What is Zen level. What is Yandex Zen and how to use it

What is Zen? From the merger of the Vedic and Taoist spiritual streams, a unique trend was born, characterized by extraordinary liveliness, naturalness, beauty and paradoxicality - Zen (Chan) -Buddhism. Another (official) name is the Heart of Buddha (Chin. Fo Xin); can also be translated as Buddha Mind. Zen is defined in the system of spiritual teachings as a trend in Buddhism of the Mahayana tradition, brought to China by the monk Bodhidharma, who came from India, and spread in the Far East (Vietnam, China, Korea, Japan). Bodhidharma settled in the Shaolin monastery, which is considered today the cradle of Chinese Chan Buddhism. Historically, Zen is the product of two ancient cultures, China and India, and is more Chinese than Indian in character. Zen (Japanese for "meditation") is a creative state, the highest flowering, purity and constant elation, it is incessant meditation. It follows from Taoism, according to which the basis of the world order is Tao (true path). The task of a Zen student is to find this path and strictly follow it, for a Zen man, wherever he goes, always moves to his Higher Self, to the Source of Being, to the source of saturation. Since the 12th century, Zen spread to Japan and received a truly creative development there. In the future, the traditions of Japanese Zen and Chinese Ch'an developed largely independently - and now, while maintaining a single essence, they acquired their characteristic features. Japanese Zen is represented by several schools - Rinzai (Chin. Linji), Soto (Chin. Tsaodong) and Obaku (Chin. Huangbo). Zen is not a religion, not a philosophy or a science; does not imply belief in the existence of any god; does not deal with the problem of the existence of God and, according to D.T. Suzuki, Zen is neither theistic nor atheistic. Zen is not looking for the meaning of life, it is practical, it only describes the conditions for the existence of suffering and indicates the way to overcome it. The central idea of ​​Zen is simple and amazing: every being has the nature of an awakened Buddha, the goal of life is to cognize this nature, to cognize one's own true nature and, therefore, to cognize oneself. Zen is related to Taoism, Vedanta and Yoga. It is surprisingly consonant with modern psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, the famous psychoanalyst and philosopher E. Fromm in his book "Zen Buddhism and Psychoanalysis" wrote: "... Zen is the art of immersion in the essence human being; it is the path leading from slavery to freedom; Zen releases the natural energy of a person; he protects a person from insanity and self-mutilation; he encourages a person to realize his abilities to love and be happy. "Zen Buddhism practices direct (without anything unnatural and external) getting in touch with his inner peace, that is, spiritual self-development based on the inclusion of the potential of the mental activity of the individual in the process of systematic training of the mind. It is only natural that many people are not ready or interested in spiritual practice. But even if there is no formed intention to practice Zen as a spiritual discipline, you can bring a Zen feeling into your daily life to become much freer and happier. The two main types of regular Zen practice are seated meditation (zazen) and simple physical labor. They aim to calm and unify the mind. When the mind calms down, ignorance and anxiety diminish. Then, in clear silence, the practitioner is able to see his nature. However, sitting meditation is not an exercise in patience or anything else, but is essentially "sitting just like that." In general, the concept of "just like that", "suchness" (tathata) of action is one of the basic concepts of Zen Buddhism. One of the names of Buddha in Buddhism: "So coming" (Tathagata) - one who comes and goes just like that. Zazen - meditation in the "lotus" position requires, on the one hand, the utmost concentration of consciousness, on the other, the ability not to think about any specific problem. “Just sit” and, not paying attention to a single thing in particular, perceive everything around as a whole, to the smallest details, knowing about their presence, just as you know about having your own ears without seeing them. Zen is believed to be impossible to teach. One can only indicate the direction of the path for achieving personal enlightenment (satori) kensho. All people initially have the ability to enlightenment, the task of a Zen practitioner is only to realize it. Enlightenment always comes suddenly, like a flash of lightning, it does not know parts and divisions, therefore it cannot be perceived gradually. The Japanese verb "satoru" (Japanese ??) means "to be aware", and it is possible to be aware only with the help of a certain "sixth sense", which in Ch'an is called "no-mind" (wu-hsin). "No-mind" is an inactive consciousness that is not separated from the surrounding world. It is this kind of consciousness that is practiced in meditation, which is why meditation is so important in Zen Buddhism. There is no such thing as enlightenment to have. Therefore, Zen masters ("masters") often say not "to achieve enlightenment", but "to see your own nature." Enlightenment is not a state. This is the way of seeing. The path to seeing one's own nature is different for everyone, since everyone is in their own conditions, with their own baggage of experience and ideas. Therefore, it is said that in Zen there is no definite path, there is no one definite entrance. These words should also help the practitioner not to replace his awareness with the mechanical execution of some practice or idea. According to general Buddhist ideas, there are three root poisons, from which all suffering and delusion arise: ignorance about one's nature (cloudiness of the mind, dullness, confusion, anxiety); disgust (to "unpleasant", the idea of ​​something as an independent "evil", generally harsh views); attachment (for the pleasant - an unquenchable