What is Z-E-N Buddhism?

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Although Zen Buddhism did not catch on in the West until the 1950s, it has now virtually cornered the meditation market. Because of its growing popularity, I’ve developed the acronym Z-E-N to help us remember its main characteristics.
ZAZEN. The dominant discipline of Zen Buddhism is zazen. Through zazen (literally “sitting in meditation”), Zenists seek to stamp out the self and become one with the impersonal cosmic consciousness of the universe (the only mind). Postures, breathing techniques, and chants are variously utilized in an attempt to free the mind from meaningful thought and achieve a state of absolute emptiness.
ENLIGHTENMENT. The stated objective of Zen is enlightenment- the inner perception that all of reality is one and duality is an unenlightened illusion (satori). Enlightenment is said to be the key to extinguishing individual identity and the doorway to nirvana (“blown out”). As the golf mantra goes: “Be the ball.”
NONSENSICAL RIDDLES. Enlightenment is achieved through nonsensical riddles. Nonsensical riddles or koans are used to attack reason and logic in order to achieve the alternate reality that the universe is an interdependent whole and that each individual is that whole. Zen literally utilizes hundreds of nonsensical riddles to dismantle the mind-the most famous riddle being “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”
In sharp distinction to Zen, biblical meditation calls for centering one’s self on the personal Creator of the universe through a singular focus on Scripture. Far from emptying our minds, Christians seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 NJKV
The basics of Zen Buddhism are:
ZAZEN-“sitting in meditation” to achieve emptiness
ENLIGHTENMENT-inner perception that all reality is one
NONSENSICAL RIDDLES-for rejecting reason and dismantling the mind
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#meditation #Buddhism #Zen

[@Un-Reconstructed]

Can you please tell us about “contemplative prayer?” Seems a little to close to similar Eastern Mysticism as in this video. Am I way off?

[@BibleAnswerMan]

Contemplative prayer is dealt with in this article: www.equip.org/article/be-still-and-know-contemplative-prayer-and-psalm-4610/#christian-books-1 See also our article on mindfulness: www.equip.org/article/thinking-through-mindfulness-psychology-religion-or-both/

[@Un-Reconstructed]

@@BibleAnswerMan Thank you. 👍