What is Zen Buddhism?

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  • čas přidán 22. 06. 2024
  • In this video, we continue exploring the rich spiritual tradition of Buddhism through one of its most profound and important schools - Chan/Zen. We dive into the history and development of the school, as well as its characteristic teachings about meditation, koans, liberation and Buddha-nature.
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    Sources/Suggested Reading:
    Chuang Zhi (2019). "Exploring Chán: An Introduction to the Religious and Mystical Tradition of Chinese Buddhism". Songlark Publishing.
    Hershock, Peter D. (2004). "Chan Buddhism". University of Hawaii Press.
    Red Pine (translated by) (1989). "The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma". North Point Press.
    Red Pine (translated by) (2002). "The Diamond Sutra". Counterpoint.
    Red Pine (translated by) (2008). "The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng". Counterpoint.
    Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press.
    Ziporyn, Brook (2016). "Emptiness and Omnipresence: An essential introduction to Tiantai Buddhism". Indiana University Press.
    Chapters:
    00:00 Intro
    03:39 Basics of Buddhism
    04:56 East Asian Buddhism (Mahayana)
    13:19 The Origins of Chan
    17:22 Bodhidharma
    20:17 Teachings & Practices of Chan
    33:49 Chan's relationship to Daoism
    35:31 Later developments & Subschools
    37:50 Japanese Zen & Dogen
    41:16 Chan/Zen today & Conclusions
    #zen #buddhism #china

Komentáře • 667

  • @rumrunner8019
    @rumrunner8019 Před rokem +496

    I studied Chan at a monastery for a year (but didn't become a monk) and I must say, you really nailed it here! There are just two points that should be made: First, something that many Westerners may not realize, is that strict adherence to one sect of Buddhism isn't very widespread. Many Buddhists, including monastics, practice both Chan/Zen and Pureland Buddhism, or mix Chan/Zen with esoteric/Vajrayana teachings. Also, many Buddhists will even combine religions, like having Confucian ancestor veneration and familial piety or Shinto reverence for Kami spirits mixed with Zen or other sects of Buddhism.
    Second, it should be noted that we do have the concept of Wu (Satori in Japanese) Essentially, while in Zuochan/Zazen meditation, it is possible to actually touch Buddhahood, if only for a moment. That is one of the biggest differences between Chan and just about every other religion: other religions talk about "heaven," but in Chan, we actually visit it and experience it in this life.
    It should also be noted that Bodhidharma founded Chan at the Shaolin monastery...yep, that Shaolin monastery. The birthplace of Chan in China is also the birthplace of Kung-Fu.

    • @onekumarajay
      @onekumarajay Před rokem +19

      You do realize that Chan is A Derivative of Dhyana, which is A Derivative of Gyana - Which Essentially Means Knowledge of Self.
      This Heaven You Claim You Experience in China, maybe Equalized toTerms Such as Nirvana, Moksha, Samadhi etc.
      Difference between Buddhism & Hinduism could be this:
      The Buddhist Void (which you call your Chinese Heaven) is Just Another Way of Describing The Hindu Conception of God as Brahman (The Vast)
      Peace

    • @onekumarajay
      @onekumarajay Před rokem +6

      Essentially, Buddha "IS" the Heaven you speak of.
      And Hindu Knowers of Brahman Are Permanently Based In It
      ONE

    • @LetsTalkReligion
      @LetsTalkReligion  Před rokem +65

      Thank you for a valuable addition to the discussion!

    • @TheCaptainFanta
      @TheCaptainFanta Před rokem +7

      Can you tell me a little bit about the process of entering a monastery, I'm extremely interested in experiencing monastic life and especially zen.

    • @ObakuZenCenter
      @ObakuZenCenter Před rokem +12

      @@TheCaptainFanta If you are interested, look for a legitimate Chan/Zen teacher, center, or monastery near you and just visit, take part in the meditation meetings and such. It's important to get a sense of whether the teacher is right for you, before committing to extended time in a center or monastery.

  • @nicolafrau759
    @nicolafrau759 Před rokem +239

    Finally a video about Buddhism! Thanks!

  • @Vak_g
    @Vak_g Před rokem +171

    After so many episodes, after so many excellent documentaries, I still cant't believe how lucky I am to be able to watch videos like this in CZcams! Philip what you are doing is literally making my life more beautiful! Thank you very much!

    • @cecilcharlesofficial
      @cecilcharlesofficial Před rokem +4

      agree - one of my fav channels.

    • @ireb3l
      @ireb3l Před rokem +2

      I agree ☝️

    • @nannwe8241
      @nannwe8241 Před 10 měsíci +1

      66666666 to 779.