thirst, clinging). Therefore, awakening is facilitated by: calming the mind; liberation from rigid views; release from attachment. In Zen, the main attention on the path to achieving satori is paid not only (and not so much) to the scriptures and sutras, but to the direct comprehension of reality on the basis of intuitive penetration into one's own nature (meditation). According to Zen, any person can attain satori already in this incarnation, leaving the endless cycle of birth and death (samsara). In Zen there is such an expression: "Samsara is nirvana", which expresses this idea of ​​the attainability of enlightenment in any incarnation. Four key differences in Zen: Special teaching without sacred texts. Lack of unconditional authority of words and written signs. Transmission by direct reference to reality - in a special way heart to Heart. The need to awaken through awareness of one's own true nature. Many Ch'an teachers of the early period defiantly burned sutra texts and sacred images in order to eradicate attachment to the letter, image, symbol in their students. It was impossible even to talk about teaching Zen, because it cannot be taught through symbols. According to tradition, this is a special transmission of the awakened consciousness from the heart of the teacher to the heart of the student without relying on written signs - the transmission in a different way of what cannot be expressed by speech - "direct instruction", some extra-verbal way of communication, without which the Buddhist experience could never pass from generation to generation. Zen itself is a kind of "seal of the mind (heart)", which is not found in the scriptures, because it "is not based on letters and words." The unique textual phenomenon of Zen is koans: parables-riddles that do not have a logical answer. This is a kind of paradox, absurd for the ordinary mind, which, having become an object of contemplation, kind of stimulates awakening, takes the listener's mind out of the balance of the usual, everyday logic and makes it possible to realize the highest values ​​(see "101 Zen Stories", "Zen Bones and Flesh" and etc.). Zen does not accept extreme asceticism: human desires should not be suppressed, but deeply realized. In fact, daily activities, what you like to do - can become meditation - but with one condition: to be fully present in what you are doing. And under no circumstances should you be distracted from it - be it work, a beer, making love or sleeping before dinner. Any hobby can be a way to comprehend your true nature. This turns life itself in every manifestation of it into a work of art. The whole Zen tradition is based on the transmission of teachings through various "tricks": any helpers and seemingly most inappropriate things for this, secular and other activities, such as brewing tea (tea ceremonies), theatrical performance, playing the flute, the art of ikebana , writing. The same goes for martial arts. Martial arts first merged with Zen in Chinese Buddhist monastery Shaolin as body-developing gymnastics, and then also as tempering with the spirit of fearlessness. The martial arts of the East are precisely the arts, the way of developing the "spiritual abilities of the samurai", the implementation of the "Way" ("Tao" or "before"), the way of war, sword, arrow. Bushido, the famous "Way of the Samurai" - a set of rules and regulations for a "true", "ideal" warrior was developed in Japan for centuries and incorporated most of the principles of Zen Buddhism, especially the idea of ​​strict self-control and indifference to death. In a combat situation, a soldier has no time for reasoning, the situation changes so quickly that a logical analysis of the enemy's actions and planning of his own will inevitably lead to defeat. Thought is too slow to follow a technical action such as a split-second blow. A pure consciousness, unclouded by unnecessary thoughts, like a mirror reflects any changes in the surrounding space and allows the fighter to react spontaneously, inadvertently. It is also very important during the fight to be free of fear, as well as any other emotions. Zen ethics is not to treat anything good or bad. To be just an observer, a witness. Zen aesthetics includes a number of distinct areas: rock garden; Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu (the art of sword handling); kyudo (archery); calligraphy; tea ceremony, etc. The influence of Zen is difficult to overestimate, modern culture filled with Zen philosophy (literature, art, cinema). Zen principles are reflected in the works of G. Hesse, J. Salinger, J. Kerouac, R. Zelazny, in the poetry of G. Snyder and A. Ginsberg, in the painting of V. Van Gogh and A. Matisse, in the music of G. Mahler and J. Cage, in the philosophy of A. Schweitzer, in the works on the psychology of K.G. Jung and E. Fromm and many others. In the 60s. The "Zen boom" swept through many American universities and gave a definite color to the beatnik movement. Many psychotherapy schools have been influenced by Zen - such as gestalt therapy and the founder Fritz Perls himself, as well as famous trainings such as ECT. John Enright, who worked for many years in gestalt with Perls, in his book "Gestalt Leading to Enlightenment" directly wrote that he considers the mini-satori to be the main goal of gestalt therapy - to achieve a special insight or catharsis, after which most of the old problems dissolve. A person in his life does a lot unconsciously, automatically. As if not living, but sleeping. You need to be attentive to every action, to every moment of this life, to be able to concentrate in the moment "here and now" and to observe. This observation reveals the true beauty of the world. Life turns into something meaningful, unique and infinitely beautiful. Anyone can meditate. For this you only need desire. Correct meditation gives at least an amazing feeling of lightness, clarity, peace and heightened feelings. The one who really decided to reveal the deepest secrets of life will need diligence and patience ...

