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@@AndersonTakakura There’s little evidence that Takuan Soho met or even knew ofMusashi. This is a myth popularised from the Yoshikawa novel, ‘Musashi’. I visited Takuan Soho’s grave on Yagyu no Zato.
Well im not into zen stuff but i am very aware of it since zen is like abit similar to buddhism but just slighty different in its laws but still keep the same practices.I know some monks who pass by and really would go to parks and forests to relax and stay close to nature.
@@Founderschannel123 well Zen is school of Buddhism. Hehe it's not "similar" to Buddhism, it IS Buddhism haha. It's just one particular school of it. Though, I will admit, there are schools of Zen that could be described as their own thing.
Not to disagree with you, Shogo, but I can think of another possible argument for the adoption of Zen: To create a feeling of inner balance within themselves - a counterpoint to the violence seen on the battlefield if you will, or in modern times a counterpoint to the stress of everyday life.
@@Gummybearkillerr Maybe I misunderstood him, but what I am talking about is not just the focus on the 'now', but going one step further and looking for what I would call inner peace and tranquilit,.
@@ranekeisenkralle8265 it’s a chicken and egg sorta thing. Does being more present in the moment and now give inner balance? Or does one chase after the inner peace and end up being more in the moment. Very slight differences. But in the first one inner balance is an outcome to being more in the moment. In the second you end up being more in the moment after achieving inner peace. The second one is honestly sorta vague. After all, what is tranquility how do you determine what that looks like to you? So it’s easier to go with the first one. I hope I explained that well…
@@oofshapedhuman4974 As with all meditative techniques, they tend to work differently well for different people. Mindfulness exercises for example - which are all about being in a given moment - do not work for me as well as meditations centered around acknowledging what i can and can't do - and being okay with the latter. I agree that on the surface the two are fairly similar, just the aim and outcome are different.
Thank you for this insight. I've been practicing Zen Buddisim for a few years now. I just started taking iaido classes a few weeks ago. I'm interested in improving my body mechanics & engaging my core. Trying to learn to engage our core muscles is so difficult. Sometimes frustrating when muscle memory kicks back in & I revert back to poor body mechanics. Drives me insane but zen helps me breathe through it & just accept that I'm learning a new habit. It will take time to break old habits & form new ones.
Less than 50k away from your goal, Shogo! And we're not even halfway through 2022. I'm so excited for you. I can see how Zen could be a tool for coping with conditions like chronic anxiety (which is something I have) or dealing with stress and major life changes.
From my own (humble)experience I see a connection between the 'no-mind' concepts within the Zen teachings and in-the-moment activities, such as swordsmanship and archery. For me this translates very well to playing improvisational music also. The mind must be free to act and react instantaneously, this can be achieved by practicing continuously until all techniques and forms are completely internalised, then... we let the mind go free and unfettered... for me this is Zen.
The true nature of you in relation to everything in reality is Zen. When one plays a musical instrument or practices archery.. If it is an authentic expression from you then it is Zen.
When I first asked about Zen, and why I ultimately came to enjoy it myself, is how simple and elegant it is. It is not dismissive, it is practical, and whenever I asked about it I was just told there is not much else you can get from it unless you practice. Even if you are not about the spiritual aspects, it is a very calming element of your life once you start doing it. You gain a greater appreciation for all the little things in life.
Every culture has it's social problems. Loving a culture, to me, is more about an appreciation of it's distinctness and uniqueness. A love of a culture does not condone or excuse it's contemporary social problems. Instead, appreciation of the culture and a keen interest in it, will serve a person to gain a deeper understanding of it, and can be the sharpest tool for inventing solutions to it's social problems. Like with a parent and a child. Parents (usually) love their children. And so they have the best circumstances to understand their children, and with the right motivation they'll be able to help their children when they see that their children have problems that needs to be solved.
