What is zen? In the midst of our lives, hungry, thirsty and often weary, there comes a moment when we stop and wonder, “Is this all there is? Is there another way to live my life that will bring the joy and contentment that eludes me?”

Caught in the circles and patterns of our lives, each of us has an intuition of something beyond that which we now live with, something which has the power to open and transform our lives into one of joy and wholeness. In Zen this is called Buddha Nature, and is important to understand when asking what is zen.

“Buddha Nature pervades the whole universe, existing right here, now.”

Buddha Nature:

Buddha Nature is that within us which knows the truth, is filled with kindness, clarity, warmth and hope. It can also be called divine nature, soul, higher self or any other name.

What asking what is zen, Please do not get distracted by names. We seek the essence of ourselves in many ways and in many places. Some places are called holy, others ordinary, some even distasteful to us. At times we run to holy places and may avoid our everyday lives, feeling we are wasting time there, We seek a heightened sense of meaning or value, rejecting what is right in front of our eyes.

Others run to those who are called \”holy men or women\”, feeling as though these individuals are kinder, better or have some wisdom that eludes them. The seekers are deeply impressed by names and titles. None of this is the way of Zen. In Zen names and titles are not what matter. In fact, they mislead. A great warning of Zen is –

“Wash out your mouth before you speak of Zen.”

This saying teaches not to mistake the finger pointing to the moon for the moon itself – not to get caught in words, images and phrases.

As we enter Zen practice, we go beyond words, dreams and images to a direct experience of what is real. As practice ripens we directly taste who we are, where we are planted and what is truly wanted of us. We then realize and live from our intrinsic Buddha Nature.

When the Buddha was asked who he was, he did not say he was divine or special in anyway. All he said was, “I am awake.” This, too, is our journey. To wake up.

Finding Zen:

When people ask what is zen, and find out it, they often become excited, feeling as though they have stumbled upon something, which will quickly change their entire lives. Along with this excitement comes a rush of hopes, dreams, ideas and demands they make upon themselves and their practice.

All of these are dangers. These ideas can create confusion and unnecessary obstacles. They can also allow the student to wander down a path that may be unsound.

Barry had been asking what is zen? He believed he discovered the answer. He listened to his teachers talks and decided to leave everything behind to practice. He left his marriage and his career, took simple jobs and began to speak fervently of this to all he knew. He was grabbing onto his new-found discovery with both hands. Most people began to avoid him. His world narrowed. The more he meditated the more he wished for deep, sudden, complete enlightenment, believing it would take all his pain away. The more he wished for it, the further away it ran from him. As the month and years went by, he began to grow bitter. Rather than understand what this bitterness was, it derailed him. There are many traps to fall into. Traps are okay, if you know how to get out. But it is also important to be aware ahead of time.

Here is a fundamental pointer and warning to understand in the beginning of Zen practice. It will help you as you move along your way. These pointers are for beginning students. A student can be considered a “beginning student” for the first 50 years or more. This is not meant in jest. In fact, by the end of one’s life, it is a huge accomplishment to become a true “beginning Zen student.” Take a deep breath. We are not going anywhere fast. In fact, we are returning back to our original home.

Find out more about the practice of Zen and gifts it can bring to your life in the new top selling book \’Living by Zen\’ by Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.d. She is a psychologist, long time practitioner of Zen and award winning author. Dr. Shoshanna Provides Therapy in NY

Find out about the practice of Zen and gifts it can bring to your life in the top selling book \’Living by Zen\’ by Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.d. Psychologist, long time practitioner of Zen and award winning author. http://www.therapist-in-nyc.com

Author Bio: Find out more about the practice of Zen and gifts it can bring to your life in the new top selling book \’Living by Zen\’ by Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.d. She is a psychologist, long time practitioner of Zen and award winning author. Dr. Shoshanna Provides Therapy in NY

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