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Zen Buddhismcomes from India. The Japanese word "Zen" comes from the Chinese word "chan", which, in turn, comes from the Sanskrit "dhyana", which translates as "contemplation", "concentration". Zen is one of the schools of Buddhism that formed in China in the 5th-6th centuries. Big influence Taoism influenced the formation of Zen, therefore there is a lot in common between these movements.

What is Zen Buddhism?

Today, Zen Buddhism is the main monastic form of Buddhism in the Mahayana branch. ("Big chariot"), widespread in Southeast Asia and Japan.

In China Zen Buddhism is called "Chan Buddhism", in Vietnam - "Thien Buddhism", in Korea - "dream-Buddhism". To Japan Zen Buddhism came relatively late - in the XII century, but it was the Japanese transcription of the name of this direction of Buddhism that became the most widespread.

V broad sense zen- This is a school of mystical contemplation, the doctrine of enlightenment. Under zen understand the practice Zen schools, also denoted by the concept Dhyana and is the most important part of Buddhist practice.

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How did Zen Buddhism come about?

Traditionally, Buddha Shakyamuni himself is considered the first patriarch of Zen. The second patriarch is his disciple Mahakashyap, to whom the Buddha, after a silent sermon, gave a lotus symbolizing awakening. Thich Nyat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and author of books on Buddhism, recounts the story this way.

“One day Buddha stood in front of a gathering of people at Vulture's Peak. All people were waiting for him to start teaching the dharma, but Buddha was silent.

Quite a long time had passed, and he had not yet uttered a single word, in his hand was a flower. The eyes of all the people in the crowd were turned to him, but no one understood anything.

Then one monk looked at the Buddha with shining eyes and smiled.

"I have the treasure of seeing the perfect Dharma, the magical spirit of nirvana, free from the impurity of reality, and I have passed this treasure to Mahakashyapa."

This smiling monk turned out to be just Mahakashyapa, one of the great disciples of the Buddha. Mahakashyapa awoke thanks to the flower and his deep perception.

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Bodhidharma Patriarch of Chan Buddhism

The most famous patriarch of Zen Buddhism is Bodhidharma, or Damo, the first Zen patriarch in China. According to legend, Bodhidharma, Buddhist monk from India, arrived in China by sea in about 475 and began to preach. Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges described the emergence of the first patriarch of Chinese Chan Buddhism as follows:

“Bodhidharma moved from India to China and was received by the emperor, who encouraged Buddhism by establishing new monasteries and shrines. He informed Bodhidharma about the increase in the number of Buddhist monks.

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He replied:

"Everything that belongs to the world is an illusion, monasteries and monks are as unreal as you and me."

Then he turned to the wall and began to meditate.

When the completely confused emperor asked:

"What, then, is the essence of Buddhism?"

Bodhidharma replied:

"Emptiness and no essence."

According to one of the legends, in search of the truth, Bodhidharma spent nine years meditating in a cave. All this time he devoted to looking at a bare wall, until he attained enlightenment.

In China, Bodhidharma settled in the Shaolin monastery, shortly before that founded on Mount Songshan, where he founded the first school of Ch'an Buddhism. Damo made a great contribution to the development of the Shaolin Monastery, passing on to the monks a set of exercises, later called Damo Qigong Yi Jinjing, or Bodhidharma Qigong.

