Exploration of Zen

Author: Elder Zen Master Baiyun
Publisher:
Publication Date: March 1, 2002
Features: Zen originated in India, flourished in China, and was later transmitted to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other regions. Even in Western countries where Zen is practiced, it is the Dharma Gate of Chinese Zen, specifically the Chan of Da Mo. Therefore, the Zen practiced worldwide today is largely similar in essence, as it originated in India, was developed in China, and then spread globally. This is a fact that must be acknowledged by any country or region practicing Zen, and it is an unalterable truth that even through the flux of time and space, no one, whether individuals, nations, or regions, could ever or ever could change it by means of plunder.
The essence of Zen is samatha (tranquility of mind), and the process of samatha is Zen. By its very nature, it demonstrates that everyone possesses the innate potential for samatha. Zen utilizes this innate potential to realize the value of life and its ultimate purpose. However, the expression of this potential depends on one's knowledge and experience. In other words, the richer one's knowledge and experience, the greater the effectiveness of the potential's expression. Conversely, it is not necessarily absent—even a fool still possesses some or a minimal operational ability.
Since samatha is an innate human potential, how does this potential arise? To explore this question, one must first understand what samatha is. Here, if we acknowledge samatha as an action, it becomes clear that this action originates from human thought and its interaction with external sounds and sights, leading to perceptual or rational changes. Driven by these changes, thoughts different forms of self-awareness, and each self creates diverse outcomes. Through this process, the innate potential for human samatha is revealed, completed through the same process of action. These actions gradually evolve into the practice of Zen, which is also known as the innate potential of humankind.
This book includes: The Origin of Zen, The Essence of Zen, The Acuity of Zen, The Meaning of Zen, The Prospects of Zen, The Interdependent Origination of Zen, The Discovery of Zen, and The Ethos of Zen.