Differences between Ch'an Buddhism and Zen Buddhism

[shaolin_hendrix]

What are the differences between the Japanese religion/philosophy of Zen and its parent, the Chinese religion/philosophy practiced by the shaolin monks, Ch'an? They are very similar, but I heard that there are some differences, so what are they?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Zen believed in the Buddhist elements (earth, water, fire, void, air), while Ch'an believed in the Taoist elements (earth, wood, water, fire, metal).

[aikiMac]

"For discussion of specific religious beliefs please use the Religion forum under Off Topic."

Accordingly, moved to Religion.

[Topher]

The Japanese named the movement "Zen" as is was easier to pronounce. I guess it's why the westerners also refer to it as that.

Zen is commonly associated with Buddhism, but there quite diffrent. Although there are diffrences with other religions, Buddhism does have the usual do's and dont's and doctrines found is all religions.

Contrast that with Zen, which has no map or destination - just a journey. If you take the journey dont have any preconceived ideas about where you want it to go.

Also consider "Duality" (yin and yang) in Chinese phillosophy such as light/dark, good/evil. Zen rejects this phillosophy as it creates artificual distinctions in the mind. While they do of course exist, in Zen the task is to be able to transcent them.

[shunyadragon]

The Japanese named the movement "Zen" as is was easier to pronounce. I guess it's why the westerners also refer to it as that.

Zen is commonly associated with Buddhism, but there quite diffrent. Although there are diffrences with other religions, Buddhism does have the usual do's and dont's and doctrines found is all religions.

Contrast that with Zen, which has no map or destination - just a journey. If you take the journey dont have any preconceived ideas about where you want it to go.

Also consider "Duality" (yin and yang) in Chinese phillosophy such as light/dark, good/evil. Zen rejects this phillosophy as it creates artificual distinctions in the mind. While they do of course exist, in Zen the task is to be able to transcent them.


I disagree with this description of the differences. Buddhism does not believe in the 'duality' of yin and yang.

To me Zen simple evolved a Japanese character and distanced itself from the more Chinese forms of belief and worship. Zen became more specifically ritualistic in meditation and in Japanese 'Arts of the Way' (Martial Arts).

Zen also discouraged many of the beliefs in divinities of the Chinese beliefs, and in some schools became more athiest or agnostic in their beliefs.

I still consider Zen Buddhist, but very Japanese, with the flavor of Tang Dynasty China.

[Topher]

I disagree with this description of the differences. Buddhism does not believe in the 'duality' of yin and yang.

To me Zen simple evolved a Japanese character and distanced itself from the more Chinese forms of belief and worship. Zen became more specifically ritualistic in meditation and in Japanese 'Arts of the Way' (Martial Arts).

Zen also discouraged many of the beliefs in divinities of the Chinese beliefs, and in some schools became more athiest or agnostic in their beliefs.

I still consider Zen Buddhist, but very Japanese, with the flavor of Tang Dynasty China.
Thats the beauty of Zen ;)