The other reason why warriors liked Zen might be that Zen by its nature is minimalist and that suited perfectly with the warriors because they spent most of their lives in battlefields or training so, accumulating materials would've simply been a distraction. Great video :) thank you
In my own situation, Zazen was like a medicine to calm the mind after 18 years of service to the US Marine Corps ... it gave me the power to calm my mind through the concept of empty mind ... easy to say, but difficult to do ... but through practice, it becomes a lifelong skill
Another important aspect of Zen practice next to what has been said is: Being of help to others, guiding all beings on their way to realize their true nature. This is due to the fact that Zen is Mahayana Buddhism
Thank you for explaining this concept in depth. Zen is one of those things you always hear about, but never really know the nuances of without taking a deep dive into it. It reminds me of Mindfulness: a sort of mental health thing that has helped me out immensely.
Hmmm... I think I've read that some modern militaries incorporate some Zen-inspired techniques into their training, for some of the reasons you've cited here. It's also argued, on a darker note, that Zen's deconstructive approach to the individual self can be used to make soldiers more obedient and more willing to kill.
@@oreradovanovi5204 I'll do my best, though it's been a couple of years since I read those articles. If you'd like to join me in the digging, I'm pretty sure I got started last time around by reading some articles about Mark Oppenheimer's book 'The Zen Predator Of The Upper East Side'. It's about sexual abuse, not the military, but it lead me to a larger genre of writings about the ways in which meditation and mindfulness can supposedly serve to enable some of the worse aspects of modern society.
Did the Samurai practise Zen? Did they have hours in the day to do Zazen? Why is Zen hardly ever mentioned in menkyo kaiden, but Shingon (Esoteric) Buddhism, is? Japanese martial arts historian, author and practitioner, Dave Lowry, writes about the ‘Myth of Zen’ amongst the samurai suggesting, instead, they were enthusiastic about Shingon/Mikkyo because it offered ‘instant’ help in times of need and didn’t require hours of daily practise when they had the duties to their daimyo to attend to, all day, everyday.
"While most Buddhist sects rely on the words of the Sutras to learn their teachings, Zen does not." That's not actually true. I grew up in Zen and have lived and trained in more than one Zen monastery. We recite Sutras every day, especially the Heart Sutra, and the Kanzeon scripture which comes from the Lotus Sutra. Sutra study is so important we literally memorize them. We do however, feel that the truth of the Sutras can only be proved through direct experience, and we definitely emphasize direct experience over Sutras. But we definitely take refuge in the Dharma and study it extensively, including reciting the Shushogi, the Sandokai, studying the Shobogenzo (the works of Dogen), etc. I do know some sects barely emphasize Dharma but those are a recent phenomenon in history and a minority among Zen. This is actually one of those myths in Zen. It IS necessary to have direct experience, but it's not like we don't regularly study the Dharma. Sanbokyodan became very influential in the West due to the popularity of works like The Three Pillars of Zen. But from a traditional Zen Buddhist standpoint, their extreme aversion to Dharma study is considered an extreme view and something of an outlier.
This depends on your inclination. I've been practicing all my adult life, and studing sutras have not been part of my path. There are teachers who teach differently. I'm one of them.
From Volume 2 of George Sansom's A History of Japan, speaking about the third Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimitsu: "He liked to hear prayers and sutras recited, and was not in agreement with the usual Zen practice of silent worship. On one occasion he ordered some Zen monks to open their mouths wide and recite their scriptures in a loud clear voice. Perhaps this taste for the spoken word was one of his reasons for encouraging the Noh plays." This is not evidence that the sutras were completely irrelevant for the Zen Buddhists during this period (late 1300s to early 1400s), as there's no reason to suppose they didn't study them in silence, but it is clear that even back then, the Zen schools had a noted tendency towards not including the recital of scripture aloud as part of their usual spiritual practice. Enough at least that Yoshimitsu (who was no slouch when it came to knowledge of the various sects, taking an active interest in both spiritual and aesthetic pursuits) felt it was marked enough for him to tease them about it on the basis of his preference for live performance. I don't think there's much of an argument to be had as far as this tendency being a modern corruption goes. (Though as I say, this only applies specifically to the intoning of the sutras, not necessarily their silent study). Unless you happen to belong to the 黄檗 tradition, at least. Then chanting is a foundational part of the practice, but this was a school that was founded in the 1600s, and thus represents more of a recent phenomenon in itself.
