Zen Monk

A brief comparison between Zen and Pure Land Buddhism, both of these are very popular amongst the Vietnamese community. The word Zen has been used many times in the West, due to the hard work of Japanese culture; Zen Buddhism does not have a strong influence as that of the Pure Land Buddhism. Also in the school of Zen, "they reject claims of scriptural authority and embrace many different practices". Zen Buddhism rests on claims to an exclusive lineage that has been passed down from teacher to disciple in a succession from "Shakyamuni", or the historical "Buddha", all the way to the present day.

It is said that trust is the basis of all human connections, from accidental encounters to close relationships. Trust directs all of the interactions that we have with each other. Jeffrey A. Simpson writes, “Trust involves the juxtaposition of people's loftiest hopes and aspirations with their deepest worries and fears” (1). The human ability for trust and trusting is not measured out on an equal basis. Some people are able to trust easier than others and are better at being trustworthy and judging other’s credibility.

The concept of trust is an idea everyone toys with in their lives at one point. One may think that trust is based of moral values between a trusting relationship. But it can be more complex than many may think. Trust by definition is the “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something”(1.). To many, it is the bases of a relationship. People trust one another because they teach one another or they love one another. Whatever the case, trust is an essential piece to a relationship. But it’s Implied that both parties don’t take advantage of that trust. This idea is discussed in literature such as in the novel Indian Horse. Throughout Saul’s Journey in the novel Indian Horse he learns about trust by experiencing it as reality then as an illusion and finally as a choice he must make.

The first three chapters of the book describe why trust in schools is important, define trust, and give ideas for cultivating trust. Then there are chapters on betrayal, revenge, teachers trusting one another, fostering trust with students and parents, and restoring trust. The final chapter outlines ideas for becoming a trustworthy leader. Appendix A has several surveys on trust. Each survey includes scoring directions and information about reliability and validity.

The aspiration of all sentient beings is to reach enlightenment; to realize their Buddha-nature and ascend to Buddhahood. The path and method to reach enlightenment, however, differs depending on the perspective from which one views Buddhism. Dogen, in his teachings on Zen Buddhism, promotes the practice of zazen to reach enlightenment. Shinran and the Pure Land sect are devoted to Amida Buddha, who they believe will bring them to the Pure Land, and enlightenment. The ways espoused by Dogen and Shinran are similar in some aspects, but differing enough in others to warrant the separate sects of Buddhism in Japan. For the purposes of this examination, the two sects can be summarized by how they look at reaching enlightenment: Zen Buddhism focuses inwardly, while Pure Land focuses outwardly. By examining their own words on how one is to reach enlightenment, the similarities and differences in their methods can be seen, allowing a better understanding of the teachings of their respective sects.

Even when we are presented with answers or guides to the many questions we have about life and to how we should live, as inquisitive animals, we strive to enhance our understanding and so begin to learn that perhaps, ultimately, the answers don’t simply come from outside but also from within us. This is then perhaps the greatest implication of this paper, finding new ways in understanding what the true way of life is for human beings and what the true way of life is for ourselves. In the discussion of Zen Buddhism, William A. Young’s framework’s itself must first be explained and understood.

The Zen monk’s teaching techniques used in Japan that Mori introduced to us rely heavily on the students’ effort and desire to achieve. This Zen technique is based off satori, or enlightenment and in this style of teaching the teacher presents “a series of koans-- questions that are meant to puzzle and disturb rather than provide answers” (Mori). The goal of these koans is to break down the students’ confidence about their

Trust is something that is difficult to find, however once found is worth more than any amount of money. In life we are faced with many obligations. More often than not these obligations may first appear as burdens, putting a bump in the journey of life. An example of one of these burdens is in trusting and being trustworthy with yourself and others. When we place trust in people worthy of such honor ,great challenges can be overcome.

“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed” ~Buddha. Out of the abounding religions in the world the 6th most practiced of all the religion is Buddhism, or the worship of the god Buddha. Buddhism has had a colossal effect on the Asian culture and it has had an effect on the way that we (as American citizens) view the Asian culture and the beliefs of Asian men and women. This paper is about into how the culture of Asia has been changed because of the Buddhists believes. Also how their temples have shaped the way that we as Americans view Asian architecture or the kind of things that are in Asia that are because of Buddhism. Many different

In modern day trust is so much more than a thing it is signal that the person can depend or rely on another who gains the trust, but once that trust is gone they will never be the same again. More so, trust is a modern day concept relevant to

Emerson’s exploration and definition of ‘self-trust’ merge his philosophies with those of Descartes and Plato. First and foremost, Emerson indicates a distinction between ‘Man Thinking’ and ‘thinkers’. Emerson argues thinkers “start wrong, [and] set out from accepted dogmas” giving no credence to “their own sight of principles” (Emerson 126). Contrastingly, ‘Man Thinking’ indicates action; Emerson clarifies “[Man Thinking] looks forward: the eyes of man are set in his forehead, not in his hindhead: man hopes: genius creates” (Emerson 127). Emerson argues one engages in self-trust by creating instead of being shaped by accepted assumptions and ideals. Furthermore, Emerson asserts the essential application of knowledge. Action propels scholar’s ideals forward and without it, “thought can never ripen into truth” (Emerson 128). Action, Emerson argues, enables “the transition through which [the preamble of thought] passes from the unconscious to the conscious” (Emerson 128). Becoming ‘Man Thinking’ is only possible through application of thought, and only then, is one able to exercise trust in personal beliefs, ideals, and perspectives. Additionally, Emerson argues childhood and life experiences develop wisdom and understanding

Thesis: During the time when the Japanese girl-mother’s family would have been thriving because of profit from their food store, she, her parents, and their neighbors, unlike Zen Master Hankuin who was selfless by taking care of the baby, did not show an enlightened way of thinking.

Trust is very important to us in our daily life. We rely on trust and it is the origin before we start to establish the relationship with others in this society. The trust is more like an intangible asset or advantage for us. As human being, if we lost trust with our friends, we will lose more than one of them because they will tell others that you can’t be trusted. If we lost trust with our bank, they will not give you credit anymore and your credit rating will decrease and this will give a domino effect. For example, you may not find a dream job or this might make passive impact to your careers.

In the story “Zen and the Art of Faking It”, San learns to always be himself no matter what the situation is. At the beginning of the story, San decided he wanted to pretend that he practiced Zen Buddhism and that he knew everything about the culture. He didn’t think about how that could affect him when people found out about his lying. In the story, the author says that San was happy with what he was doing and wanted to teach others about it. I think he liked being the one everyone asked for help and support.

In the United States there are over four million buddhists, one thousand temples, study groups, or Buddhists associations (Monroe 108). This number has come from just one man searching to find happiness and eventually enlightenment. Buddha’s story is how buddhism became a religion all over the world. It teaches a peaceful manner, reveals the key to happiness for the mind, and eliminates the desire in life. Not just the history of buddhism is important, but how it has spread through the world and what it looks like today.