Chapter 9--Early Japan : Zen Buddhism

With their unique combination of Taoism and Buddhism, Zen Buddhist’s ultimate goals are to meditate and help find the Buddha within all of us. By the nineteenth century, Buddhism began to assume prominence by its arrival from China; appealing to the warriors for its focus and self-discipline and inner strength. The transition from China to Japan took some time, reason being, Zen was considered the counter culture in China.

When the religion found its way in Japan it became a major religious and cultural force with strong influences. One reason warriors of Japan swarmed around this particular religion may have been for the fact that the Zen Buddhist believed that life is to be lived right here and now. In Zen, one accepts “it” for whatever “it” is to that particular person.

Also, Zen Buddhist are known for not showing too much emotion when certain events happen either to them or to something else. One of the techniques these warriors adopted was the idea of Koans. Koans could be puzzles or questions that will guide or help the person that is practicing Zen overcome normal boundaries of logic. This technique was very useful when it came to battle; koans was taught vigorously and with the help the new found of focus and concentration will lead you to the realization of the truth. Today Zen Buddhism is still practiced not only in Japan but around the world and it is catching attention to many new followers.