@@oreradovanovi5204 May I ask what lineage you practice? In Soto Zen (for example), reciting the Heart Sutra, Most Excellent Mirror Samadhi, Sandokai, Kanzeon Scripture, Ancestral line, Dogen's Fukanzazengi, the Daihi Shin Dharani, Adoration of the Buddha's relics, etc., are all daily recitations in Soto Zen Monasteries and temples. This is also largely true in Rinzai temples and Soto and Rinzai represent the two largest schools of Zen. I do know there are some smaller, family lineages of laypeople who may do much less ceremony, but that's certainly not traditional in terms of Zen as a whole. If one were to go to Sojiji or Eihiji in Japan they would see lots of sutra and other daily Dharma recitation.
@@AndrewB21 "Zen" is not a homogenous thing. It represents many schools, sects, monasteries, temples, lineages, etc. It would be interested to know where this account took place. It IS the case that most Zen practice is silent meditation, however in Zen monasteries they do recite scriptures daily. That's not a recent thing either, in Dogen's Shobogenzo his talks recount teachings on Sutras, etc.
I view Zen in a different way than you do. I stress seeing through to the reality of the world. Yet you presented your view so well that everything you said fits with my approach, as well!
Many decades ago when I was a student in my Jesuit prep school in the late 70s I took a comparative religions class. Zen stood out as unique in its adoption by Samurais. I remember there was speculation in the text we used as to the reason for this appeal to a martial/military discipline.
I’m not a big fan of Western Buddhism or the way McMindfulness is promoted and exported to the West. But there is something deeply contemplative, spiritual and transcendental about Zen. It is religious philosophy, but employed in a way without focusing on a missionary approach. I have a respect for the elitist and aristocratic dimension in Zen, the reverence for tradition and the the emphasis of having connection to nature not through attaching itself to countercultural lifestyles, but through an organic sense of nonduality, uninfluenced by rigid ideology and dogma, yet mentally disciplined in order to free the mind from attachments, and ultimately from itself. The Taoist dimension of Zen is something inexplicable. Beautiful. The Way that can be named is not the eternal Way.
In my late teens and early twenties i had the opportuniting to practice Kyudo in a Japanese cultural center in Rome, Italy. The 3 or more hours weekly session would include at least 1 hour of Zazen both seated and standing. Although i am not a Buddhist and i cannot say to have kept that formal practice over the years, i feel that it has been absorbed somehow and definitely gave me a lot in all aspects of life.
Iam from Tamilnadu...the birth place of founder of zen Buddhism daruma(Bodhidharma)...... Thank you a lot our Japanese brothers and sisters for protecting and practising zen teachings which our people forget to protect.... Thank you ✌🏻✨
Love You, You are a great host of programs, I am fascinated by Japanese culture, mythology and philosophy. Warm greetings from Eastern Europe from Poland.
Shogo, that's 2 videos in a row you've read my mind. I started practicing Zen about 3 months ago and it's already made a big difference in my state of mind.
Thank you for that great video! I think I get how your love for traditional Japanese art is connected to Zen. There is a beauty to it that goes together with a certain truth, that must touch one's soul once you're open to it. And you are right, I kinda adopted "some Zen" in my Karate-Do training (Shotokan) when I was young. I find the "Being In The Moment" advise in other sources aswell (Tantra, Taoism, modern psychologie), although the reduction to what is essential I find best represented in Zen - since it is a inherent part of its practice and not just an advice or saying. I am working in media, spending a lot of time also on social media. Zen helps me to stay focused and not to get overwhelmed by floods of information, all those negative energies in general and aggressions I personally have to face.
Well said. It’s a beautiful practice that many people could be practicing without specifically putting the Zen label to it. Being mindful, present and self reliant while peacefully accepting the things you cannot change is a healthy way to live. As you stated there are certain aspects historically tied to certain practices of Zen but they all seem to have unifying factors.
Zen is the reason I became fascinated with Japan. I am an artist and Zen really has an influence on the art world. I don't think I have the self discipline to practice Zen but I definitely admire those who do.
