Zen is a Buddhist tradition with roots in the teaching of Buddha Sakiamuni, the historical buddha in india ago 2500 years, which originated in China around the 6th century, where he was called “Chan”, and then developed in Japan, adopting the name “Zen”. The word “Zen” comes from, therefore, from the chinese word “Chan” and this from the Sanskrit word “dhyāna”, What does “absorption” mean?.
Unlike many religions, Zen Buddhism does not focus on the worship of a god, but in the deep understanding of the human mind and the nature of existence.
Soto Zen Buddhism is one of the main schools of Zen Buddhism, together with the Rinzai school. It originated in China as part of the Chan tradition and was introduced to Japan by the master Eihei Dogen in the 13th century.. The Soto school places a strong emphasis on the practice of zazen (sitting meditation) as a fundamental practice to achieve the realization of our true nature. In our tradition, zazen It is not seen as a means to achieve a future goal, but as a direct expression of awakening here and now.
Origins of the Soto Zen tradition
Eihei Dogen, the founder of the Soto Zen school in Japan, He traveled to China in search of a deeper and more direct teaching on the true nature of Buddhist practice.. During your trip, met Master Rujing, who transmitted the essence of Zen to him. Upon his return to Japan, Dogen established the Soto school, focusing on a simple and direct practice of zazen. His masterpiece, he Shōbōgenzō, It collects the crucial teachings of Soto Zen and is considered one of the most important texts of Japanese Buddhism..
The Practice of Zazen
In the Soto Zen, meditation zazen It is the heart of the practice. Zazen means “just sit”. This practice consists of sitting in silence, with your back stretched and your mind attentive, letting the sensations, emotions and thoughts pass without clinging to them or rejecting them. It is not intended to achieve a special status, but simply being present with what is, as it is. Dogen taught that the practice of zazen It is itself the manifestation of enlightenment. This concept is known as “shikantaza”, What does “just sit” mean?.
The practice of shikantaza It is based on the idea that there is no separation between the path and the goal. When we sit in zazen, we are directly expressing our Buddha nature. There is nothing to look for, nothing to gain; the practice itself is the realization. This approach contrasts with the Rinzai school, that uses koans as a tool to awaken the mind. In the Soto tradition, the simple act of sitting in zazen is enough.
Everyday Life as Practice
Soto Zen Buddhism teaches that everyday life is a constant opportunity for practice. Dogen emphasized the importance of mindfulness in all activities, from eating and walking to working and sleeping. each act, however, It is an expression of Buddha nature and an opportunity for realization.
This integration of practice into daily life is manifested in the monastic tradition of Soto Zen., where all the monastery activities, from cooking to cleaning, are considered part of the practice.
Fundamental Teachings of Soto Zen
One of the key concepts in Soto Zen is the notion of “Genjōkōan.”, which can be translated as “the realization of koans in daily life”. According to Dogen, life itself is koan, and every situation we face is an opportunity to wake up. There is no need to search for a truth outside of everyday experience; the truth manifests itself here and now, At every moment.
The practice-teaching of Soto Zen, therefore, It is not just a philosophy or a practice that is carried out in a temple or on the meditation cushion. It is a way of life that extends to all daily activities. The practice of Zen involves developing full awareness in everything we do, from the simplest to the most complex.
Example of everyday Zen practice:
during a meal, you can practice eating mindfully. Feel the texture and flavor of each bite, watch your breathing while you eat, and notice how this mindfulness transforms an ordinary activity into an opportunity to be fully present.
Zen practice does not necessarily mean sitting in silence for hours (although this is a very important part). It means paying attention to everything we do. By doing so, we begin to become aware of our automatic patterns and impulses, that little by little, thanks to mindfulness, begin to transform naturally.
The lighting, and el Zen, It is not a mystical or unattainable state. It is simply the process of illuminating that which is hidden in our mind and heart.. It is seeing reality clearly as it is., without the distortions of “yo”, the desire, rejection and indifference.
Zen invites us to look within, to become the object of our own attention. By doing so, we begin to illuminate our own shadows, to see and understand our emotions, automatic thoughts and reactions. This process of self-enlightenment is what frees us from suffering and allows us to live a fuller and more conscious life..
The path of Zen is a journey towards deep understanding of oneself and the world. It is a gradual process of internal transformation that frees us from suffering by understanding its true nature.. By practicing Zen, We not only cultivate a clearer mind and a more open heart, but we are also approaching a state of lasting peace and happiness, which is our innate right as human beings.