Zen Teachings: Part One

One of the most important things to understand about Zen is what it is, and is not. At its very core, Zen is simply a way to become more completely alive, sensitive, aware, joyous and free from illusion. I often describe it as “The reawakening of the self.” The openness, aliveness and joy we once had as small children is again reborn and reinvigorated. We lose those things over our lifetime, but we can regain them through a careful study and practice of Zen. Zen helps us remove negative beliefs that weigh us down and damage our spirit, thus enlightening us.

Zen is the search for essential, fundamental truth. Not my truth, not your truth, but the ultimate truth. Only truth which stands up under rigorous inspection and is shown to be ultimately true and unquestionable. It is the search for ultimate truths, and a willingness to let go of old beliefs that are found to be false and are hurting us, that helps to free us from our pain. By living in this accurate way, we are freed from old, false, negative, hurtful, limiting beliefs and are then free to take on new, true and empowering beliefs that expand our lives and bring us joy.

Zen is NOT a religion (although it is sometimes listed as such). First of all, religions are based on God’s or deities (Super-natural bveings). Can anyone really prove that a god or deity exists? No, of course they can’t (though they love to try). And there have been, and currently are, so many of them (most of which claim they are the one and only “true God”). How can they all be right? They can’t be and they aren’t.

Second, religions are run by men with ambitions, flaws, egos, agendas, politics and greed. How can this be truthful, pure, accurate, universal and spiritual? The answer is clear, it of course cannot be.

Third, the religions tell you how to live based on dead words found in ancient books that were never meant for our times or the times to come. How could they have been? They are dead words on pages that never change, never grow, never alter, never evolve and never speak directly to you, as an individual.

Zen is not a religion. It is a way to personal growth, it is a path you lead yourself on as you grow and learn and progress through life. It is a personal journey of self development that you lead yourself on and is designed to meet your needs and gently progresses at your pace..

Zen is a set of teachings that can help us become aware of fundamental truths and tools we can use in our lives as we wish. There is no dogma, no leader to follow, no mandated rituals, no one telling you how to live your life. Zen simply shares with you wisdom that has been gathered over the centuries by those before you and which continues to evolve over time. And most good Zen writings teach (show) you ways to apply these teachings in today’s world. You are free to accept or reject any teaching as you see fit. They are simply given to you for your benefit with no directives, no obligations, no guilt, no pressure and no outside agenda.

By: Paul Cline (For more FREE articles & resources go to: www.AdvancedTrainingSeminars.com)