Beautiful Shogo. Thank you for all you do. 🙏 We practice Shotokan Karate, and compete with a Samurai sword form. It all has a foundation in also practicing Zen. I will share this with my Shihan. He would love your perspective on Zen. 🙏☺️⛩❤️
This video was very interesting and opened my eyes to what zen is. I honestly thought I was just a word or way of thinking. But i seems to be so much more. Being new and very interested in Zen, where should i start my research into it? I would really like to immerse myself in Zen much more. I feel like it could be really useful!
Please forgive my very, very elementary question. But what are you saying at 1:30? I would imagine its something simple like "Now on with today's lesson!" or some similar statement. Thank you in advance Shogo-san. You've done more to teach me about Japan than 35+ years of popular culture and TV-Style Documentaries.
He’s using very polite “nothing” language to say “let’s discuss Zen”. 80% was just “polite nothing” and has no exterior translated meaning outside culture.
you should make a video where you visit tenshinryu hyoho and learn their techniques. that would be so cool, even though they are a newer ryuha id still love to see what type of content you can produce with them. who knows they might be impressed with your proficiency.
Currently writing the script for what will probably be a half hour or hour long video on kyudo and zen. So this is perfect for me. Can you recommend some sources I should read? Also would you mind if I recommend your video?
Hi Shogo! Are you planning to make a video about 'zanshin'? As a state of mind, its importance in martial arts (iaido, kenjutsu, etc.) as well as in one's personal life? I would love to see your take on this topic!
Excellent video! Even though I'm a martial artist for about 10 years ago, I was never taught how to practice ZEN, I would love to learn how to practice it, maybe you could teach a starting point in a video, that'll be awesome.
It would be best if you attend your local Zen center, you could also watch Zazen practice instructions by Shodo Harada Roshi on youtube, it is in Japanese and has English subtitles
I would think the idea of "self-reliance" in Zen may need to be qualified by the Buddhist concept of Sangha, that one receives teachings of proper practices from a community and contributes to the health and vitality of the community and well-being of others.
Hi Shogo and all! I want to learn about Zen. But, I feel like I am closer to a darker style of Zen. I do not know if it helps to ask a question or wait for an answer. If I ask a question… i have to wait for an answer?! Now, I live in America… how can i wait when nobody speaks and knowing the answer is there, how do I know? I am Turkish. Its said: nobody speaks unless you die. Like I said ‘dark zen’. But, again i am Turk. How do you calm a warrior with a mind? As SENSEI says… what is it? I choose to be peaceful with no peace of mind?.. how long shall or will this last? The answer for me is difficult. I MUST, suffer… Fair enough?!. I believe its helpful to argue in this sense; ‘in the old days’…
Shogo!! As always, thank you for the videos!!! Does that ninja store in Japan sell internationally??? What is the best way to learn Japanese??? Is there a program that you would recommend??
Their are a lot of similarities between Indian and japanese culture. In spiritual world of India their is a meditation technique called 'dhyan'. It is just bunch of various techniques for treatment over different things and improve skills (a lot of Indians don't have deep knowledge). And Budhha was also born in India. It also could be reason behind it.
"Bright and cold, the flash of steel. Alone I roam over desolate fields. My sword, I need no longer. The evening wind will carry me home." - Tenchu II (Rikimaru’s Death)
Of course, zen meditation helped Samurai to be better fighters as well, trying to be in a state of no mind (mushin) in battle helped them to make fast decisions from an intuitive or visceral place.
Hey shogo :) I've recently seen the video of you talking about why you dilike Iaido sometimes. And I had a question about the bowing procedure and the general training/meditating: Would you consider it rude to listen to "western/modern" music while performing exercises, or is it fine? 👍
Don't know when to ask this or if this would be an appropriate video because it doesn't really relate, but is there a way to show or talk about some of the traditions and culture of the Ainu?
If there's one guaranteed way to get Mushin ( " no - mind " , which is to say, one trades mind for MIND ) it is surely zazen. Shikan - taza comes next ... Pure Awareness .... Nobody's Home..... a Great state of Mind to to in , in confrontation. Arigato Gomashio !!
