What is Zen Buddhism?

In this video, we continue exploring the rich spiritual tradition of Buddhism through one of its most profound and important schools - Chan/Zen. We dive into the history and development of the school, as well as its characteristic teachings about meditation, koans, liberation and Buddha-nature.
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
/ letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
www.paypal.com/paypalme/letst...
Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqt...
Most of my music can be found here:
Filip Holm: open.spotify.com/artist/2O7FL...
Zini: open.spotify.com/artist/0jy5K...
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Chuang Zhi (2019). "Exploring Chán: An Introduction to the Religious and Mystical Tradition of Chinese Buddhism". Songlark Publishing.
Hershock, Peter D. (2004). "Chan Buddhism". University of Hawaii Press.
Red Pine (translated by) (1989). "The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma". North Point Press.
Red Pine (translated by) (2002). "The Diamond Sutra". Counterpoint.
Red Pine (translated by) (2008). "The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng". Counterpoint.
Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press.
Ziporyn, Brook (2016). "Emptiness and Omnipresence: An essential introduction to Tiantai Buddhism". Indiana University Press.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
03:39 Basics of Buddhism
04:56 East Asian Buddhism (Mahayana)
13:19 The Origins of Chan
17:22 Bodhidharma
20:17 Teachings & Practices of Chan
33:49 Chan's relationship to Daoism
35:31 Later developments & Subschools
37:50 Japanese Zen & Dogen
41:16 Chan/Zen today & Conclusions
#zen #buddhism #china

[@rumrunner8019]

I studied Chan at a monastery for a year (but didn't become a monk) and I must say, you really nailed it here! There are just two points that should be made: First, something that many Westerners may not realize, is that strict adherence to one sect of Buddhism isn't very widespread. Many Buddhists, including monastics, practice both Chan/Zen and Pureland Buddhism, or mix Chan/Zen with esoteric/Vajrayana teachings. Also, many Buddhists will even combine religions, like having Confucian ancestor veneration and familial piety or Shinto reverence for Kami spirits mixed with Zen or other sects of Buddhism. Second, it should be noted that we do have the concept of Wu (Satori in Japanese) Essentially, while in Zuochan/Zazen meditation, it is possible to actually touch Buddhahood, if only for a moment. That is one of the biggest differences between Chan and just about every other religion: other religions talk about "heaven," but in Chan, we actually visit it and experience it in this life. It should also be noted that Bodhidharma founded Chan at the Shaolin monastery...yep, that Shaolin monastery. The birthplace of Chan in China is also the birthplace of Kung-Fu.

[@onekumarajay]

You do realize that Chan is A Derivative of Dhyana, which is A Derivative of Gyana - Which Essentially Means Knowledge of Self. This Heaven You Claim You Experience in China, maybe Equalized toTerms Such as Nirvana, Moksha, Samadhi etc. Difference between Buddhism & Hinduism could be this: The Buddhist Void (which you call your Chinese Heaven) is Just Another Way of Describing The Hindu Conception of God as Brahman (The Vast) Peace

[@onekumarajay]

Essentially, Buddha "IS" the Heaven you speak of. And Hindu Knowers of Brahman Are Permanently Based In It ONE

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Thank you for a valuable addition to the discussion!

[@TheCaptainFanta]

Can you tell me a little bit about the process of entering a monastery, I'm extremely interested in experiencing monastic life and especially zen.

[@ObakuZenCenter]

@@TheCaptainFanta If you are interested, look for a legitimate Chan/Zen teacher, center, or monastery near you and just visit, take part in the meditation meetings and such. It's important to get a sense of whether the teacher is right for you, before committing to extended time in a center or monastery.

[@Vak_g]

After so many episodes, after so many excellent documentaries, I still cant't believe how lucky I am to be able to watch videos like this in KZbin! Philip what you are doing is literally making my life more beautiful! Thank you very much!

[@cecilcharlesofficial]

agree - one of my fav channels.

