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RELIGION LIBRARY

Zen

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Beginnings

Zen began in China, where it was called Chan. Legends define its beginnings, including many stories of the first six patriarchs. Historical information about these individuals is limited. read more

Influences

The development of Chan Buddhism was influenced by evolving Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and new Mahayana scriptures. Chinese Taoism was also a strong influence. read more

Founders

The legendary founders of Chan (in Japanese, Zen) are the Indian monk Bodhidharma, the "wall-gazing brahmin," and Huineng, an illiterate Chinese peasant from the far south. read more

Sacred Texts

The foremost Chan/Zen scripture is the Platform Sutra, which relates the story of the sixth patriarch, Huineng. Several Mahayana Buddhist sutras are also central, and gongan (koan) are a form unique to Chan/Zen. read more

Historical Perspectives

Western accounts of Chan/Zen are often quite romanticized. These accounts were shaped by Japanese who, in response to increased contact with the West, were creating a new national identity. read more

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