Sara Elliott Price - Zen Buddhism: How Zen Buddhism Can Create A Life of Peace, Happiness and Inspiration

Copyright 2018, Sara Elliott Price. All rights reserved.

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The information in this book is not intended as medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any medical conditions. The reader assumes full responsibility for any choices made based on the information in this book. Neither the author nor the publisher guarantees the accuracy, quality, suitability or reliability of any information contained in this book.

Introduction

In Search of the Bull

In the pasture of the world,

I endlessly push aside the tall grasses

in search of the Ox.

Following unnamed rivers,

lost upon the interpenetrating

paths of distant mountains,

my strength failing and

my vitality exhausted,

I cannot find the Ox.

T his picture and poem is first of the Ten Bulls pictures that describe the spiritual path followed by a Zen Buddhist monk. As you go through this book, I hope that you'll be able to relate each of the rest of the pictures and poems with you own spiritual journey.

This first poem paints a picture of confusion, depression and weakness. This is usually the point in life when a person starts seeking answers and gets into religion, philosophy, or spirituality. Zen Buddhism is one such place to look for answers. It is unique among such spiritual traditions because in Zen Buddhism you need to stop 'seeking' in order to 'find' the answers.

I'll talk about this paradoxical nature of Zen Buddhism in this book. A book on Zen Buddhism is a paradox in itself, because Zen cannot be understood through logical statements written in a book. It can only be experienced personally by practicing Zen.

So this book doesn't pretend to hold the secrets of Zen. Instead it is a collection of factual information on Zen and its practices. The book is divided into three parts; how to get started with Zen, how to practice Zen, and how to live with Zen. In this book you'll learn:

• All about Zen Buddhism and its history.
• Why it is not possible to "understand" Zen.
• The concepts used in Zen.
• How to perform Zazen or Sitting Meditation.
• Where to find a Zen Teacher to continue your learning.
• How to use art to practice Zen.
• How to apply the principles of Zen in your daily life.

All these points will only help you to practice Zen in your life but to 'get' Zen you'll have to do these practices and experience it for yourself.

The bull is a metaphor for the restless mind. This first picture, " in search of the bull ", represents that stage when you aren't even aware of your mind, or of the fact that your mind is the culprit behind all your problems. Zen will help you in taming this restless mind. So let's get started and try to find the bull.

Part 1: How to Get Started with Zen

Discovery of the Foot Prints

Along the riverbank under the trees,

I discover footprints.

Even under the fragrant grass,

I see his prints.