A Lifetime of Zen

Author: Zeng Jingwei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Zeng Jingwei is a poet, writer, independent contributor, and researcher. He is a member of the Guangdong Province Association of Prose Writers and a special researcher at the Future Research Institute of the China Future Research Association. He has published numerous works, including 365 Days of Life Zen, Yuli (translation and annotation), and the poetry collection As Scheduled. His literary works and biographies have been included in reference books such as The Great Dictionary of Chinese Campus Writers, The Chinese Poetry Canon, The Chinese Century Experts, The Grand Encyclopedia of Chinese Famous People, and the volume on "The Theory and Practice of 'Three Represents'" in the Biographies of Prominent Figures. Zen can make us feel as if we have returned to childhood—during a harsh winter, returning home and snuggling into the embrace of our mothers, feeling warm, tranquil, and comfortable.
The Entire World as One Zen Bed: The nature of Zen allows us to effortlessly shed the shackles and gain a new self-awareness, enabling us to see through life, understand living, and experience a different way of existence.
One Taste of Zen, Ten Thousand Books: The essence of Zen allows us to, through deep reflection, unconsciously eliminate bad habits of daily life, reveal our true selves, and transform and refine our thoughts. It opens and expands our wisdom, helping us to live with clarity, brilliance, and peace.
Zen is a shortened form of the Sanskrit word Dhyāna. It is a central teaching in the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism, a grand general (method or way) of all Buddhist teachings. The meaning of Zen can be interpreted as abstaining from bad habits and cultivating virtues, as well as opening and expanding wisdom. This is the ultimate goal or function of Zen. From this explanation, it is clear that "Zen" is closely connected to our entire lives.
Zen is the practice of the mind, the meditation of the mind. How can Zen fulfill its function? Of course, it requires us to quiet our minds and think deeply! Therefore, Zen is a profound experience of the mind and soul. The purpose of Zen is: "Do not rely on words; teach outside the scriptures; point directly to the heart and see the nature to become a Buddha." These four phrases may illustrate the purpose of Zen: to break free from the illusions of the superficial in our existing life, to live clearly, brilliantly, and peacefully, and ultimately to grasp life, change life, and enjoy life.
This book takes over ten classic texts such as The Collection of the Acts of the Buddha, The Miscellaneous Agamas, The Four Part Vinaya, The Platform Sutra, The Six Perfections Collection, The Wisdom of the Wise and the Foolish, The Hundred Parables, The Five Lamps Meeting Source, and its continuations The Supplement to the Five Lamps Meeting Source, The Brief Continuation of the Five Lamps Meeting Source, The Rigorous System of the Five Lamps, The Record of the Transmission of the Lamp by the Temple of Jingde, The Broad Record of the Lamp by the Temple of Tiansheng, The Continuation of the Lamp by the Temple of Jianzhong and Jingguo, The Meeting Source of Linked Lamps, The Broad Lamp Record by the Temple of Jiating, The Record of the Green Rock, as well as widely circulated case studies from home and abroad as the foundation for the colloquial interpretation of "Zen." The book is meticulously arranged in a cohesive manner, using traditional Chinese thought and adhering to the principle of "practicality" to explain and analyze Zen, creating a complete "Life Zen" to be presented to readers.
It is hoped that this book can relieve fatigue, dispel worries, and bring enlightenment or sudden breakthroughs during leisure time, helping you to understand life, live with vibrancy, and find peace and contentment. May the essence of this book bring you solace!