Question to anyone how did someone not born into a Samurai clan receive the title of samurai? or do you not even get it from just being born into a know samurai clan?
everytime I look for the one to learn I lose him, I hear him in the sound of the crickets legs, the buzz of the bee's close by I go to investigate but with no sight I also lose his sound also, the one that stops to hear see's also but the one that moves to look cannot hear or see
Zen is to abjure Ego. To serve. To be the place that evil will not pass. To fight for those who can not fight for themselves. Calmly. And without hatred.
There are Zen scriptures and even sutras that are popular. But they are not seen as the main thing since Buddha is claimed to be only an illusion of the own mind.
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Have you ever read Takuan Soho's book The Unfettered Mind? Soho was Musashi... Teacher or Zen Master. A video about Takuan would be awesome.
…because you don’t study history?
@@AndersonTakakura There’s little evidence that Takuan Soho met or even knew ofMusashi. This is a myth popularised from the Yoshikawa novel, ‘Musashi’. I visited Takuan Soho’s grave on Yagyu no Zato.
I’m gonna guess because they believed their sect was superior than the others.
Thanks a lot about very informational videos about Japan. WRT Zen, could you possibly make a video about Mikkyo Buddhism?
Arigato gozaimasu!
As a zazen and aikido practicioner I have to say, this is by far one of the best explanations of zen available in youtube. Thank you so much. Gasho.
Well im not into zen stuff but i am very aware of it since zen is like abit similar to buddhism but just slighty different in its laws but still keep the same practices.I know some monks who pass by and really would go to parks and forests to relax and stay close to nature.
Every Iaijutsu or Kendo class during reiho we do Mokuso meditation. Really helps set the mind in the zone and relaxes the body, mind and spirit.
@@Founderschannel123 well Zen is school of Buddhism. Hehe it's not "similar" to Buddhism, it IS Buddhism haha. It's just one particular school of it. Though, I will admit, there are schools of Zen that could be described as their own thing.
zen a⁰nond samurai 1/4 t.k you tube it
As a judoka, I agree with you, my aikido cousin
Not to disagree with you, Shogo, but I can think of another possible argument for the adoption of Zen: To create a feeling of inner balance within themselves - a counterpoint to the violence seen on the battlefield if you will, or in modern times a counterpoint to the stress of everyday life.
thats what he just said though.. to not worry about other things in the past (like horrible experiences) and to only focus in the now .
@@Gummybearkillerr Maybe I misunderstood him, but what I am talking about is not just the focus on the 'now', but going one step further and looking for what I would call inner peace and tranquilit,.
@@ranekeisenkralle8265 it’s a chicken and egg sorta thing. Does being more present in the moment and now give inner balance? Or does one chase after the inner peace and end up being more in the moment.
Very slight differences. But in the first one inner balance is an outcome to being more in the moment. In the second you end up being more in the moment after achieving inner peace. The second one is honestly sorta vague. After all, what is tranquility how do you determine what that looks like to you? So it’s easier to go with the first one. I hope I explained that well…
@@oofshapedhuman4974 As with all meditative techniques, they tend to work differently well for different people. Mindfulness exercises for example - which are all about being in a given moment - do not work for me as well as meditations centered around acknowledging what i can and can't do - and being okay with the latter. I agree that on the surface the two are fairly similar, just the aim and outcome are different.
Thank you for this insight. I've been practicing Zen Buddisim for a few years now. I just started taking iaido classes a few weeks ago. I'm interested in improving my body mechanics & engaging my core. Trying to learn to engage our core muscles is so difficult. Sometimes frustrating when muscle memory kicks back in & I revert back to poor body mechanics. Drives me insane but zen helps me breathe through it & just accept that I'm learning a new habit. It will take time to break old habits & form new ones.
@@anjafrohlich1170 what are you talking about
@struggler man i still feel bad for the ones in that bubble.Maybe one the it can be popped so does his mindset to release all that negative energy.
Less than 50k away from your goal, Shogo! And we're not even halfway through 2022. I'm so excited for you.
I can see how Zen could be a tool for coping with conditions like chronic anxiety (which is something I have) or dealing with stress and major life changes.
Roosevelt
From my own (humble)experience I see a connection between the 'no-mind' concepts within the Zen teachings and in-the-moment activities, such as swordsmanship and archery. For me this translates very well to playing improvisational music also. The mind must be free to act and react instantaneously, this can be achieved by practicing continuously until all techniques and forms are completely internalised, then... we let the mind go free and unfettered... for me this is Zen.