    • @lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour
      @lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour Před 10 měsíci

      God, the Lord Jesus Christ loves you! Restore your relationship with God by repenting of your sins and putting your faith in Jesus Christ, "... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

    • @buddhaexhumed9922
      @buddhaexhumed9922 Před měsícem

      I also regard myself as lucky to tumble into this channel. I do research on how Buddhism disappeared in Bihar. I realized it never disappeared from Bihar. Buddhists simply failed to research Indian Buddhism. They looked at Buddhism through the sphere of their own cultures searching for only the Buddha. Buddha had a myriad of names in different villages according to his teachings there. Example. His favorite teaching was 'Lust and desire causes pain. Remove lust and desire, and pain is removed'. Translated into Bihari (where the Buddha story took place) it is DHUKH HARAN meaning to remove dukha. Three dozen villages pray to DUKH HARAN Baba. Its clear that DUKH HARAN Baba is none other than the Buddha. Problem is Buddhists are searching only for the Buddha. In the real Vaishali the Buddha begged for alms. The locals there pray to 'BHIKHAINI' Baba (Beggar Baba). Bhikhaini was mispronounced by Buddhists as Bhikshu. Who is BHIKHAINI Baba. The Buddha no doubt. But people are searching for a man called Buddha. In the real Vaishali, in Beluha the Buddha suffered a sickness and felt he had grown old. The locals pray to 'BURHA' Baba (Old Baba). Who is BURHA Baba. The Buddha no doubt. In the real Vaishali the Lichavies pressurized Buddha not to die. They trailed him to Bandagawan pressurizing him not to die. To put pressure in Hindi is DABESHWAR. Three dozen villages around the stupa where Buddha gave the Lichavies his patra, the villagers pray to Baba 'DABESHWAR NATH' meaning the man who won the pressurizing game. It was the the Buddha no doubt as he gave the Lichavies his patra and succeded in sending them back. But Buddhists are searching for the Buddha. In Pidhauli (Vaishali) the local deity is Bardiha Baba. Bardiha means the Baba who didn't allow us to stay where he was staying. Bardiha Baba is the Buddha no doubt because he didn't allow the crowd of Lichavies to stay with him in Bandagama. Forgive me for commenting out of the topic. I just wanted to impart this information to you.

  • @kasturiswami784
    @kasturiswami784 Před rokem +49

    In real life we learn all the time from such wisdom and it makes a huge difference.

    • @buddhaexhumed9922
      @buddhaexhumed9922 Před měsícem

      Yes, these videos make a real difference. Please allow me to interrupt. I do research on how Buddhism disappeared in Bihar. I realized it never disappeared from Bihar. Buddhists simply failed to research Indian Buddhism. They looked at Buddhism through the sphere of their own cultures searching for only the Buddha. Buddha had a myriad of names in different villages according to his teachings there. Example. His favorite teaching was 'Lust and desire causes pain. Remove lust and desire, and pain is removed'. Translated into Bihari (where the Buddha story took place) it is DHUKH HARAN meaning to remove dukha. Three dozen villages pray to DUKH HARAN Baba. Its clear that DUKH HARAN Baba is none other than the Buddha. Problem is Buddhists are searching only for the Buddha. In the real Vaishali the Buddha begged for alms. The locals there pray to 'BHIKHAINI' Baba (Beggar Baba). Bhikhaini was mispronounced by Buddhists as Bhikshu. Who is BHIKHAINI Baba. The Buddha no doubt. But people are searching for a man called Buddha. In the real Vaishali, in Beluha the Buddha suffered a sickness and felt he had grown old. The locals pray to 'BURHA' Baba (Old Baba). Who is BURHA Baba. The Buddha no doubt. In the real Vaishali the Lichavies pressurized Buddha not to die. They trailed him to Bandagawan pressurizing him not to die. To put pressure in Hindi is DABESHWAR. Three dozen villages around the stupa where Buddha gave the Lichavies his patra, the villagers pray to Baba 'DABESHWAR NATH' meaning the man who won the pressurizing game. It was the the Buddha no doubt as he gave the Lichavies his patra and succeded in sending them back. But Buddhists are searching for the Buddha. In Pidhauli (Vaishali) the local deity is Bardiha Baba. Bardiha means the Baba who didn't allow us to stay where he was staying. Bardiha Baba is the Buddha no doubt because he didn't allow the crowd of Lichavies to stay with him in Bandagama. Forgive me for commenting out of the topic. I just wanted to impart this information to you.

  • @elfarlaur
    @elfarlaur Před rokem +20

    28:35 this story reminds me of Stoicism. Interesting how philosophers in different parts of the world with different cultures and influences can come to similar conclusions.

    • @pookz3067
      @pookz3067 Před měsícem +1

      A necessary functional development in times of inescapable suffering!

