To Zen weekend retreat at our mountain monastery, or participate in Zazen Intro sessions at our New York City temple to explore Zen practice further.
