How Did Zen Buddhism Influence Japanese Culture

Zen Buddhism began in 6th century China where it is known as Ch’an. Zen was brought by a South Indian monk who arrived in China around 520 CE. The philosophical development of Zen is found in the Lankavatara Sutra which was composed in India in the fourth century. It is a sutra of Mahayana Buddhism, the sutra is a narration of the Buddha and the bodhisattva known as Mahamati. Through Zen’s evolution in China it was impacted by Taoist beliefs which are shown in Ch’an’s significant importance surrounding the instability and naturalness of all things. Zen came to Japan in the seventh century but was not completely developed till the twelfth century. Zen became a central influential force in Japanese culture as it reached into more then just Buddhist temples, from gardening and calligraphy to war strategies and practices.
The core of the Bodhidharma’s wisdom is that a person does not need to analyze sacred texts, pray to deities, …show more content…
They are the main doctrines of Zen Buddhism and are all connected to one another. First there is The Triple Gem which is the Buddha, meaning the Buddha himself and a persons own ability to attain enlightenment, the Dharma which are the teachings of the Buddha or the realities of the universe, and Sangha meaning the monastic community. Then there are The Four Noble Truths which are: One, that there is suffering. Two, the origin of suffering is craving. Three, there is an end to suffering. Four, the way to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path concerns wisdom: One, to have the right understanding. Two, to have right thought. Ethical conduct: Three, right speech. Four, right action. Five, right livelihood. And, finally concentration: Six, right effort. Seven, right mindfulness. Eight, right concentration. By following these teachings of the Buddha a person may attain enlightenment and receive good