[@ireb3l]

I agree ☝️

[@nannwe8241]

66666666 to 779.

[@lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour]

God, the Lord Jesus Christ loves you! Restore your relationship with God by repenting of your sins and putting your faith in Jesus Christ, "... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

[@buddhaexhumed9922]

I also regard myself as lucky to tumble into this channel. I do research on how Buddhism disappeared in Bihar. I realized it never disappeared from Bihar. Buddhists simply failed to research Indian Buddhism. They looked at Buddhism through the sphere of their own cultures searching for only the Buddha. Buddha had a myriad of names in different villages according to his teachings there. Example. His favorite teaching was 'Lust and desire causes pain. Remove lust and desire, and pain is removed'. Translated into Bihari (where the Buddha story took place) it is DHUKH HARAN meaning to remove dukha. Three dozen villages pray to DUKH HARAN Baba. Its clear that DUKH HARAN Baba is none other than the Buddha. Problem is Buddhists are searching only for the Buddha. In the real Vaishali the Buddha begged for alms. The locals there pray to 'BHIKHAINI' Baba (Beggar Baba). Bhikhaini was mispronounced by Buddhists as Bhikshu. Who is BHIKHAINI Baba. The Buddha no doubt. But people are searching for a man called Buddha. In the real Vaishali, in Beluha the Buddha suffered a sickness and felt he had grown old. The locals pray to 'BURHA' Baba (Old Baba). Who is BURHA Baba. The Buddha no doubt. In the real Vaishali the Lichavies pressurized Buddha not to die. They trailed him to Bandagawan pressurizing him not to die. To put pressure in Hindi is DABESHWAR. Three dozen villages around the stupa where Buddha gave the Lichavies his patra, the villagers pray to Baba 'DABESHWAR NATH' meaning the man who won the pressurizing game. It was the the Buddha no doubt as he gave the Lichavies his patra and succeded in sending them back. But Buddhists are searching for the Buddha. In Pidhauli (Vaishali) the local deity is Bardiha Baba. Bardiha means the Baba who didn't allow us to stay where he was staying. Bardiha Baba is the Buddha no doubt because he didn't allow the crowd of Lichavies to stay with him in Bandagama. Forgive me for commenting out of the topic. I just wanted to impart this information to you.

[@nicolafrau759]

Finally a video about Buddhism! Thanks!

[@baronesselsavonfreytag-lor1134]

Yes!

[@SithSolomon]

I’m saying 😂

[@rayne6719]

Maybe next he'll cover Zelda

[@rafaelnunesduarte]

​@@rayne6719religion for breakfast did one, if you are interested.

[@zanewalsh1812]

Sorry, dear friend... Not 'finally!' "Now" a meditation on Buddhism 🙏🏼 Namaskar 🌏🌎🌍🕊️ For us all ✨🌈🌌

[@kasturiswami784]

In real life we learn all the time from such wisdom and it makes a huge difference.

[@buddhaexhumed9922]

Yes, these videos make a real difference. Please allow me to interrupt. I do research on how Buddhism disappeared in Bihar. I realized it never disappeared from Bihar. Buddhists simply failed to research Indian Buddhism. They looked at Buddhism through the sphere of their own cultures searching for only the Buddha. Buddha had a myriad of names in different villages according to his teachings there. Example. His favorite teaching was 'Lust and desire causes pain. Remove lust and desire, and pain is removed'. Translated into Bihari (where the Buddha story took place) it is DHUKH HARAN meaning to remove dukha. Three dozen villages pray to DUKH HARAN Baba. Its clear that DUKH HARAN Baba is none other than the Buddha. Problem is Buddhists are searching only for the Buddha. In the real Vaishali the Buddha begged for alms. The locals there pray to 'BHIKHAINI' Baba (Beggar Baba). Bhikhaini was mispronounced by Buddhists as Bhikshu. Who is BHIKHAINI Baba. The Buddha no doubt. But people are searching for a man called Buddha. In the real Vaishali, in Beluha the Buddha suffered a sickness and felt he had grown old. The locals pray to 'BURHA' Baba (Old Baba). Who is BURHA Baba. The Buddha no doubt. In the real Vaishali the Lichavies pressurized Buddha not to die. They trailed him to Bandagawan pressurizing him not to die. To put pressure in Hindi is DABESHWAR. Three dozen villages around the stupa where Buddha gave the Lichavies his patra, the villagers pray to Baba 'DABESHWAR NATH' meaning the man who won the pressurizing game. It was the the Buddha no doubt as he gave the Lichavies his patra and succeded in sending them back. But Buddhists are searching for the Buddha. In Pidhauli (Vaishali) the local deity is Bardiha Baba. Bardiha means the Baba who didn't allow us to stay where he was staying. Bardiha Baba is the Buddha no doubt because he didn't allow the crowd of Lichavies to stay with him in Bandagama. Forgive me for commenting out of the topic. I just wanted to impart this information to you.