  • @simpleitsdanny
    @simpleitsdanny Před rokem +41

    Ive been Thien Buddhist my whole life but always wondered why the Buddhism varies by country ! Thank you for tackling this and clarifying my own religion

    • @amirbanafi1477
      @amirbanafi1477 Před měsícem +1

      Hello dear. I love to research about different mystical ways, philosophies, psychological subjects and religions. I am practicing zen meditation and mindfulness every day and I am reading late Thich Nhat Hanh books and listen to his speeches and also Pema Chodron. I love him.
      I grew up in an Islamic culture in Iran and I love Sufism and Iranian divine philosophy. My question to you is can I have your email or your WhatsApp no or your social media to have a relationship with you for asking questions about Buddhism. I will be so happy if you accept my request.
      Thanks

  • @MartyMcK
    @MartyMcK Před 8 měsíci +32

    I prefer Thich Nhat Hanh’s use of the term interconnected ness. rather than emptiness. You actually explained it really well when referring to the tree.

    • @SuperAwesomedude20
      @SuperAwesomedude20 Před 6 měsíci +4

      Emptiness is literally interdependence yup

    • @thomasbortscheller8156
      @thomasbortscheller8156 Před 3 měsíci

      I have watched many CZcams videos on Zen and I truly didn’t understand until the part of your video where you talk about the tree and the non specificity of all inter connected everything. I am also glad that you have much better words than I do. 😂

  • @jseymourguenther6527
    @jseymourguenther6527 Před rokem +16

    I get why it took Filip awhile to get around to Buddha Dharma - he doesn’t settle for simplification

    • @LetsTalkReligion
      @LetsTalkReligion  Před rokem +17

      I do my best, at least!

    • @user-hy9nh4yk3p
      @user-hy9nh4yk3p Před 7 měsíci

      Kwatsss ! Traditional Master shout - from Zen or the sound of that wooden slat - smacked across the shoulders of the meditator - in Zen, again. Hee hee.
      Seriously. You have developed a useful and inspiring - world view
      - to help individuals and whole groups. Fare thee well. @@LetsTalkReligion

  • @tdclemensen
    @tdclemensen Před rokem +21

    I have been going through a very difficult time recently, and what you said about letting go and accepting the suffering really hits home. Sometimes suffering hits like a tidal wave and there is no option but to let go

  • @deacudaniel1635
    @deacudaniel1635 Před rokem +27

    In Middle Chinese (spoken by the time Zen Buddhism emerged), dhyana was pronunced as *dzien, then diverged into modern Mandarin "chan", Japanese "zen" and other variants across East Asian languages.

    • @jackvern
      @jackvern Před 8 měsíci +1

      should be chen instead...

    • @xhoques
      @xhoques Před 5 měsíci

      I think it was the other way around. Since 照三歸知, chan could in be the early day be pronunced as *dyan.

  • @ExplainingChristianity
    @ExplainingChristianity Před rokem +13

    Finally a video about Zen Buddhism, been waiting for a while!

  • @greenthumb8266
    @greenthumb8266 Před rokem +15

    I have benefitted greatly these past three years studying the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh , on the Plum Village channel here on YT. Thank you Filip for all your wonderful videos 🙏🏼

  • @lastakocjancic8677
    @lastakocjancic8677 Před rokem +7

    I would say,with acceptance the suffering loses his power over us.Thank you,you inspired me.❤

    • @NeilEvans-xq8ik
      @NeilEvans-xq8ik Před rokem

      The Way of the Cross...? The Way of Submission (Islam)...? No, that can't be right! Only my cup is the one to drink from. Not those other cups!

  • @corsaircaruso471
    @corsaircaruso471 Před rokem +9

    So excited! Chan isn’t my tradition (I’m Theravada), but I’m very happy to see you covering Buddhism!

  • @userMB1
    @userMB1 Před rokem +19

    Buddhistic teachings has been of great influence in modern day therapy like CBT and DBT. I myself have been trough DBT and learned valuable lessons. Most notably Radical Acceptance, i.e. accepting reality as it is so you can react to it the best possible way. 💟

    • @garypuckettmuse
      @garypuckettmuse Před rokem +5

      The Buddha was the OG of psychiatry/psychotherapy.. Even Freudian psychoanalysis is an iteration of the idea that the truth will set you free. The Rub in concepts like Radical Acceptance is developing the wisdom and the courage to recognize reality which is the precondition of being able to Accept it. Good comment and I hope it encourages people to look into DBT as a path for their own growth. There is a lot we can do to help ourselves; we don't always have to turn to experts to hold up the mirror for us. Best wishes.

    • @MartyMcK
      @MartyMcK Před 8 měsíci

      As has Stoicism

  • @joeroubidoux2783
    @joeroubidoux2783 Před rokem +16

    Congrats! you did about as good a job as can be hoped for and really got the “principle” through. Excellent in every way.