Interestingly, Bodhidharma in China was called "the bearded barbarian", because, unlike the Chinese monks, he wore a beard, and also the fact that according to one of the legends, Damo was the person who brought tea to China. During the struggle with sleep, the meditator Bodhidharma tore out his eyelashes and threw them on the slope of Mount Cha.

At this place, a plant grew - tea.

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What books are at the core of Zen?

Unlike representatives of other schools, Zen monks do not concentrate on reading the sutras and scriptures. Bodhidharma said that Zen is "Direct transition to the awakened consciousness, bypassing tradition and sacred texts."

He also formulated four principles of Zen:

1.Special transmission outside the scriptures;

2. Zen is not based on words and texts;

3. Direct indication of human consciousness;

4. Contemplating your nature, become a Buddha.

The researcher of Buddhism Daisetsu in his book "Foundations of Zen Buddhism" wrote:

“Followers of Zen may have their own doctrines, but these doctrines are purely personal, individual in nature and do not owe their origin to Zen.

Therefore Zen does not deal with any " scriptures"Or dogmas, and also does not contain any symbols through which its meaning would be revealed."

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Is Zen Buddhism a Religion?

In the conventional sense of religion, Zen is not a religion. There is no worshiped God in him, no ceremonial rites, no hell, no heaven. Even this key concept as a soul in Zen Buddhism does not exist.

Zen is free from all dogmatic and religious conventions. At the same time, Zen is neither atheism nor nihilism. He has nothing to do with affirmation or denial. When something is denied, then the denial itself already includes the opposite element. The same can be said about affirmation.

In logic, this is inevitable. Zen seeks to rise above logic and find a higher statement that has no antithesis. Therefore Zen does not deny God, nor does it affirm his existence. According to Suzuki, Zen is equally neither a religion nor a philosophy.

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What is satori?

The key concept in Zen Buddhism is satori — enlightenment, free state of mind, intuitive extra-logical penetration into the nature of things. In fact, satori is for Zen the alpha and omega, the goal and the path of this trend.

Suzuki, in his book Basics of Zen Buddhism, defined the importance of satori to Zen:

Zen devoid of satori is like the sun without light and heat. Zen can be deprived of all its literature, all monasteries and all its decoration, but as long as it has satori in it, it will live forever. "

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Zen koans

One of the ways Zen masters use to guide monks on the path of enlightenment is by reading koans, short stories, riddles, or questions that often do not have a rational solution and often break the usual logic.

The purpose of the koan is to throw a person into a stupor, the decision must come to him from the inside, intuitively, as a kind of feeling or sensation, and not a verbal logical conclusion. The most famous of koans recounts how the abbot of the Mokurai Shrine challenged a student named Toyo with a difficult task.

He said:

“You can hear the clap of two palms when they hit each other. Now show me the clap of one hand. "

Toyo spent whole year logical research to solve the koan, but all his attempts were in vain. And only after reaching enlightenment and crossing the border of sounds, he was able to cognize the sound of one hand clapping. Victor Pelevin in one of the interviews he wittily answered the question whether he heard the clap of one palm:

"Many times in my childhood when my mother spanked me on the ass."

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Zen (zen, chan) is the Japanese name for one of the schools of Mahayana Buddhism, mainly formed in medieval China. In China, this school is called Chan. Zen originated in India through the activities of the monk Bodhidharma
The basis of the Zen concept is the statement about the impossibility of expressing the truth in human language and images, about the meaninglessness of words, actions and intellectual efforts in achieving enlightenment. According to Zen, the state of enlightenment can be achieved suddenly, spontaneously, exclusively through inner experience. Zen employs virtually the entire spectrum of traditional Buddhist techniques to achieve this state of experience. External stimuli can also influence the achievement of enlightenment - for example, a sharp cry, a blow, etc.

The so-called koans - "difficult questions", to which it was necessary to give not logical, but spontaneous answers, which should follow not from the thoughts of the respondent, but from his inner self-awareness, were widely developed in Zen.
In the field of ritualism and dogma, Zen has reached the extreme point of Buddhist denial of authority, morality, good and evil, right and wrong, positive and negative.

