Zen FAQ.

Please take some time to read our Zen FAQ (Zen Frequently Asked Questions) that answers the most common questions related to Zen Buddhism.

Is Buddha a God?

No he is not and, contrary to Christ, he never claimed to be the son of God or even a messenger from God. He was a human being like you and me, but perfected himself to a state of enlightenment and taught that if we follow his example, we can also perfect ourselves.

Do Zen Buddhists believe in God?

Zen Buddhists do not believe in a personal God or in a Divine being that reign on the Universe. Zen Buddhism do not have any sort of worshiping, praying, or praising of a divine being.

Do Zen Buddhists Worship Idols?

In Zen, followers and monks pay respect to images of the Buddha, but do not worship or pray to him. Bowing to a statue representing the Buddha is simply an expression of respect towards the teaching (Dharma) and the teacher (Buddha).

Do Zen Buddhists pray?

Since Buddhists do not believe in a personal God, they don't pray. In Zen, nothing in the Universe exists independently, separated from the rest. There is not separation between me and the Universe, therefore to whom could I address my prayers to?

Is Zen a Religion?

Zen goes beyond religion, it is free from all these religious and dogmatic encumbrances that you find in Christianity. Zen masters from old times called Zen the ‘Natural Religion’ as it includes everything. Call it ‘religion’, call it ‘philosophy’, it doesn't matter, Zen is the spirit of man.

What Are the Differences Between Zen and Buddhism?

Around five centuries after the Buddha passed away, Buddhism traveled to many Asian countries where it often got modified into a dogmatic religion with rituals and ceremony, departing from its true origins. Zen stayed true to the original teaching of the Buddha which lays emphasis on Zazen, and not on rituals and theoretical concepts.

Why do Zen Buddhists bow?

As previously mentioned, bowing is simply an sign of gratefulness and respect towards the teaching of Buddha and the Buddha himself.

Do I have to quit my religion to practice Zen?

Zen is beyond religion, so the choice is entirely up to you. Some Christians priests and nuns practice zazen on a daily basis.

How do I become a Zen Buddhist?

Practice Zazen, here and now. Ideally, find a zen dojo where you can practice with a Master that will guide you, especially at the beginning.

What is the Zen view point on sexuality?

Sexuality is a part of life. Denying sexuality is denying humanity. Avoiding sexual misconduct and attachment to sex will lead you to develop a strong sexual ethic, automatically, naturally.

What is the Zen view point on desires and ambition?

Desires, like sexuality, are an integral part of the human nature, we could not live without desires. People without ambitions, desires, aspirations or goals are like wandering ghosts. The Buddha never said we must suppress or eradicate desires, but said that we must suppress attachment to desires. Desires and ambitions should not becomes a prison and we should not become its slave.

What can I do in my daily life to be in accordance with Zen?

You live your life normally, you work, you eat, you kiss you children before bed, you do whatever you like! You don’t really have to change for Zen, Zen will change you, unconsciously, automatically, naturally. Zazen will make you concentrate on each act of everyday life, so when you will be in bed with your wife, you will concentrate on her, not on work. You will harmonize with the people around you and in return, naturally, they will harmonize with you! Zazen will make you become calm and unshakable.

What does Zen thinks about after-life and reincarnation?

Zen do not care about the after life, what matters is the present moment, here and now. Furthermore, nobody can tell you what is happening after death, unless they suffer from mental illness. The wood cannot see the ashes, the ashes cannot see the wood.

Zen viewpoint of other Religions.

Zen Buddhism is very tolerant towards other Religions and generally agrees with their moral teachings. Some traditional religions are growing weak because they are no more than mere decorations, relying too much on imagination (dogmas), ceremonies ans texts. Zazen makes you cut away the decorations and look for what is really the core of Religion.