  • @d512634
    @d512634 Před rokem +29

    I look forward to see a philosopher's biography about the sixth patriarch Huineng. His teachings were compiled into a book called Platform Sutra and is held in high regard by Chan Buddhists.

    • @johncrondis4563
      @johncrondis4563 Před rokem +1

      Huineng is my neng-ga

    • @lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour
      @lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour Před 10 měsíci

      God, the Lord Jesus Christ loves you! Restore your relationship with God by repenting of your sins and putting your faith in Jesus Christ, "... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

    • @d512634
      @d512634 Před 10 měsíci

      @@lordjesuschristisgodandsaviour He loves you too, random citizen.

    • @user-hy9nh4yk3p
      @user-hy9nh4yk3p Před 8 měsíci

      Love does just that ..... excellent note - from yourself. @@d512634

    • @danivicario
      @danivicario Před 8 měsíci

      Very interesting, thank you!

  • @aubreyekstrom8919
    @aubreyekstrom8919 Před rokem +5

    Very well done video on Chan/Zen Buddhism, from someone who has practiced and studied Buddhism most of my life, specifically Chan/Zen Buddhism. While we could debate minor differences in the details & history, I think that misses the point. For a 45 minute video you did an amazing job of covering the main ideas and history. Thank you for your hard work on this!

  • @Rydonittelo
    @Rydonittelo Před rokem +1

    Fantastic video. Really look forward to these videos being released 👍🏻

  • @mcgee227
    @mcgee227 Před rokem +4

    Thank you for this explanation. I've studied zen for years, but from time to time, you'll hear an explanation that makes the teaching more available.

  • @TokimaruTV
    @TokimaruTV Před 3 měsíci +2

    Namo Buddha....may everyone be blessed with peace and tranquility

  • @conmereth
    @conmereth Před rokem +1

    I recently found your channel and was a little disappointed you didn't have a video like this up, looking forward to the next one!

  • @evanfont913
    @evanfont913 Před rokem

    I’ve been waiting so long for this one. My patience has been rewarded.

  • @clobbopus_used_beat
    @clobbopus_used_beat Před 7 měsíci +1

    Perfect amount of detail and context. Thank you!

  • @dudeonthasopha
    @dudeonthasopha Před rokem +10

    Wooooo, I'm a zen buddhist and it's refreshing to see it explained from a more historical view. I'd love a video on the trikaya concept and how it relates to tathāgatagarbha and śunyata. It's one of the most interesting parts of mahayana I think.

    • @enterthevoidIi
      @enterthevoidIi Před rokem

      Trikaya is not really that important in Zen, but why do you find it interesting? Is it because of the holly trinity? Zen actually goes to the point where Trikaya is ignored. I think that Zen is getting a completely difference face in contact with the West and in a 100 year or more we will have a whole new school of Buddhism. It's already very different from what is taught in the east.

    • @SonofSethoitae
      @SonofSethoitae Před rokem

      ​@@enterthevoidIiThe Trikaya isn't really ignored in Zen, you see references to it all the time in teachings by Zen masters. Western zen teachers may downplay it to make Buddhism seem more secular, but I'd argue that that isn't even the standard here in the west.

    • @enterthevoidIi
      @enterthevoidIi Před rokem

      @@SonofSethoitae yeah it is, maybe in the west it's mentioned more due to influences from outside of zen, but in japan/china, it's insignificant

    • @SonofSethoitae
      @SonofSethoitae Před rokem

      @@enterthevoidIi ...not correct? The trikaya is pretty foundational to Huayan philosophy, which in turn is foundational to Chan/Zen. It's also fundamental to the Mahayana conception of the universe. It's mentioned often in the writings of Chinese and Japanese masters.

    • @enterthevoidIi
      @enterthevoidIi Před rokem +1

      @@SonofSethoitae once again, it is not important in zen, it is mentioned, for example, hakuin wrote about it, but it is not important and it's often ignored

  • @ianenglish123
    @ianenglish123 Před rokem +2

    Thank you so much Fillip, excellent presentation. One point you touched on was the parallels between Taoism and Chen / Zen. Going with the flow is living the Dharma. Both keystones of those belief systems. Thank you.

  • @lafemininja
    @lafemininja Před rokem +1

    That was a great video. I have been practicing and learning about zen buddhism for some time and this was quite accurate to the original teachings and history, plus some helpful insight about its development in China in particular. I have been following your channel and I was wondering when you were going to post something about it haha, so many thanks! 🙏🏽

  • @huzaifasalik2909
    @huzaifasalik2909 Před rokem +1

    I consider Sir as my teacher as his knowledge is really authentic

  • @ademiranda2
    @ademiranda2 Před rokem +5

    Very informative video. I have always loved Zen and its simplicity, its minimalist elegance. I remember picking up a copy of "The Way of Zen" by Alan Watts back in the 80's. It really changed my perspective on life.

