Download Zen Parables

Zen Parables
Zen Buddhism
• falls somewhere between religion and
philosophy
• branch of Buddhism that arose in 6th
century China by mixing Taoism and
Buddhism
• stresses neither worship nor scripture nor
good deeds – focuses on a sudden
breakthrough to enlightenment achieved
through meditation
Zen Buddhism cont…
• Enlightenment: quality of mental tranquility,
spontaneity, and fearlessness
• Master – Student relationship guides the student
on his personal journey, but enlightenment
cannot be taught.
• Divided into sects based off beliefs of different
paths to enlightenment:
– Koans: riddles
– Meditation on particular phrase paying homage to
Buddha
– Ritualized, self-disciplined actions
Literary Terms
• Parable: short story that teaches a moral
or spiritual lesson
• Zen parable: teach the principles of Zen
Buddhism by inspiring contemplation
rather than directly expressing a moral
• Paradox: statement or situation that
seems contradictory but actually
represents truth
Lessons Learned
• A Parable
– A man facing certain death takes a moment to
enjoy a small sampling of life/beauty.
• Publishing the Sutras
– A man gives up his dreams to help others
repeatedly and in the end his “invisible” works
are greater than his accomplished dream.
• The Taste of Banzo’s Sword
– The Master teaches by refusing to teach.