As a professional musician who trained in both Kyudo and Kendo in the past, i fully second your point.
The true nature of you in relation to everything in reality is Zen. When one plays a musical instrument or practices archery.. If it is an authentic expression from you then it is Zen.
When I first asked about Zen, and why I ultimately came to enjoy it myself, is how simple and elegant it is. It is not dismissive, it is practical, and whenever I asked about it I was just told there is not much else you can get from it unless you practice. Even if you are not about the spiritual aspects, it is a very calming element of your life once you start doing it. You gain a greater appreciation for all the little things in life.
Every culture has it's social problems.
Loving a culture, to me, is more about an appreciation of it's distinctness and uniqueness. A love of a culture does not condone or excuse it's contemporary social problems.
Instead, appreciation of the culture and a keen interest in it, will serve a person to gain a deeper understanding of it, and can be the sharpest tool for inventing solutions to it's social problems.
Like with a parent and a child. Parents (usually) love their children. And so they have the best circumstances to understand their children, and with the right motivation they'll be able to help their children when they see that their children have problems that needs to be solved.
The other reason why warriors liked Zen might be that Zen by its nature is minimalist and that suited perfectly with the warriors because they spent most of their lives in battlefields or training so, accumulating materials would've simply been a distraction. Great video :) thank you
In my own situation, Zazen was like a medicine to calm the mind after 18 years of service to the US Marine Corps ... it gave me the power to calm my mind through the concept of empty mind ... easy to say, but difficult to do ... but through practice, it becomes a lifelong skill
Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. You are an amazing ambassador for Japanese culture. I love Japan, and you've only deepened my regard.
Another important aspect of Zen practice next to what has been said is: Being of help to others, guiding all beings on their way to realize their true nature.
This is due to the fact that Zen is Mahayana Buddhism
Thank you for explaining this concept in depth. Zen is one of those things you always hear about, but never really know the nuances of without taking a deep dive into it. It reminds me of Mindfulness: a sort of mental health thing that has helped me out immensely.
Hmmm... I think I've read that some modern militaries incorporate some Zen-inspired techniques into their training, for some of the reasons you've cited here. It's also argued, on a darker note, that Zen's deconstructive approach to the individual self can be used to make soldiers more obedient and more willing to kill.
Some sources plz, I'm not being sarcastic
@@oreradovanovi5204 I'll do my best, though it's been a couple of years since I read those articles. If you'd like to join me in the digging, I'm pretty sure I got started last time around by reading some articles about Mark Oppenheimer's book 'The Zen Predator Of The Upper East Side'. It's about sexual abuse, not the military, but it lead me to a larger genre of writings about the ways in which meditation and mindfulness can supposedly serve to enable some of the worse aspects of modern society.
As a martial artist and a manager myself, these are the exact reasons why I highly enjoy practicing zazen. Great video!
Did the Samurai practise Zen? Did they have hours in the day to do Zazen? Why is Zen hardly ever mentioned in menkyo kaiden, but Shingon (Esoteric) Buddhism, is? Japanese martial arts historian, author and practitioner, Dave Lowry, writes about the ‘Myth of Zen’ amongst the samurai suggesting, instead, they were enthusiastic about Shingon/Mikkyo because it offered ‘instant’ help in times of need and didn’t require hours of daily practise when they had the duties to their daimyo to attend to, all day, everyday.
There are two types of Buddhism…..
@@mekugi There are many more than just two types of Buddhism in Japan alone. Shingon/Mikkyo, Jodo, Soto/Rinzai Zen, Hossō/Yogācāra…the list goes on.
