“Many Chan Masters attained enlightenment while laboring
Even while you work you should be conscious of your inner state
There are too many distractions in daily life
They are all around us.
If you’re constantly chasing distractions
You won’t be able to calm your heart.”
Bhikuni Miao Kai :
Caodong Zen nun and Garden Master, Caoshan Baoji Temple, China
Many years ago I distributed a small handout to potential new students who were as I used to
say “window shopping” various Buddhist disciplines to see what resonated personally for them.
The title of this handout is: The Tiny Little Book of Zen
Now some years later it’s a mystery as to who to credit for this. Details as to authorship are lost.
I contacted a few zen teachers none of whom remember much either.
Here goes:
Q What is Zen?
A. Zen is a spiritual practice aimed at helping us find the answers to such fundamental
questions as, “What am I,” and “What is life?”
Q What does Zen practice consist of?”
A. Zen practice consists of a number of techniques which help us maintain a quiet awareness of
the present moment.
Q How can techniques help me answer fundamental questions?
A. The practice develops in us a commitment to the present moment. Out of this comes an
insight into our own nature, and a deeper appreciation for everyone and everything around us.
Q Does it work for everybody?
A. What are you?
Q When did Zen come into being?
A. The commitment part of Zen, the spiritual thirst, has probably always been part of the human
experience. The technique part of Zen is about twenty five hundred years old. It was developed
in India by a man who felt his life was meaningless without knowing why there was suffering and
death.
Q Is Zen a religion?
A Zen has no belief system, no worship, and no recommendation about whether or not to
believe in a god. Also, there is no need to accept anything on faith alone.
Q How is Zen related to Buddhism?
A About 1600 years ago, Buddhist philosophy spread from India to China. There it was found to
be very compatible to Taoism. The combination of the two was called “Chan.” Later it was
introduced to Korea then to Japan where it was pronounced “Zen.”
Q What are some of the techniques you mentioned?
A Besides formal seated Zen meditation, there is walking meditation, chanting, bowing, formal
mindfulness meal practice and work practice.
Q What is formal Zen meditation?
A This is sitting erect, usually cross legged, giving your attention to the breath. When thoughts
arise, neither reject nor embrace them. Instead, simply return your attention to the breath.
Q Will Zen give me better powers of concentration?
A Don’t know. But if that is your goal, there are probably better ways of reaching it than doing
Zen practice. Zen is a self-actualizing technique.
Q Do people change as a result of Zen meditation?
A As we become more aware of what we are, we become more comfortable with ourselves,
and more compassionate towards others.
Q What is a Zen Center?
A A Zen Center is a place where people come to practice Zen by sitting, bowing, and chanting.
Q Why do you chant?
A Besides sitting Zen, there are other practices like chanting, working and bowing. Each
practice is a practice of being fully present for the activity. The different forms simply give us a
variety of ways to practice.
Q Will Zen make you unemotional?
A Zen actually helps open us up to our life experiences, allowing us to appreciate them more
fully.
Q How long do I have to practice Zen to know whether it is for me?
A If you practice sincerely for fifteen minutes a day for twenty one consecutive days, you will
know for yourself whether it is a good vehicle for you.
Q What is the difference between Zen and other types of meditation?
A Zen is a pure technique, which allows us to become independent. It focuses on direct
experience, and does not depend on study.