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Essay On Zazen In Zen

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Zazen in Zen The word “Zen” roughly translates to meditative state, which is the practice and enlightenment technique central to Zen Buddhism. One of three Zen Buddhism sites in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Zen Center offers meditation periods, consultation with Zen priests, literature about Zen Buddhism, and a beautiful history lesson. The San Francisco Zen Center is located in an old building with a fascinating history. Originally, Julia Morgan established the Center as a residence for single, Jewish women in the 1920s; in 1967, it became the Zen Center. The Stars of David scattered around the building and the mezuzahs present on some doorframes allude to the Jewish history of the building. Approximately 40 people live in the Center …show more content…

Sometimes referred to as the “greater vehicle,” Mahayana is personal, and its followers consider the Eternal Buddha still around to help beings achieve Nirvana. A key point of Mahayana Buddhism is the thought that each being has a Buddha nature; those who discover their inner Buddha and achieve Nirvana are called Bodhisattvas. These enlightened beings choose to stay on Earth out of compassion to humankind to help others follow the Dharma and end …show more content…

This peaceful atmosphere once again draws back to the concept of “less is more” that Buddhism holds central. As the Zen Center is a residential monastery, there is also a dining hall and kitchen. The dining hall is home to donated statues of bodhisattvas and various pieces of artwork. One interesting and beautiful item there was a hanging mobile of hundreds of multicolored origami cranes. This mobile took my breath away: I would have liked to study it more. In the kitchen, there is a simple plaque printed with the words “Now as I take food and drink I vow with all beings to share in the pleasure of zen and fully enjoy the dharma.” These words are said before meals, reminiscent of the Christian practice of blessing food before

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