"While most Buddhist sects rely on the words of the Sutras to learn their teachings, Zen does not." That's not actually true. I grew up in Zen and have lived and trained in more than one Zen monastery. We recite Sutras every day, especially the Heart Sutra, and the Kanzeon scripture which comes from the Lotus Sutra. Sutra study is so important we literally memorize them. We do however, feel that the truth of the Sutras can only be proved through direct experience, and we definitely emphasize direct experience over Sutras. But we definitely take refuge in the Dharma and study it extensively, including reciting the Shushogi, the Sandokai, studying the Shobogenzo (the works of Dogen), etc. I do know some sects barely emphasize Dharma but those are a recent phenomenon in history and a minority among Zen. This is actually one of those myths in Zen. It IS necessary to have direct experience, but it's not like we don't regularly study the Dharma. Sanbokyodan became very influential in the West due to the popularity of works like The Three Pillars of Zen. But from a traditional Zen Buddhist standpoint, their extreme aversion to Dharma study is considered an extreme view and something of an outlier.
This depends on your inclination. I've been practicing all my adult life, and studing sutras have not been part of my path. There are teachers who teach differently. I'm one of them.
From Volume 2 of George Sansom's A History of Japan, speaking about the third Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimitsu:
"He liked to hear prayers and sutras recited, and was not in agreement with the usual Zen practice of silent worship. On one occasion he ordered some Zen monks to open their mouths wide and recite their scriptures in a loud clear voice. Perhaps this taste for the spoken word was one of his reasons for encouraging the Noh plays."
This is not evidence that the sutras were completely irrelevant for the Zen Buddhists during this period (late 1300s to early 1400s), as there's no reason to suppose they didn't study them in silence, but it is clear that even back then, the Zen schools had a noted tendency towards not including the recital of scripture aloud as part of their usual spiritual practice.
Enough at least that Yoshimitsu (who was no slouch when it came to knowledge of the various sects, taking an active interest in both spiritual and aesthetic pursuits) felt it was marked enough for him to tease them about it on the basis of his preference for live performance.
I don't think there's much of an argument to be had as far as this tendency being a modern corruption goes. (Though as I say, this only applies specifically to the intoning of the sutras, not necessarily their silent study). Unless you happen to belong to the 黄檗 tradition, at least. Then chanting is a foundational part of the practice, but this was a school that was founded in the 1600s, and thus represents more of a recent phenomenon in itself.
@@oreradovanovi5204 May I ask what lineage you practice? In Soto Zen (for example), reciting the Heart Sutra, Most Excellent Mirror Samadhi, Sandokai, Kanzeon Scripture, Ancestral line, Dogen's Fukanzazengi, the Daihi Shin Dharani, Adoration of the Buddha's relics, etc., are all daily recitations in Soto Zen Monasteries and temples. This is also largely true in Rinzai temples and Soto and Rinzai represent the two largest schools of Zen. I do know there are some smaller, family lineages of laypeople who may do much less ceremony, but that's certainly not traditional in terms of Zen as a whole. If one were to go to Sojiji or Eihiji in Japan they would see lots of sutra and other daily Dharma recitation.
@@AndrewB21 "Zen" is not a homogenous thing. It represents many schools, sects, monasteries, temples, lineages, etc. It would be interested to know where this account took place. It IS the case that most Zen practice is silent meditation, however in Zen monasteries they do recite scriptures daily. That's not a recent thing either, in Dogen's Shobogenzo his talks recount teachings on Sutras, etc.
Sutra reading is done by Mahayana and they repeat amitofu.
I view Zen in a different way than you do. I stress seeing through to the reality of the world.
Yet you presented your view so well that everything you said fits with my approach, as well!
Namu Shakamuni Butsu! Proud Soto Zen from Brazil, here! Gasshō!
That personal bit at the end is the cherry on top of an already great episode 👏
Many decades ago when I was a student in my Jesuit prep school in the late 70s I took a comparative religions class. Zen stood out as unique in its adoption by Samurais. I remember there was speculation in the text we used as to the reason for this appeal to a martial/military discipline.
I’m not a big fan of Western Buddhism or the way McMindfulness is promoted and exported to the West. But there is something deeply contemplative, spiritual and transcendental about Zen. It is religious philosophy, but employed in a way without focusing on a missionary approach. I have a respect for the elitist and aristocratic dimension in Zen, the reverence for tradition and the the emphasis of having connection to nature not through attaching itself to countercultural lifestyles, but through an organic sense of nonduality, uninfluenced by rigid ideology and dogma, yet mentally disciplined in order to free the mind from attachments, and ultimately from itself. The Taoist dimension of Zen is something inexplicable. Beautiful. The Way that can be named is not the eternal Way.
