Zen can be accepted in the broad sense as Zen itself, or the Truth itself, apart from it's narrow sectarian interpretation as a school of Buddhism.  When Zen is seen in such a broad sense, Zen means the Truth, or the Absolute;  it is not limited to Buddhism alone, but is the basis of all religions and all philosophies.  In this sense, Zen does not remain simply the core of Buddhism, but it works to deepen and revive any religion or philosophy.  for instance, there can be Christian Zen, or Taoistic Zen; there can be Zen interpretations of Christianity or of Taoism.  

Zen is a way of life that all of us are capable of living and able to share ...Zen is within everyone and for everyone.  Together we will learn and grow...there can be no wrong answers or bad questions...your questions & answers help us all to grow...           

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http://www.dailyzen.com/category.asp?catid=7

Take care of today..and look forward to tomorrow! 

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"Room Full of Flowers"

I love the Zen Art!

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Now, in this moment we know that we are Zen and Zen is us.

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Carol, I really appreciate the way you have described 'Zen' ..  It truly is a way of life.  We can each seek truth and wisdom through meditation regardless of a particular religious preferrence.  It is for all, and Zen can be in each one if we choose it to be. 

Beautifully stated Carol, and thank you! 

Blessings 

-Maggie

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_{^{Thank you!  You have also described Zen, beautifully!}} 

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 In the garden of Zen we all flow together into empty mind.

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came across a great historical note on Zen..

Zen began in China in the sixth century as a meeting of Indian Buddhism with Taoism, merging the speculative with the practical, the metaphysical with the earthy. Called Ch'an in China, it stressed meditation over teaching as the shortest, and steepest, way to realizing the Buddha-mind inherent in all of us.

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I heard that,in Indian thought,god is projection of egoism of human,egoism of universe. The shadow of egoism of universe is reflected in human mind.

So if there is not human mind,god is not existed.From people who waked and extinguished,there is not egoism and god. This thought is also in Buddhism.

Every one should't be able to look at Buddha.

But Buddhist adore Buddha and made statue of Buddha.

Zen was produced by disputing this.

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Zen seems to simplify things.It can be done when cooking,and walking.It helps us feel more connected.

I have just joined the group, and am reading through the threads. So far, I am finding them very informative, and I can see where Zen is applicable to all faiths, including my own.

Thank you Carol, for this very enlightening group!

Peace and blessings,

Karimah

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