Chinese Zen Studies · Volume 2

Author: Wu Yansheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: Zen is a state of being, the life state of an awakened one. To completely let go of dualistic opposites is to be in the state of Zen. Second, Zen is a form of enjoyment, an experience. The enjoyment and experience of Zen are only possessed by the () and attained by the (). Third, Zen is a method, a means. This is speaking from the perspective of the expedient means of Zen, not from its ultimate reality. Zen is the method of realizing one's nature, pointing directly to the heart, and becoming a Buddha. Fourth, Zen is a path, a path of exploring and developing wisdom, breaking free from constraints, and pursuing liberation. Fifth, Zen is an art of living, a way of life. True freedom is the life of a Zen practitioner, an artistic way of life. Sixth, Zen is eternal happiness, true joy. Zen is the refreshing and effortless enjoyment of transcending all dualities, the perfect freedom of being free from birth and death, the ultimate freedom of not clinging to birth or death, and the ultimate freedom of not being attached to either. Zen can release all the inherent energy and vitality of our lives.