The word "Zen" is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhyana", which means "meditation" or "meditation". In Buddhism, Zen is a broad concept that encompasses practice, concentration, and wisdom. However, since the formation of Zen Buddhism in China, there has been a gradual distinction between the "Zen" of meditation and the "Zen" of Zen Buddhism, and although they have similar names, they have their own distinct meanings.
The practice of meditation mainly refers to a way of practicing meditation. It emphasizes that in the process of practice, practitioners need to achieve inner peace and concentration by adjusting their state of mind. This meditation involves not only meditation (i.e., adjusting the state of mind so that it is calm and focused), but also the cultivation of wisdom, i.e., gaining a deeper level of knowledge and understanding through the observation and comprehension of the nature of everything in the world. In terms of form, the practice of meditation is usually divided into three stages: sitting meditation, adjusting the body, and adjusting the mind. Zazen is the most central part of this, requiring the practitioner to maintain physical and mental stability and concentration while sitting. Alignment is the adjustment of one's body posture before and during zazen to accommodate and promote inner peace. Mindfulness is the use of various methods, such as observing breathing, visualization, meditation, etc., to adjust and purify the inner thinking activities, and remove distracting thoughts and delusions.
The goal of meditation is to enable practitioners to transcend the troubles and troubles of everyday life and gain inner peace and wisdom. It helps practitioners to look deeply into their inner world and understand their emotions and thought patterns, so that they can better cope with life's challenges and difficulties. At the same time, the practice of meditation can also improve the practitioner's concentration and willpower, and enhance their mental resilience and adaptability.
Zen Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasizes the "nirvana mind," that is, a pure mind that is free from all afflictions and bondage. In the view of Zen Buddhism, true Zen is not limited to the practice of the color realm, but transcends the limitations of the physical body and directly points to the awakening and enlightenment of the mind. The core of Zen Buddhism is the "heart", which is the Buddha's mind, the Buddha's mind, the Buddha's mind, the Buddha's mind, the Buddha's mind, the Buddha's inner wisdom and strength. It is seen as the pure essence of all beings, only obscured by earthly afflictions.
The function of Zen Buddhism is to open up this "nirvana mind" so that the practitioner can recognize and experience his inner Buddha-nature. It takes "wisdom" or "enlightenment" as the goal pursued by the practitioner, emphasizing a state that transcends words and thinking. In this realm, the practitioner is able to directly comprehend the true meaning of life and the reality of the universe, and achieve a supreme liberation and freedom.
Thus, although the Zen of Zen and the Zen of Zen have similar names, their emphasis is very different. The practice of meditation focuses more on practical methods of practice and aims to attain inner peace and wisdom through contemplation; Zen Buddhism, on the other hand, focuses more on the awakening and enlightenment of the soul, emphasizing the realization of transcendence through the realization of the true meaning of life. This distinction reflects the different emphases and orientations of the two in terms of spiritual philosophy and methodology.
In the process of practice and development of Buddhism, "Zen of Meditation" and "Zen of Zen" have gradually formed their own unique concepts and methods of practice. The practice of meditation focuses on practical methods of practice and helps practitioners to purify their inner world; Zen Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasizes the awakening and enlightenment of the mind, and pursues transcendent realms and liberation.
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