Zen practice appeared in Japan as early as the 7th century AD, but the spread of Zen as an independent direction of Japanese Buddhism begins at the end of the 12th century. The first preacher of Zen is considered Eisai, a Buddhist monk who, after staying in China, founded the Rinzai school in Japan. In the first half of the 13th century, the preacher Dogen, who also studied in China, founded the Soto school. Both schools have survived to this day. In the Middle Ages, a saying was widespread in Japan: "Rinzai is for samurai, Soto is for commoners."
Zen reached its peak during the Muromachi period, from the 14th to the 16th century, when Zen monasteries became centers of religious, political and cultural life. Having acquired some features of Japanese culture, Zen defined in particular the martial art as a path to perfection, similar to meditation.

In the 20th century, Zen gained fame in European countries, especially thanks to the activities of D.T. Suzuki ?, school-owned Rinzai. Zen Buddhism has had a strong impact on Europeans, primarily by the possibility of "instantaneous" attainment of enlightenment and the absence of long-term practices aimed at self-improvement. In many ways, Zen concepts were perceived in Europe as concepts related to all Buddhism, which could not but form a wrong impression about Buddhism in general. Permissiveness and aspiration "inward" of Zen Buddhism, interpreted by the European worldview, formed the basis of the hippie movement.

Zen is a school of Japanese Buddhism that became widespread in the XII-XIII centuries. There are two main sects in Zen Buddhism: Rinzai, founded by Eisai (1141-1215), and Soto, of which Dogen was the first preacher (1200-1253).
The peculiarity of this doctrine is the increased emphasis on the role of meditation and other methods of psycho-training in achieving satori. Satori means peace of mind, balance, a sense of non-being, "inner enlightenment".

Zen was especially widespread in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. among the samurai, when his ideas began to enjoy the patronage of the shoguns. The ideas of tough self-discipline, constant auto-training, and the unquestioning authority of a mentor were the best fit for the warriors' worldview. Zen is reflected in national traditions, had a profound influence on literature and art. On the basis of Zen, the Tea Ceremony is cultivated, the method of flower arrangement is being developed, and landscape gardening art is being formed. Zen gives impetus to special directions in painting, poetry, drama, promotes the development of martial arts.
The influence of the Zen worldview extends to a significant part of the Japanese today. Zen adherents argue that the essence of Zen can only be felt, felt, experienced, it cannot be understood with the mind.

Zen grew out of Buddhism and Taoism and has remained the only form of Buddhism of its kind for centuries. Zen does not claim that only people who have grown up and brought up in the Buddhist spirit can achieve its attainment. When Meister Eckhart asserts, “The eye with which I see God is the same eye with which God sees me,” a Zen follower nods his head in agreement. Zen readily accepts everything that is true in any religion, recognizes followers of all beliefs who have achieved full comprehension; however, he knows that the person religious education, which was based on dualism, despite the great seriousness of its intentions, will experience unnecessary difficulties for a long time before reaching enlightenment. Zen sweeps away everything it doesn't have direct relationship to reality, however self-evident such truths may seem; and he will not be sympathetic to anything other than the personal experience of the individual.

The answer to the question of what Zen is should be known to every person who begins acquaintance with Buddhism. This concept forms strong personality, capable of a reasonable analysis of their actions and contemplation of them from the outside. The goal of this process must be the true.

Zen - what is it?

There are several key principles in Buddhism, such as faith, the pursuit of self-determination, and respect for nature. Most Buddhist schools have general concept about understanding what Zen energy is. They believe that it is revealed in such aspects as:

1. Knowledge and wisdom, transmitted not by writing, but from teacher to student during personal communication.
2. The sacrament of Tao is the nameless source of existence for earth and sky.
3. Denial of the effort to understand Zen: It is believed that the more you try to understand it, the faster it moves away from consciousness.
4. There are many ways to comprehend Zen: throughout the history of mankind, Zen is transmitted completely unconsciously from person to person through emotions, touch, jokes.

What is Zen Buddhism?

Zen Buddhism is the most important school of East Asian Buddhism, the formation process of which was completed in China in the 5th-6th centuries. In his homeland, as well as in Vietnam and Korea, he remains the most popular monastic form of religion to this day. Daen Buddhism is an ever-changing belief that has three directions:

1. « Intellectual Zen "- a philosophy of life that has moved away from religion as much as possible and has become popular among artists, philosophers and scientists.
2. Psychedelic zen- a doctrine that presupposes the use of drugs for the sake of expanding the boundaries of consciousness.
3. Bitnic direction- it is known among young people for simplified rules that promote moral and sexual freedom.

How is Zen Buddhism different from Buddhism?

