Zazan: A Buddhist Ritual “A special transmission outside the scriptures, Not founded upon words and letters; By pointing directly to one’s mind. It lets one see into one’s own true nature and thus attain Buddhahood”(Gateless Gate). In the denomination of Zen Buddhism, there are many forms of Zen practice including but not limited to bowing, chanting, and sitting. One of the most well known forms of Zen practice is sitting, otherwise known as Zazen. This form of meditation is significant to the culture of Zen Buddhists and the practice of The Gateless Gate Zen Center in Gainesville, Fl. This essay will discuss the aesthetic experiences of Zazen and its significance in the Zen Buddhist community. To begin with, practicing Zen by sitting can
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“Sitting meditation is a particular kind of meditation, unique to Zen, that functions centrally as the heart of the practice,”(Gateless Gate). This exemplifies the significance of the practice in Zen Buddhism. In Zen Buddhism, clearing one’s mind of thoughts is equivalent to enlightenment. The practice of sitting may be considered a rite of passage to enlightenment, however this enlightenment must be achieved again once one’s thoughts return. This ritual conveys connecting one’s mind and body to put the mind to rest. The sense of enlightenment in the minds of practitioners transforms their experiences and thoughts to allow a greater understanding of oneself and the practice. Therefore, experiences such as these can both define and solidify members of a community. For example, one may not have experienced this enlightenment or many may express this experience in similar ways and feel bonded together. In Conclusion, the practice of Zazen has many important aesthetic factors and is significant to Zen Buddhism and the Gateless Gate Zen Center in Gainesville, Fl. Zazen frees one’s thoughts and allows for the mind to be cleared in enlightenment. Materiality and aesthetic factors enhance the experiences of Zen practice and allow a greater enlightenment. “The Great Way is not difficult if you don’t make distinctions. Only throw away likes and dislikes and everything will be perfectly clear,” (Gateless
“Sitting meditation is a particular kind of meditation, unique to Zen, that functions centrally as the heart of the practice,”(Gateless Gate). This exemplifies the significance of the practice in Zen Buddhism. In Zen Buddhism, clearing one’s mind of thoughts is equivalent to enlightenment. The practice of sitting may be considered a rite of passage to enlightenment, however this enlightenment must be achieved again once one’s thoughts return. This ritual conveys connecting one’s mind and body to put the mind to rest. The sense of enlightenment in the minds of practitioners transforms their experiences and thoughts to allow a greater understanding of oneself and the practice. Therefore, experiences such as these can both define and solidify members of a community. For example, one may not have experienced this enlightenment or many may express this experience in similar ways and feel bonded together. In Conclusion, the practice of Zazen has many important aesthetic factors and is significant to Zen Buddhism and the Gateless Gate Zen Center in Gainesville, Fl. Zazen frees one’s thoughts and allows for the mind to be cleared in enlightenment. Materiality and aesthetic factors enhance the experiences of Zen practice and allow a greater enlightenment. “The Great Way is not difficult if you don’t make distinctions. Only throw away likes and dislikes and everything will be perfectly clear,” (Gateless