[@simpleitsdanny]

Ive been Thien Buddhist my whole life but always wondered why the Buddhism varies by country ! Thank you for tackling this and clarifying my own religion

[@amirbanafi1477]

Hello dear. I love to research about different mystical ways, philosophies, psychological subjects and religions. I am practicing zen meditation and mindfulness every day and I am reading late Thich Nhat Hanh books and listen to his speeches and also Pema Chodron. I love him. I grew up in an Islamic culture in Iran and I love Sufism and Iranian divine philosophy. My question to you is can I have your email or your WhatsApp no or your social media to have a relationship with you for asking questions about Buddhism. I will be so happy if you accept my request. Thanks

[@tdclemensen]

I have been going through a very difficult time recently, and what you said about letting go and accepting the suffering really hits home. Sometimes suffering hits like a tidal wave and there is no option but to let go

[@MartyMcK]

I prefer Thich Nhat Hanh’s use of the term interconnected ness. rather than emptiness. You actually explained it really well when referring to the tree.

[@SuperAwesomedude20]

Emptiness is literally interdependence yup

[@thomasbortscheller8156]

I have watched many KZbin videos on Zen and I truly didn’t understand until the part of your video where you talk about the tree and the non specificity of all inter connected everything. I am also glad that you have much better words than I do. 😂

[@elfarlaur]

28:35 this story reminds me of Stoicism. Interesting how philosophers in different parts of the world with different cultures and influences can come to similar conclusions.

[@pookz3067]

A necessary functional development in times of inescapable suffering!

[@deacudaniel1635]

In Middle Chinese (spoken by the time Zen Buddhism emerged), dhyana was pronunced as *dzien, then diverged into modern Mandarin "chan", Japanese "zen" and other variants across East Asian languages.

[@jackvern]

should be chen instead...

[@xhoques]

I think it was the other way around. Since 照三歸知, chan could in be the early day be pronunced as *dyan.

[@ExplainingChristianity]

Finally a video about Zen Buddhism, been waiting for a while!

[@userMB1]

Buddhistic teachings has been of great influence in modern day therapy like CBT and DBT. I myself have been trough DBT and learned valuable lessons. Most notably Radical Acceptance, i.e. accepting reality as it is so you can react to it the best possible way. 💟

[@garypuckettmuse]

The Buddha was the OG of psychiatry/psychotherapy.. Even Freudian psychoanalysis is an iteration of the idea that the truth will set you free. The Rub in concepts like Radical Acceptance is developing the wisdom and the courage to recognize reality which is the precondition of being able to Accept it. Good comment and I hope it encourages people to look into DBT as a path for their own growth. There is a lot we can do to help ourselves; we don't always have to turn to experts to hold up the mirror for us. Best wishes.

[@MartyMcK]

As has Stoicism

[@greenthumb8266]

I have benefitted greatly these past three years studying the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh , on the Plum Village channel here on YT. Thank you Filip for all your wonderful videos 🙏🏼

[@jseymourguenther6527]

I get why it took Filip awhile to get around to Buddha Dharma - he doesn’t settle for simplification

[@LetsTalkReligion]

I do my best, at least!