The desire to achieve Zen means the willingness to sacrifice oneself on the way to it - for example, to show meekness and humility in front of the teacher. Zen Buddhism insists on observing a system of rules by the student, when the classical direction does not require any worship and verification in the name of religion. Zen is like a technique that suits people who do not want to spend a lot of time on the religious side of the teachings.

Zen and Tao

Both directions originated from the same teaching, so the differences between them are minimal. No one can express Tao in words, because it expresses the naturalness of human existence. The Zen state is absolutely real, but it can be accurately described. In the main books of the teachings - the works of sages commenting on koans and sutras, this knowledge is stored.

Zen Buddhism - Basic Ideas

The depth and power of this teaching is striking, especially if a person is just beginning to get acquainted with it. It is not possible to fully understand what Zen means if you deny the fact that emptiness is the real essence and the goal of enlightenment. This teaching is based on the nature of the mind, which cannot be expressed in words, but can be realized. Its basic principles:

1. By nature, each person is equal to the Buddha and he can discover the enlightening basis in himself.
2. The state of satori can only be achieved through complete peace.
3. Receiving a response from your own, which is inside a person.

Zen Buddhism Koans

Koans are short, instructive stories or dialogues similar to the suras of the Quran. They reveal the essence of the questions that arise from both novices and experienced religious followers. Zen koans were created with the aim of giving a psychological impetus to the student, to motivate him. The value of each of these stories is revealed in his decision:

1. The master asks the student a koan for which he must find the correct answer. Each statement is made with the intention of causing a contradiction in the inexperienced follower of Buddhism.
2. Being in a meditative state or close to it, the student attains satori - enlightenment.
3. In the state of samadhi (the unity of knowledge and knower), a person understands what real Zen is. Many consider him to be close with a sense of catharsis.

Zen meditation

Meditation is a special psycho-physical state of a person, which is easiest to achieve in an atmosphere of the deepest silence and concentration. In Buddhist monasteries, there was no need for preliminary preparation for immersion in it, because community members initially protected themselves from all temptations. When asked what Zen meditation is, monks say that it is a sensation. pure consciousness without content. It can be achieved by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. First you need to sit on the floor, facing the wall, placing a pillow or a blanket folded in several layers under the buttocks. Its thickness should not interfere with taking a comfortable, stable posture. Clothes for meditation are selected loose so as not to hinder movement.
2. For a comfortable fit, it is recommended to take or half lotus.
3. You should close your eyes and abstract yourself from problems and thoughts.
4. When emptiness replaces mental noise, a feeling of incomparable relaxation and contentment will appear.

What does it mean to "learn Zen"?

Anyone who wants to find an answer to his question turns to this oriental technique, as a rule, being in despair. He seeks to learn Zen after simple ways the solutions to the dilemma were exhausted. For some, this process is a kind of fasting with abstinence from food, relationships with the opposite sex and active labor activity... Most Buddhists adhere to more traditional ways of understanding the subtle matter of Zen:

1. Following the advice of the first Buddhist teachers. They recommended keeping calm even in difficult situations and renounce life's troubles.
2. Finding the source of evil. If religious person overcomes a series of failures and problems, then he must look for the cause of the vicissitudes of fate in himself or in his enemies.
3. Crossing the boundaries of classical thinking. Zen rules say that a person is too accustomed to the benefits of civilization to know his essence. He needs to get out of his comfort zone to hear the voice of the soul.

Zen Buddhism - Books

Every religious school and methodology scientific knowledge has its own literary works, allowing even inexperienced beginners to understand its concept. Zen philosophy also involves acquaintance with a whole library of books, which includes:

1. A team of authors with comments by Alexei Maslov "Classical Zen Texts"... One book includes the works of the first teachers of Chan Buddhism, which affect all areas human life- both in antiquity and in modern life Asian countries.
2. Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Consciousness, Beginner Consciousness... She reveals the content of the conversations of an experienced mentor with his American students. Xiongryu managed not only to comprehend what Zen is, but also to learn to focus on the main goals.
3. Won Q-Kit, The Zen Encyclopedia... The book is devoted to the difficulties of understanding life, the simplest understanding of its laws and concepts. The Zen path, according to the author, ends with a mystical experience of experiencing the Absolute - a flash of comprehension outside of time and space.
4. Tit Nat Khan, Zen Keys... The Japanese author's work contains exclusively commentaries on the sutras and koans of southern Buddhism.
5. Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings... Warrior Musashi 300 years ago wrote a monograph on the management of the state, people and their own emotions. The medieval fencer considered himself a Zen teacher, so the book was written in the format of a conversation with student readers.