It is estimated that the Zen practice was brought to China by the Indian monk Bodhidharma. Historians believe that, because of his wisdom, he came to have direct contact with Chinese emperors, who, without blinking, supported Buddhist practice in Chinese territory. From there, the traditional teachings of Zen practice were passed on to the population by the master. After his death, student Huike became the monk responsible for continuing to bring Buddhist practices to the inhabitants of China. Over the years, Zen practice gained traditional schools in Japan as well. Throughout its history, it is believed that Zen was shaped by the characteristics of the countries in which it was practiced.
All Zen schools are based on Buddhist philosophy and doctrines, but the main role of Zen is to experience reality directly, beyond ideas and just words. This openness, which placed the practice as the most traditional form of meditation, made people of different religions start to practice Zen. Today it is seen not as something totally linked to religion, but as a form of concentration and personal understanding.
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Zen Buddhist practice has three essential elements for its construction. The first of these elements is the firm and consistent faith. For Buddhism, faith is beyond a belief. Through faith, practitioners can achieve personal enlightenment capable of bringing clarity to many aspects. The second element is doubt. For Buddhism, doubt is what makes the being restless and tireless, capable of illuminating thoughts in search of concluding the questions. The last element is the determination. To put an end to our doubts, we need determination, because it provides strength for the being to reach the apex of thought and conclude all doubts.
Generally speaking, Zen teachings are critical of over-studying texts. Zen practice insists on a dedication to meditation as a way of getting to reality directly. Zen has a tradition of meditative work carried out through activities, whether manual or even delicate, such as reflection. In this way, Zen practices can be classified into two classic styles.
zazen: Consists of sitting and meditating in silence. The focus here is on breathing and the flow of thoughts. It is a great practice to observe yourself and your actions, with the aim of becoming intimate and observant of your own perception.
kinhin: Consists of taking a slow walk to keep the mental state calm and calm, without losing the rhythm, as a form of reflection similar to Zazen, but during a walk.
Zen is not a practice that consists only of intellectual exercise. He is, in fact, regarded as a lifestyle, not just as practices that will raise your consciousness.
