Differences Between Indian Buddhism and Zen Buddhism

I am doing some research on the differences between Indian Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. I understand they are very similar in many ways (clearly because Zen is a branch of sorts to Indian Buddhism), but perhaps some other people have some insight into the topic and would like to share. Share away if you have something to say about them.

 

Well...

In order to understand different styles of Buddhism you need to look at the area and people that shaped that style of Buddhism. Buddhism has many, many different style. Everything from Zen (simple) to Tibetan (quite lavish).

The main difference from Zen to other type of Buddhism is that one of the main practices is zazen (just sitting). This is quite different from meditation due to the fact when you meditate you are focusing and when you are practicing zazen you are really just sitting there.

Zen also uses the practice of koans and mondos. (example: what is the sound of one hand?) These are suppose to help the Zen practitioner break out of their mental moulds in order to see the truth.

The origins of Zen can be brought back to China (someone correct me if I'm wrong) when a man named Bodhidharma (Indian guy) came to the Shaolin Monastery to spread the dharma (teaching). Bodhidharma is quite the cool guy and has some neat legends about him. In China the teachings of Bodhidharma is known as Chan Buddhism.

Well, back in the day a Japanese guy called Dogen came over to China and learned about Chan. Eventually Dogen came home and started teaching what he learned while he was there, Chan but pronounced Zen by the Japanese. Dogen played a huge role in Zen and formed the Soto school of Zen.

Over the years Zen has involved into what it is today.

I don't know if that helps you out any but it is what I know. At least I think I know.

OH! You can find a lot of neat things about different kinds of Buddhism online but one of the most interesting things is how Buddhism is forming in North America. Buddhism over here is still fairly new and is taking an...interesting shape.

 

I'm not sure what you are referring to by the term "Indian Buddhism", since Buddhism has been close to extinct in India for centuries.

There are two main branches of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana. The Theravada branch is found in Sri Lanka, Burma. Cambodia and Thailand. The Mahayana branch is found in China, Japan and Vietnam. Tibetan Buddhism is part of the Vajrayana, which is sometimes considered a separate branch and sometimes considered as part of the Mahayana. All forms have been imported into Western countries.

Zen is part of the Mahayana branch.

It would take too long to summarize the differences in belief and practice between the various branches. Fortunately, there are lots of online resources available.

 

Yes, and it's a good job eSangha is no longer one of them. :2thumbsup:

 

Your giving me huge news, I always thought of meditation as just sitting with nothing on your mind, was I wrong all along? Also, what is this interesting shape you talk about?