Soto School of Zen Buddhism Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of reflecting on a koan?

To change one's experience of the world (correct)

To analyze Buddhist scriptures

To memorize ancient teachings

To understand the history of Buddhism

What does the koan 'out of nowhere, the mind comes forth' suggest?

One can control every thought that arises

Our minds are always empty of thoughts

Meditation is the only way to think clearly

Thoughts often arise without conscious effort (correct)

How did D.T.Suzuki contribute to the popularization of Zen Buddhism in the West?

By founding a Zen monastery in Japan

By teaching at Columbia University and influencing Western thought (correct)

By translating ancient Buddhist texts into English

By promoting intensive meditation retreats in Europe

What distinguishes Pure Land Buddhism (Jodo) from Zen Buddhism?

The requirement to recite Nembutsu as a practice Signup and view all the answers

Why did samurai find Pure Land Buddhism appealing?

For the ease of use and lack of intense study or meditation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of Dual Shinto?

Worship of nature, ancestors, and unseen things combined with Buddhist meditation practices Signup and view all the answers

How did Suzuki's teachings at Columbia University impact the Western understanding of Buddhism?

By attracting more Western individuals to travel to India and Japan Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Pure Land Buddhism from Rinzai schools of Zen Buddhism?

The practice of reciting Nembutsu vs. studying koans Signup and view all the answers

Why did some individuals find Pure Land Buddhism more accessible than Zen Buddhism?

Zen's emphasis on intense meditation practices was intimidating to some individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does the koan 'out of nowhere, the mind comes forth' suggest?

One's thoughts appear spontaneously without conscious effort. Signup and view all the answers

How did D.T. Suzuki contribute to the popularization of Zen Buddhism in the West?

By writing influential books and teachings about Zen. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Pure Land Buddhism (Jodo) from Zen Buddhism?

Jodo practitioners recite Nembutsu for awakening. Signup and view all the answers

Why did some samurai find Pure Land Buddhism appealing?

For its ease of use and lack of strict instruction. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dual Shinto?

The worship of nature, ancestors, and unseen things combined with Buddhist meditation techniques. Signup and view all the answers

Why did many individuals find Pure Land Buddhism more accessible than Zen Buddhism?

Due to its simplicity and the recitation of Nembutsu for sudden awakening. Signup and view all the answers

'Out of nowhere, the mind comes forth' is a nod to what concept?

The spontaneous appearance of thoughts without effort. Signup and view all the answers

'Save me, Amina Buddha' is a phrase associated with which Buddhist sect?

'Pure Land' Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Zen Buddhism Definition

Zen Buddhism is a form of meditation that focuses on natural intuition, allowing individuals to understand their religion fully through direct experience.
It has the ability to permeate into other religions, making it a sought-after practice for Christians and members of other religions.

Origins of Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism began with the awakening of Shakyamuni Buddha in the 5th century BCE.
The practice developed in India for over a thousand years before being brought to China by a visiting monk.
In China, Mahayana Buddhism was influenced by Taoist thought, emphasizing the inherent duality in all things.
The Mahayana teachings spread throughout China during the Tang dynasty's golden age, focusing on meditation practice, work, and language.

Zen in Japan

Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 12th century by the monk Eisai, who traveled to China and studied at the Linzai school.
Eisai developed his own school in Japan, incorporating the key Buddhist beliefs: existence is suffering, suffering has a cause, and the true cessation of suffering is Nirvana.
Zen Buddhism in Japan was influenced by Taoism and Confucianism, emphasizing the importance of personal ethics and morality.

Rinzai School

The Rinzai school was founded by Eisai in Japan, emphasizing abrupt awakenings and transcendence.
Common practices include shouts (mantras) or blows delivered by the master, question and answer sessions, and meditations upon paradoxical questions.
Members of the Rinzai school create Juzu necklaces, used for mindful and purposeful counting.

Soto School

The Soto school was founded by Dogen in Japan, emphasizing the spiritual and the idea that everyone is a Buddha and can be awakened.
Soto is also known as "farmer Zen" due to its focus on slow progression and traditional Indian and Chinese meditative practices.
The Soto Zen crest is a gentian flower.

Zen Buddhism Beliefs

The goal of Zen Buddhism is to attain enlightenment and achieve Nirvana, where one no longer experiences suffering.
Zen teaches that every one thing is connected in a universal balance, and there is no true self, only an illusion.
Koans are used to convey the paradoxical nature of existence, prompting individuals to see past the ego-consciousness and understand the world on a more experiential basis.

Koans

Koans are repeated phrases used to enlighten the individual, conveying the paradoxical nature of existence.
The Rinzai school uses koans extensively, requiring disciples to be familiar with up to 1700 koans.
Examples of koans include "if you see the Buddha, kill him" and "what do you call the world?"

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Description

Learn about the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, founded by Dogen in Japan in the 13th century. Discover how Soto emphasizes the spiritual and teaches that everyone is a Buddha and can be awakened. Explore how Soto differs from Rinzai Zen and is often referred to as 'farmer Zen' for its practical and wholesome approach.