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Zen

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Sacred Time

In Chan/Zen, there is no need to transcend time or escape to another dimension of reality to experience the sacred. Because everything has Buddha-nature, all time is sacred time. read more

Sacred Space

Because everything has Buddha-nature, all space is sacred space. The divine exists in everyday places, and everyday activities are manifestations of the sacred. read more

Rites and Ceremonies

The rituals most often performed by Chan/Zen monks are funerals. There are also many elaborate rituals associated with monastic training, including koan study and prolonged periods of meditation. read more

Worship and Devotion in Daily Life

Chan/Zen Buddhist monks in training live austere lives. They follow strict rules and a strict regimen of daily activities. A few lay followers will visit a temple regularly to pray or volunteer. read more

Symbolism

Specific styles of painting, poetry, and gardening are often associated with Chan/Zen. Chan/Zen temples also have a symbolic structure that some say represents the body of the Buddha, or the human body. read more

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