preview

Zen And Pure Land Buddhism

Good Essays

Introduction
After the death of the historical Buddha occurred and his lineage had ended with Buddha Sakyamuni, his teachings spread in two main directions, southward (Theravada tradition) and eastward into China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan (Mahayana tradition). In East Asia, these teachings developed into ten different schools, several of which remain important to this day: Zen, Tantric and Pure Land (Li 4 April 2016). These schools of thought differ in many ways but also have overlapping similarities. In my essay, I will explain three underlying differences and similarities between Zen and Pure Land Buddhism and its relation to emptiness and compassion. The differences the reader will encounter will be the role of language, the role of practice, and approaches towards life and death. While there are many differences, there also lay similarities, including śūnyatā (emptiness), bodhisattva’s compassion and ono-mama or sono-mama (isness or suchness).
2. The Role of Language
Zen’s school of thought in the context of language is seen through jiriki (self-power).The koan, one of the foundation of zen learning, uses its approach by believing that one must embody and realize the koan (Shinran PG#). Realizing the koan means to comprehend and embody Zen meditation completely. The goal of Zen Buddhism is to look towards the future, searching to attain satori (awakening). Through jiriki nembutsu (self-power chanting) the person is hakarai (calculating) their spiritual and material

Get Access