[@user-hy9nh4yk3p]

Kwatsss ! Traditional Master shout - from Zen or the sound of that wooden slat - smacked across the shoulders of the meditator - in Zen, again. Hee hee. Seriously. You have developed a useful and inspiring - world view - to help individuals and whole groups. Fare thee well. @@LetsTalkReligion

[@mcgee227]

Thank you for this explanation. I've studied zen for years, but from time to time, you'll hear an explanation that makes the teaching more available.

[@LysSylva]

One of my favorite channels. Straight to the point, , well researched, topped with own experienceand well explained Thank you!

[@nicholasfici805]

Absolutely the best presentation of Zen ever!🙏

[@ramiroe.borjam.5120]

Thank you for your video! today was a special day for me, spiritually, and today you publish this video, it is such a nice coincidence! your videos are so good! this pleases me so much! thank you really!

[@ianenglish123]

Thank you so much Fillip, excellent presentation. One point you touched on was the parallels between Taoism and Chen / Zen. Going with the flow is living the Dharma. Both keystones of those belief systems. Thank you.

[@conmereth]

I recently found your channel and was a little disappointed you didn't have a video like this up, looking forward to the next one!

[@joeroubidoux2783]

Congrats! you did about as good a job as can be hoped for and really got the “principle” through. Excellent in every way.

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Thank you!

[@clobbopus_used_beat]

Perfect amount of detail and context. Thank you!

[@Rydonittelo]

Fantastic video. Really look forward to these videos being released 👍🏻

[@lafemininja]

That was a great video. I have been practicing and learning about zen buddhism for some time and this was quite accurate to the original teachings and history, plus some helpful insight about its development in China in particular. I have been following your channel and I was wondering when you were going to post something about it haha, so many thanks! 🙏🏽

[@evanfont913]

I’ve been waiting so long for this one. My patience has been rewarded.

[@aubreyekstrom8919]

Very well done video on Chan/Zen Buddhism, from someone who has practiced and studied Buddhism most of my life, specifically Chan/Zen Buddhism. While we could debate minor differences in the details & history, I think that misses the point. For a 45 minute video you did an amazing job of covering the main ideas and history. Thank you for your hard work on this!

[@bencharits]

Great summary indeed 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽 your description and understanding of Chan Buddhism are superb and admirable. Thanks for doing this.

[@claudetaiwan]

I fell the very same way you did…

[@commotio-cordis8140]

I love your videos on the dharmic faiths! Its so hard to find videos that aren't trying to convert you!! Thank you!! More please!!

[@shaashaash]

Thank you for this video, i would love to see more from you about buddhism, keep it up !!

[@douglashtang]

I understand exactly everything you say in this video because I grew up reading a lot of Chan and Mahayana Buddhist texts (sutras-vinayas-sastras) in Vietnamese language. Thank you so much for explaining this in depth for English speaking audiences. This video is truly a gem. I feel like you might have been able to read some non-English texts to come up with such detailed look in Chan Buddhism. I love that you introduce the zen koans riddles to the non-Buddhist audience. These koans are very fascinating, mind-blowing and thought-provoking.

[@canisronis2753]

So good, so useful...thank you! Enlightening channels like yours are the modern equivalent of guru for those with the eyes to see.

[@corsaircaruso471]

So excited! Chan isn’t my tradition (I’m Theravada), but I’m very happy to see you covering Buddhism!

[@huzaifasalik2909]

I consider Sir as my teacher as his knowledge is really authentic

[@habibchowdhurry5089]

I appreciate you and everything you do for us. Thanks for providing us with your scholarship and these awesome videos.