    • @exoplanet11
      @exoplanet11 Před rokem

      That's him at 41:41

    • @garypuckettmuse
      @garypuckettmuse Před rokem

      Alan Watts raised me back in the sixties, hahaha. The Original Spiritual Gangster. I hope you are familiar with all the recordings of his lectures and talks and radio shows available on youtube. And for everyone else out there -- if you are not familiar with Alan Watts *you really haven't lived*.

  • @ramiroe.borjam.5120
    @ramiroe.borjam.5120 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for your video! today was a special day for me, spiritually, and today you publish this video, it is such a nice coincidence! your videos are so good! this pleases me so much! thank you really!

  • @kuroazrem5376
    @kuroazrem5376 Před rokem

    This is, as always, an amazing video.

  • @LysSylva
    @LysSylva Před rokem +1

    One of my favorite channels. Straight to the point, , well researched, topped with own experienceand well explained Thank you!

  • @habibchowdhurry5089
    @habibchowdhurry5089 Před rokem +3

    I appreciate you and everything you do for us. Thanks for providing us with your scholarship and these awesome videos.

  • @XxXenosxX
    @XxXenosxX Před rokem

    Thanks for a well made and informative video, look forward to the next one

  • @P.G.1966
    @P.G.1966 Před 7 měsíci +3

    Exceptional vid. Very smooth and balanced presentation.

  • @kazakhdoge1822
    @kazakhdoge1822 Před rokem +15

    Hello Filip, I love this channel for bringing an in-depth look at various religions and their philosophies. I have some favors to ask from you: could you make videos about Alevism (not Alawites), Yarsanism and Said Nursi's teachings? Thank you.

    • @LetsTalkReligion
      @LetsTalkReligion  Před rokem +5

      I want to cover all those topics!

    • @kazakhdoge1822
      @kazakhdoge1822 Před rokem +1

      @@LetsTalkReligion Thank you! Hopefully we will see those topics soon!

  • @dustind4694
    @dustind4694 Před rokem +1

    Appreciate the clarity and research. Started in on this channel to learn about Sufism and have yet to be disappointed by the dignity granted to the long process of thought and emotion that goes into these faiths, philosophies and practices.

    • @dustind4694
      @dustind4694 Před rokem +1

      Also seconding Religion For Breakfast if you want to do more deep dives, fellow viewers.

  • @bencharits
    @bencharits Před rokem +4

    Great summary indeed 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽 your description and understanding of Chan Buddhism are superb and admirable. Thanks for doing this.

  • @xiaomaozen
    @xiaomaozen Před rokem

    Great video, Filip! Very thorough and elaborate for an introduction to the subject. Thanks a lot! 🐱🙏

  • @commotio-cordis8140
    @commotio-cordis8140 Před rokem

    I love your videos on the dharmic faiths! Its so hard to find videos that aren't trying to convert you!! Thank you!!
    More please!!

  • @dlloydy5356
    @dlloydy5356 Před rokem +2

    Wow what a superb interesting explanation of this subject. Very well explained in understandable terms. Thank you

  • @carolineaustin4138
    @carolineaustin4138 Před rokem

    A careful and clear explanation as always. Thank you.

  • @DavidRandallCurtis
    @DavidRandallCurtis Před 3 měsíci

    One of the best videos on zen I've seen!

  • @canisronis2753
    @canisronis2753 Před rokem

    So good, so useful...thank you! Enlightening channels like yours are the modern equivalent of guru for those with the eyes to see.

  • @richardbaroff4911
    @richardbaroff4911 Před 6 měsíci

    Thank you Philip forthis enjoyable and thoughtful summary of the history of Zen Buddhism.
    As always the illustrations are beautiful and helpful.

  • @shaashaash
    @shaashaash Před 10 měsíci

    Thank you for this video, i would love to see more from you about buddhism, keep it up !!

  • @newpilgrim
    @newpilgrim Před rokem

    Thanks so much for precisely explaining underlying principles, and I hope that your excellent content encourages others to look into this experiential 'religion'.

  • @KarlWitsman
    @KarlWitsman Před rokem +3

    Very good description of Zen Buddhism, at least from my humble understanding. Even after years of following that path, I cannot claim to know everything about it. But I think you reached a Zen point during your trip in the cold. It isn't to stop the suffering, but to not let it overcome you.

    • @szymonbaranowski8184
      @szymonbaranowski8184 Před rokem

      suffering is just another chosen perception and it doesnt exist objectively ecept in own emotional perception usually more inherited with culture and repeated learned from environment program than triggered by emotional part of brain affecting reptile brain
      you can train decoupling but it will not be absolute if you stay in environment which stimulates this response
      you can avoid it avoiding the environment as long as program isnt too strong keeping you caught in world of past
      if you surround with suffering people you will suffer yourself except if you teach them to decouple from it
      you are not born suffering no baby suffers
      focusing on suffering itself will activate brain overthinking this artificial concept

  • @jeremybray9586
    @jeremybray9586 Před rokem

    What a great video. Great introduction to Zen Buddhism.

