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This course provides an introduction to the nature and style
of Chan Buddhism, which has been practiced in China since around
the 6th century C.E. and, when exported to Japan around the 11-12th
century, became the source of "Zen." Rather than attempt
to present in depth every important aspect and feature of Chan
Buddhism, this course — by presenting some of the highlights
of Chan — hopefully conveys its flavor and unique approach.
In the near future you will be able to explore aspects of Chan
in greater depth on Ashoka.
The teachings
of the Buddha tell us that everyone has Buddha-nature
and that everyone can attain Buddhahood. Everyone
who . . . follows the principles and methods
of practice can become a Buddha. . . Buddhism
emphasizes the cultivation and realization of wisdom,
which resolves internal struggles and suffering.
But how do we cultivate wisdom? We rely on the
guidance of methods such as those found in Chan
practice.
Master Sheng Yen |
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As Chan is a form of Buddhism, an introduction to
Chan brings us to study the basic teachings of the Buddha. Chan
is both Buddhism as you may already be familiar with and
also forms of practice, meditation and study that evolved in
China and eventually migrated to other Asian countries (such
as Zen in Japan). Today we are witnessing the widespread interest
in Chan and Zen in many countries in the West.
Chan is not
something new brought here [to the West] by Orientals;
Chan is present everywhere, in space without limit
and time without end. However before the Buddhism
of the East was propagated in the western world,
the people of the West never knew of the existence
of Chan. The Chan taught by Orientals in the West
is not, in fact, the real Chan. It is the method
to realize Chan. Chan was first discovered by a
prince named Siddhartha Gautama (called Shakyamuni
after his enlightenment), who was born in India
about 2500 years ago. After he became enlightened
and was called a Buddha, he taught us the method
to know Chan. This method was transmitted from
India to China, and then to Japan. In India it
was called dhyana, which is pronounced "Chan" in
Chinese, and "Zen" in Japanese. Actually,
all three are identical
Master Sheng
Yen |
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