[@vertbeke7977]

Good

[@Outthere115]

This is sooooo good. Exactly the sort of video that makes me think "wow, I can't believe I'm getting this for free." Not only does it run for a satisfying 45 minutes, but it perfectly complements my existing knowledge of Zen. I guess I didn't know as much as I thought I did! ;) And now just a week later we get another big one: Neoplatonism and Christianity. Been waiting for it! Can't say enough how glad I am that I found this channel. Keep em coming (and hefty)

[@dlloydy5356]

Wow what a superb interesting explanation of this subject. Very well explained in understandable terms. Thank you

[@davidstrevens9170]

Masterful treatise! What an eloquent description of Shunyata. Well done. Truly the Truth is becoming more and more accessible. Evolution in motion.

[@newpilgrim]

Thanks so much for precisely explaining underlying principles, and I hope that your excellent content encourages others to look into this experiential 'religion'.

[@richardbaroff4911]

Thank you Philip forthis enjoyable and thoughtful summary of the history of Zen Buddhism. As always the illustrations are beautiful and helpful.

[@lastakocjancic8677]

I would say,with acceptance the suffering loses his power over us.Thank you,you inspired me.❤

[@NeilEvans-xq8ik]

The Way of the Cross...? The Way of Submission (Islam)...? No, that can't be right! Only my cup is the one to drink from. Not those other cups!

[@MindfulExplorations-op7bg]

The stories of enlightened beings and their path to awakening are some of the most mysterious and inspiring tales in Buddhism.

[@XxXenosxX]

Thanks for a well made and informative video, look forward to the next one

[@dustind4694]

Appreciate the clarity and research. Started in on this channel to learn about Sufism and have yet to be disappointed by the dignity granted to the long process of thought and emotion that goes into these faiths, philosophies and practices.

[@dustind4694]

Also seconding Religion For Breakfast if you want to do more deep dives, fellow viewers.

[@xiaomaozen]

Great video, Filip! Very thorough and elaborate for an introduction to the subject. Thanks a lot! 🐱🙏

[@misterhill5598]

Thank you very much for this video.

[@P.G.1966]

Exceptional vid. Very smooth and balanced presentation.

[@wsleppy4699]

I have had the exact same expeience with cold tolerance as it relatess to acceptance / mindfulness. Very glad you went on that tangent.

[@leadingauctions8440]

Thank you for this video.

[@carolineaustin4138]

A careful and clear explanation as always. Thank you.

[@nocantry]

I love all the artwork depicting Lao Tsu. He looks so gentle and kind.

[@d512634]

I look forward to see a philosopher's biography about the sixth patriarch Huineng. His teachings were compiled into a book called Platform Sutra and is held in high regard by Chan Buddhists.

[@johncrondis4563]

Huineng is my neng-ga

[@lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour]

God, the Lord Jesus Christ loves you! Restore your relationship with God by repenting of your sins and putting your faith in Jesus Christ, "... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

[@d512634]

@@lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour He loves you too, random citizen.

[@user-hy9nh4yk3p]

Love does just that ..... excellent note - from yourself. @@d512634

[@danivicario]

Very interesting, thank you!

[@aalien76]

Love the subtle guquin. Excellent work

[@kuroazrem5376]

This is, as always, an amazing video.

[@gstlb]

Very nice work. I think all Americans in particular should see this, as the American understanding of these traditions comes, as you say, from Japan, due to mostly political reasons for the last 75 years. Showing their history in China and influence from Daoism is illuminating.

[@DavidRandallCurtis]

One of the best videos on zen I've seen!

[@bochica3562]

You shared a priceless treasure with me. I know understand critical concepts a lot more than before. Thanks for the video, teacher! ❤🌻

[@ShaolinChan5988]

❤

[@cecilcharlesofficial]

Took a long walk while listening, and since I’m only halfway done, I’m just gonna listen again. Fantastic vid. And let’s all walk more :)

[@imfrankiea]

Woo, the speaker is both cute and clever!! Very enjoyable. I want to view more of his videos. Now, I see how I tolerated so much abusive association - I didn't let them bother me. I saw them as morally sick and expected him to be ethically ill. They did affect me subconsciously in that I encouraged more bad associations, but not I chose my peace which is my choice to be godly. I wish I could be more present in my life experience - God. I need to work on this aspect of my growth now awakeness. If I'm totally awakened- I will be full of energy! Now, I'm tired. I will try Zazen mediation to energize me.