  • @aalien76
    @aalien76 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Love the subtle guquin. Excellent work

  • @cecilcharlesofficial
    @cecilcharlesofficial Před rokem

    Took a long walk while listening, and since I’m only halfway done, I’m just gonna listen again. Fantastic vid. And let’s all walk more :)

  • @nicholasfici805
    @nicholasfici805 Před měsícem

    Absolutely the best presentation of Zen ever!🙏

  • @gstlb
    @gstlb Před 10 měsíci +2

    Very nice work. I think all Americans in particular should see this, as the American understanding of these traditions comes, as you say, from Japan, due to mostly political reasons for the last 75 years. Showing their history in China and influence from Daoism is illuminating.

  • @douglashtang
    @douglashtang Před rokem +9

    I understand exactly everything you say in this video because I grew up reading a lot of Chan and Mahayana Buddhist texts (sutras-vinayas-sastras) in Vietnamese language. Thank you so much for explaining this in depth for English speaking audiences. This video is truly a gem. I feel like you might have been able to read some non-English texts to come up with such detailed look in Chan Buddhism. I love that you introduce the zen koans riddles to the non-Buddhist audience. These koans are very fascinating, mind-blowing and thought-provoking.

  • @nimahmosstafa9835
    @nimahmosstafa9835 Před rokem

    Thank you very much for this valuable content!

  • @bochica3562
    @bochica3562 Před 8 měsíci +1

    You shared a priceless treasure with me. I know understand critical concepts a lot more than before. Thanks for the video, teacher! ❤🌻

  • @Outthere115
    @Outthere115 Před rokem +1

    This is sooooo good. Exactly the sort of video that makes me think "wow, I can't believe I'm getting this for free." Not only does it run for a satisfying 45 minutes, but it perfectly complements my existing knowledge of Zen. I guess I didn't know as much as I thought I did! ;)
    And now just a week later we get another big one: Neoplatonism and Christianity. Been waiting for it!
    Can't say enough how glad I am that I found this channel. Keep em coming (and hefty)

  • @lopezalehandro1666
    @lopezalehandro1666 Před rokem

    Finally, Ive waited my entire lifetime for this video.

  • @MindfulExplorations-op7bg
    @MindfulExplorations-op7bg Před 7 měsíci

    The stories of enlightened beings and their path to awakening are some of the most mysterious and inspiring tales in Buddhism.

  • @howardleekilby7390
    @howardleekilby7390 Před rokem

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    I admire your teaching of all
    religious traditions with deep
    respect and high simplicity.
    I had the honor of studying
    with Dr. Chang Chung Yuan
    at the University of Hawaii at
    Manoa. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @adamng5338
    @adamng5338 Před 7 měsíci +4

    Such an amazing video, its in depth and I am kinda geeking out! The mention of Nagarjuna's emptiness was great. There are so many details that most lay people who practice Chinese Mahayana Buddhism don't know about, which i feel its important to understand why and how we are practicing certain ideas in today's Chinese Buddhism. Thankyou so much, I learned alot! 🙏

    • @xijinping9024
      @xijinping9024 Před 4 měsíci

      Thier is no chinese Buddhism first of all.
      India influenced China culturally 😂😂 China used sanskrit names 😂😂😂.

    • @adamng5338
      @adamng5338 Před 4 měsíci

      @xijinping9024 When I said Chinese mahayana buddhism, I meant, when it got transmitted to china and how it transformed to its own thing.
      I'm glad you had a good laugh.

    • @xijinping9024
      @xijinping9024 Před 4 měsíci

      The word itself is sanskrit.
      China used dhyaan which is meditation in sanskrit language into chan..
      So technically india dominated china culturally 😆😆 and infant japan also.....

    • @xijinping9024
      @xijinping9024 Před 4 měsíci

      @@adamng5338 so you are saying that bodhisattva and bodhidharma who were the father and founder of zen Buddhism were not real???😆😆
      What a top level of asshole you are 😆😆

    • @adamng5338
      @adamng5338 Před 4 měsíci

      @xijinping9024 Thank you for showing your intentions, which has no relevance to any discussion. Have a great day.

  • @iesureloaded6139
    @iesureloaded6139 Před rokem +15

    I was fortunate my philosophy, professor in college taught us, Taoism and Buddhism/Hinduism. Thank you for your videos. Can’t wait to see more ❤️

  • @samyebeid4534
    @samyebeid4534 Před rokem

    Listening to your videos is also a great form of meditation.