[@gorkanano3584]

Great video for those interested in knowing a little bit more about Zen Buddhism

[@terryz935]

While there is mention of Zen in China, Korean & Japan, there is also a tradition of Zen in Tibet. Dzogchen (Wylie: rdzogs chen) is a tradition of teachings in Tibetan Buddhism aimed at discovering and continuing in the ultimate ground of existence having the qualities of emptiness, spontaneity and compassion. Dzogchen arose in the era of the first dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet (7th to 9th centuries CE) during the Tibetan Empire. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzogchen

[@ezelleze6264]

Video idea: Please make a video or a video series about ancient Egyptian religion. Love your content.

[@howardleekilby7390]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I admire your teaching of all religious traditions with deep respect and high simplicity. I had the honor of studying with Dr. Chang Chung Yuan at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mythosandlogos]

You do a great job at showing the differences and harmonies between the various schools. I had had some encounters with Buddhism that might be typical in a Western, but my mind was blown when a friend took me to his Vietnamese Mahayana Temple and I saw certain Bodhisattvas were far more prominent than Siddhartha Gautama. The experience actually inspired my video on the Many Faces of Compassion. The internal diversity is amazing!

[@ObakuZenCenter]

As a Zen teacher, I would say that there were one or two errors, but overall one of the better presentations I've seen on Chan/Zen. Thank you.

[@rioamat9403]

yeap zen teacher.. ahaa

[@enterthevoidIi]

What were those errors?

[@vertbeke7977]

Yeah

[@bronsonstone725]

I enjoy your videos, thank you for your work. I would like to share the "experience" of no experience, no mind, absorption, samadhi, enlightenment I have had this experience twice, I am now 58, the first time I was 11, my perception shifted from the body to beyond everything where the knowing came to me "I am all there is" , I remember it so clearly as if it was yesterday. And the second time I was 49 and walking to work, this one was much bigger and lasted almost 3 hours. I will explain one very simple thing that you may be able to use to understand this state. Consider you are asleep, you start to dream, you are a character in the dream, and there are other characters which you interact with, something happens and you suddenly become lucid, your perception of being the dream character has now shifted to being the dreamer, you are now fully aware that you are beyond everything in the dream and in fact everything including the space and time within the dream is a construct within you, this also is very clear that the character you thought you were, and the characters you thought you were interacting with were all you.... the dreamer. I have never used drugs, never even smoked a cigarette

[@Lazer_puppy]

Incredible work as always. I would love to see do a video on the Japanese Buddhist Monk Nichiren, he's a very fascinating figure.

[@samyebeid4534]

Listening to your videos is also a great form of meditation.

[@nimahmosstafa9835]

Thank you very much for this valuable content!

[@TokimaruTV]

Namo Buddha....may everyone be blessed with peace and tranquility

[@iesureloaded6139]

I was fortunate my philosophy, professor in college taught us, Taoism and Buddhism/Hinduism. Thank you for your videos. Can’t wait to see more ❤️

[@ademiranda2]

Very informative video. I have always loved Zen and its simplicity, its minimalist elegance. I remember picking up a copy of "The Way of Zen" by Alan Watts back in the 80's. It really changed my perspective on life.

[@exoplanet11]

That's him at 41:41

[@garypuckettmuse]

Alan Watts raised me back in the sixties, hahaha. The Original Spiritual Gangster. I hope you are familiar with all the recordings of his lectures and talks and radio shows available on youtube. And for everyone else out there -- if you are not familiar with Alan Watts *you really haven't lived*.

[@MultiWeb23]

As a Zen Buddhist (Soto-Zen school), I am really glad to see this video :)

[@lopezalehandro1666]

Finally, Ive waited my entire lifetime for this video.

[@jeremybray9586]

What a great video. Great introduction to Zen Buddhism.

[@egoisaspook]

I love that you and Religion for Breakfast, two of my favorite religious studies channels along with Esoterica, are essentially allied.

[@KarlWitsman]

Very good description of Zen Buddhism, at least from my humble understanding. Even after years of following that path, I cannot claim to know everything about it. But I think you reached a Zen point during your trip in the cold. It isn't to stop the suffering, but to not let it overcome you.

[@szymonbaranowski8184]

suffering is just another chosen perception and it doesnt exist objectively ecept in own emotional perception usually more inherited with culture and repeated learned from environment program than triggered by emotional part of brain affecting reptile brain you can train decoupling but it will not be absolute if you stay in environment which stimulates this response you can avoid it avoiding the environment as long as program isnt too strong keeping you caught in world of past if you surround with suffering people you will suffer yourself except if you teach them to decouple from it you are not born suffering no baby suffers focusing on suffering itself will activate brain overthinking this artificial concept

[@StarlitSeafoam]

The influence of Zhuangzi on Chan Bhuddism must have been huge. So many times as I'm listening, I find myself thinking "Wow, sounds like Zhuangzi".

[@AFellowNoSelf]

Not sure if I’ve heard of eyes being closed in zen, but this has only been my personal experience. We keep eyes open as master Dogen says to “let the light in”. We use a Mokugyo, a fish with eyes open in chants as a reminder of even fish out of water keeps eyes open to experience reality. I have always wanted to learn more about the roots in Chan, thank you for this beautiful video 😊

[@GruftiLetsPlay]

Thank you so much for yet another highly informative video! I am very glad to have discovered your KZbin channel it is a true gem! It would be great to see a video of yours on Pureland Buddhism since it is a school quite intertwined with Chan/Seon in its respective countries!

[@kazakhdoge1822]

Hello Filip, I love this channel for bringing an in-depth look at various religions and their philosophies. I have some favors to ask from you: could you make videos about Alevism (not Alawites), Yarsanism and Said Nursi's teachings? Thank you.

[@LetsTalkReligion]

I want to cover all those topics!

[@kazakhdoge1822]

@@LetsTalkReligion Thank you! Hopefully we will see those topics soon!

[@metawicca]

In Thailand there is the teaching of Luang Por Tian. Some call it dynamic meditation. He called it Mahasati. But in general the teaching is referred to as, "Thai Zen" by some. He seemed to appreciate Thich Nhat Hanh too. Just another example of the "Zen" influence around the world, even if not an "official" Zen sect. Very interesting.

[@kirakira9664]

As a theravada Buddhist, growing up we were never really taught about mahayana buddhism so this was really informative thank you

[@dudeonthasopha]

Wooooo, I'm a zen buddhist and it's refreshing to see it explained from a more historical view. I'd love a video on the trikaya concept and how it relates to tathāgatagarbha and śunyata. It's one of the most interesting parts of mahayana I think.

[@enterthevoidIi]

Trikaya is not really that important in Zen, but why do you find it interesting? Is it because of the holly trinity? Zen actually goes to the point where Trikaya is ignored. I think that Zen is getting a completely difference face in contact with the West and in a 100 year or more we will have a whole new school of Buddhism. It's already very different from what is taught in the east.

[@SonofSethoitae]

​@@enterthevoidIiThe Trikaya isn't really ignored in Zen, you see references to it all the time in teachings by Zen masters. Western zen teachers may downplay it to make Buddhism seem more secular, but I'd argue that that isn't even the standard here in the west.

[@enterthevoidIi]

@@SonofSethoitae yeah it is, maybe in the west it's mentioned more due to influences from outside of zen, but in japan/china, it's insignificant

[@SonofSethoitae]

@@enterthevoidIi ...not correct? The trikaya is pretty foundational to Huayan philosophy, which in turn is foundational to Chan/Zen. It's also fundamental to the Mahayana conception of the universe. It's mentioned often in the writings of Chinese and Japanese masters.