  • @leadingauctions8440
    @leadingauctions8440 Před 11 měsíci

    Thank you for this video.

  • @mythosandlogos
    @mythosandlogos Před rokem +8

    You do a great job at showing the differences and harmonies between the various schools. I had had some encounters with Buddhism that might be typical in a Western, but my mind was blown when a friend took me to his Vietnamese Mahayana Temple and I saw certain Bodhisattvas were far more prominent than Siddhartha Gautama. The experience actually inspired my video on the Many Faces of Compassion. The internal diversity is amazing!

  • @misterhill5598
    @misterhill5598 Před 9 měsíci

    Thank you very much for this video.

  • @gorkanano3584
    @gorkanano3584 Před 10 měsíci

    Great video for those interested in knowing a little bit more about Zen Buddhism

  • @imfrankiea
    @imfrankiea Před rokem +2

    Woo, the speaker is both cute and clever!! Very enjoyable. I want to view more of his videos. Now, I see how I tolerated so much abusive association - I didn't let them bother me. I saw them as morally sick and expected him to be ethically ill. They did affect me subconsciously in that I encouraged more bad associations, but not I chose my peace which is my choice to be godly. I wish I could be more present in my life experience - God. I need to work on this aspect of my growth now awakeness. If I'm totally awakened- I will be full of energy! Now, I'm tired. I will try Zazen mediation to energize me.

  • @brreezy421
    @brreezy421 Před 4 měsíci

    Awesome vid!

  • @ezelleze6264
    @ezelleze6264 Před rokem +2

    Video idea:
    Please make a video or a video series about ancient Egyptian religion.
    Love your content.

  • @Lazer_puppy
    @Lazer_puppy Před rokem +2

    Incredible work as always. I would love to see do a video on the Japanese Buddhist Monk Nichiren, he's a very fascinating figure.

  • @TheSamuiman
    @TheSamuiman Před rokem

    Well researched -thanks - Nisarga Dhatta Maharaj comes to mind!

  • @perigee1275
    @perigee1275 Před 3 měsíci

    This is very helpful to me. Thank you. 🏵

  • @Uzair_Of_Babylon465
    @Uzair_Of_Babylon465 Před rokem +8

    Fantastic video keep it up you're doing amazing things 😁👍

    • @Uzair_Of_Babylon465
      @Uzair_Of_Babylon465 Před rokem +1

      Have you checked out Rumi series yet and series about Abdul Qadir Gilani is coming out or is out right now be pretty great if you make videos on both of does islamic scholars as people will want to learn about them because of does series. 👍😁

    • @LetsTalkReligion
      @LetsTalkReligion  Před rokem +1

      Thanks! Haven't seen either yet. Do you know where I can watch them?

    • @Uzair_Of_Babylon465
      @Uzair_Of_Babylon465 Před rokem +1

      @@LetsTalkReligion Rumi series is on CZcams and not sure on other one

    • @Lalalala22537
      @Lalalala22537 Před rokem

      @@Uzair_Of_Babylon465 I don't want to be rude . But I want to ask you something . As muslim you believe Muhammad is the final prophet . What do you think of the sikh gurus ?
      sikhism was born a millennia after islam and just like Muhammad who Said he is the final prophet and islam is the final religion , similarly Guru Govind Singh , the final prophet in Sikhism also said that Guru Granth Sahib the holy book of Sikhism is the final and eternal guidance .
      Your opinion .

  • @StarlitSeafoam
    @StarlitSeafoam Před 7 měsíci +1

    The influence of Zhuangzi on Chan Bhuddism must have been huge. So many times as I'm listening, I find myself thinking "Wow, sounds like Zhuangzi".

  • @wsleppy4699
    @wsleppy4699 Před 10 měsíci

    I have had the exact same expeience with cold tolerance as it relatess to acceptance / mindfulness. Very glad you went on that tangent.

  • @chaimarielisrael5616
    @chaimarielisrael5616 Před 8 měsíci

    good job on this video, good narration

  • @Bundpataka
    @Bundpataka Před rokem +2

    An issue with some of the ideas in this form of Buddhism, like the “acceptance of suffering,” that some people have is that they can be appropriated by imperialism, fascism and capitalism, which is seen through how Zen Buddhism became an important tool for the Japanese Empire during its spread and conquests. Furthermore, many companies are promoting “mindfulness” and even sponsoring Buddhist temple retreats for their employees as a way to get them to accept their working conditions rather than fight for better ones, and make workers feel like their suffering is a product of just their mental states rather than their actual material conditions

    • @theodora_pilates
      @theodora_pilates Před rokem +1

      The question I just posted if you look up a bit is related to this. I find there might be an issue there too and I don't know how it's dealt with.