[@enterthevoidIi]

@@SonofSethoitae once again, it is not important in zen, it is mentioned, for example, hakuin wrote about it, but it is not important and it's often ignored

[@alwilliams5177]

Excellent job as usual. "The pain completely left me to some degree." That's my koan for today. Extremely appropriate.

[@danielpinojr.8312]

You described "emptiness" in the easiest way to understand. Thank you.

[@TheSamuiman]

Well researched -thanks - Nisarga Dhatta Maharaj comes to mind!

[@ShaolinChan5988]

🎉👌🙏🙏🙏 Throughout the entire KZbin This is the closest, the best explanation for Chan 禅

[@perigee1275]

This is very helpful to me. Thank you. 🏵

[@ferencivanics9980]

Thank you!

[@elliotyu6573]

Minor nitpick: the pinyin transcription for 净土 (Pure Land) at 6:47 should be Jingtu, not Qingtu. I'll also echo many other commenters and say that it would be nice to see a video from you discussing Pure Land Buddhism. Thank you for your wonderful work!

[@Knaeben]

It would be interesting to see a video from you on the two Mahayana schools of Madhyamika and Yogacara.

[@adamng5338]

Such an amazing video, its in depth and I am kinda geeking out! The mention of Nagarjuna's emptiness was great. There are so many details that most lay people who practice Chinese Mahayana Buddhism don't know about, which i feel its important to understand why and how we are practicing certain ideas in today's Chinese Buddhism. Thankyou so much, I learned alot! 🙏

[@xijinping9024]

Thier is no chinese Buddhism first of all. India influenced China culturally 😂😂 China used sanskrit names 😂😂😂.

[@adamng5338]

@xijinping9024 When I said Chinese mahayana buddhism, I meant, when it got transmitted to china and how it transformed to its own thing. I'm glad you had a good laugh.

[@xijinping9024]

The word itself is sanskrit. China used dhyaan which is meditation in sanskrit language into chan.. So technically india dominated china culturally 😆😆 and infant japan also.....

[@xijinping9024]

@@adamng5338 so you are saying that bodhisattva and bodhidharma who were the father and founder of zen Buddhism were not real???😆😆 What a top level of asshole you are 😆😆

[@adamng5338]

@xijinping9024 Thank you for showing your intentions, which has no relevance to any discussion. Have a great day.

[@AmaPeters-pj6pm]

After do many years, I have fir the first time got a glympse of what is meant form is emptiness and emptiness I'd form, thank you

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

I feel so Zen right now...Om Mani padme hum. 🎑

[@moch.farisdzulfiqar6123]

Great video, thanks Phillip! I'm currently reading The Discourse of Inexhaustible Lamp of The Zen School by Master Torei Enji. The emphasis of the dharma lineage and satori is real, and I like how every master experience different satori both from the test or mundane things. By the way, is sufism concept of dzauq comparable to satori?

[@KelsaRavenlock]

This topic always makes me think of the ox. Then I think of the radio drama "The Adventures of Ruby the Intergalactic Gumshoe" as it is a metaphysical and social scifi comedy with a unique take on many Zen Koans. Including a monk who has a meditation breakthrough in trying to become one with the ox only to find himself unable to leave his cell when his horns won't fit through the door.

[@LDRester]

As a Chan Teacher, I appreciate your video

[@terrorists-are-among-us]

I actually heard someone talk about the flower teaching a few days ago but describe it differently and didn't get it, but got it this time 🥳

[@danielepezzoli1500]

Amazing video, as always. Great teaching all the time. Would it be possible to have a video about the so called Pure Land Buddhism? Thank you very much. All the best. Dan

[@atlas_rhea]

I live it every day. Makes functioning in society hard in practice.

[@sisir9639]

more videos on buddhism please!