    • @user-hy9nh4yk3p
      @user-hy9nh4yk3p Před 7 měsíci

      Quite a few more issues - but they will come - to the table - if one ponders over the practice.
      Fare thee well.

  • @nocantry
    @nocantry Před rokem

    I love all the artwork depicting Lao Tsu. He looks so gentle and kind.

  • @BuddhistLovesLife
    @BuddhistLovesLife Před měsícem

    Dear reader of this comment,
    Peace and joy be upon you. I love you very much. May the Peace and joy of your Buddha nature stay with you at all times and may you find TRUE peace and joy in your life as I have found in mine!
    ~Namaste
    - love, JC ❤

  • @SuperTerminator50
    @SuperTerminator50 Před 11 měsíci

    Beautiful narration...

  • @isolatedfellow
    @isolatedfellow Před 2 měsíci

    I love that you and Religion for Breakfast, two of my favorite religious studies channels along with Esoterica, are essentially allied.

  • @alwilliams5177
    @alwilliams5177 Před 6 měsíci

    Excellent job as usual. "The pain completely left me to some degree." That's my koan for today. Extremely appropriate.

  • @ShaolinChan5988
    @ShaolinChan5988 Před 7 měsíci +1

    🎉👌🙏🙏🙏
    Throughout the entire CZcams
    This is the closest, the best explanation for Chan 禅

  • @ReynaSingh
    @ReynaSingh Před rokem +11

    Another great video. Keep it up!

    • @VSM101
      @VSM101 Před rokem

      Chinese monk Daoxuan (flourished 7th century) about a century after Bodhidharma’s death. As his legend grew, Bodhidharma was credited with the teaching that meditation was a return to the Buddha’s precepts. He was also credited with aiding the monks of Shaolin Monastery-famous for their prowess in the martial arts-in meditation and training. During the Tang dynasty (618-907), he came to be regarded as the first patriarch of the tradition that was subsequently known as Chan in China, Zen in Japan, Sŏn in Korean, and Thien in Vietnam. Those names correspond to the pronunciation of the Sanskrit word dhyana (“meditation”) in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, respectively. Bodhidharma was also considered to be the 28th Indian patriarch in a direct line of transmission from the Buddha.
      Most traditional accounts state that Bodhidharma was a South Indian dhyana master, possibly a Brahman, who traveled to China perhaps in the late 5th century. About 520 he was granted an interview with the Nan (Southern) Liang emperor Wudi, who was noted for his good works.

    • @LetsTalkReligion
      @LetsTalkReligion  Před rokem

      Thanks Reyna!

  • @gabrielleangelica1977
    @gabrielleangelica1977 Před rokem +1

    I feel so Zen right now...Om Mani padme hum. 🎑

  • @SedA2027
    @SedA2027 Před 7 měsíci

    great video! thank u!

  • @lopezb
    @lopezb Před rokem

    Very nice! Thanks.

  • @smroog
    @smroog Před 11 měsíci

    EXCELLENT !!!! EXCELLENT !!!! You are REALLY GOOD !!!! Thank you .

  • @rajalwa
    @rajalwa Před měsícem

    Very good!!

  • @travisgunn343
    @travisgunn343 Před 8 dny

    Very well done

  • @Mom_stealer_the_III
    @Mom_stealer_the_III Před 8 měsíci +1

    Beautiful

  • @AFellowNoSelf
    @AFellowNoSelf Před 5 měsíci

    Not sure if I’ve heard of eyes being closed in zen, but this has only been my personal experience. We keep eyes open as master Dogen says to “let the light in”. We use a Mokugyo, a fish with eyes open in chants as a reminder of even fish out of water keeps eyes open to experience reality. I have always wanted to learn more about the roots in Chan, thank you for this beautiful video 😊

  • @elliotyu6573
    @elliotyu6573 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Minor nitpick: the pinyin transcription for 净土 (Pure Land) at 6:47 should be Jingtu, not Qingtu. I'll also echo many other commenters and say that it would be nice to see a video from you discussing Pure Land Buddhism. Thank you for your wonderful work!

  • @sebastianrada4107
    @sebastianrada4107 Před 19 dny

    This video has suddenly Awakened me 😄

  • @baronesselsavonfreytag-lor1134

    Great episode :-)

  • @aunrana25
    @aunrana25 Před rokem

    Finally a video about Buddhism

  • @Knaeben
    @Knaeben Před rokem +2

    It would be interesting to see a video from you on the two Mahayana schools of Madhyamika and Yogacara.

  • @FF-dl2ho
    @FF-dl2ho Před rokem

    Beautiful ❤❤❤

  • @PanSzawu
    @PanSzawu Před rokem +1

    I would like a video on pure land Buddhism and it's many variations frankly. Most people in the West don't even know what it is despite being arguably the most popular version of Buddhism