In my late teens and early twenties i had the opportuniting to practice Kyudo in a Japanese cultural center in Rome, Italy. The 3 or more hours weekly session would include at least 1 hour of Zazen both seated and standing. Although i am not a Buddhist and i cannot say to have kept that formal practice over the years, i feel that it has been absorbed somehow and definitely gave me a lot in all aspects of life.
Iam from Tamilnadu...the birth place of founder of zen Buddhism daruma(Bodhidharma)...... Thank you a lot our Japanese brothers and sisters for protecting and practising zen teachings which our people forget to protect.... Thank you ✌🏻✨
Karnataka claims that he was from Karnataka.
Love You, You are a great host of programs, I am fascinated by Japanese culture, mythology and philosophy. Warm greetings from Eastern Europe from Poland.
An interesting topic, a vídeo about the history and influence of vajrayana in Japan.
Shogo, that's 2 videos in a row you've read my mind. I started practicing Zen about 3 months ago and it's already made a big difference in my state of mind.
Thanks for the clear, simple presentation.
Thank you very much for this video, sir.
Hello! This channel has been amazing for acquiring context on about a billion different things I'd learned about in other places. Thank you!
Love To watch your videos Shogo ❤️❤️
Shogo, with your amazing content, you made my life better!!You gave me purpose!!!Thank you so much...
Thank you for that great video!
I think I get how your love for traditional Japanese art is connected to Zen. There is a beauty to it that goes together with a certain truth, that must touch one's soul once you're open to it.
And you are right, I kinda adopted "some Zen" in my Karate-Do training (Shotokan) when I was young. I find the "Being In The Moment" advise in other sources aswell (Tantra, Taoism, modern psychologie), although the reduction to what is essential I find best represented in Zen - since it is a inherent part of its practice and not just an advice or saying. I am working in media, spending a lot of time also on social media. Zen helps me to stay focused and not to get overwhelmed by floods of information, all those negative energies in general and aggressions I personally have to face.
The reality around us is a projection of our mind. It is only through clarity of mind that we can achieve anything.
面白かったです。ありが
とうございました。
Well said. It’s a beautiful practice that many people could be practicing without specifically putting the Zen label to it. Being mindful, present and self reliant while peacefully accepting the things you cannot change is a healthy way to live. As you stated there are certain aspects historically tied to certain practices of Zen but they all seem to have unifying factors.
Nice work. Zen training should be mandatary for all leaders.
Amazing video. Thank you so much Shogo San !
Wonderfully informative! Thank you❤
Thanks a lot for your videos, Shogo san
Zen is the reason I became fascinated with Japan. I am an artist and Zen really has an influence on the art world. I don't think I have the self discipline to practice Zen but I definitely admire those who do.
Respect from Brasil ✊️ 🇧🇷
Have been waiting for video about Zen philosophy from 先生。
Would be great to hear about Deshimaru and others, though.
ありがとうございました。
Please do Tutorials in each Kata, including separat Footwork. I would love to learn from you!
Beautiful Shogo. Thank you for all you do. 🙏 We practice Shotokan Karate, and compete with a Samurai sword form. It all has a foundation in also practicing Zen. I will share this with my Shihan. He would love your perspective on Zen. 🙏☺️⛩❤️
Your explanation about zen makes me think how close this way of thinking is from western stoicism.
Yes learn a bit more abouth Zen. Its fascinating who people with no contact came to a same conclusion
The show and these comments are both very interesting! 🐙
amazing video, greetings from Argentina!
🌸I love your channel🌸
It would also be quite interesting to talk about Ikebana and men in the military of Japan who practiced that Art.
This video was very interesting and opened my eyes to what zen is. I honestly thought I was just a word or way of thinking. But i seems to be so much more. Being new and very interested in Zen, where should i start my research into it? I would really like to immerse myself in Zen much more. I feel like it could be really useful!
Zen is not about studying, it's like bodybuilding 😂, by reading your ( mind) muscle wouldn't grow
The best choice would be to attend your local zen center
Wow. This episode gives some great insight. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu。
Been practicing zen for over 17 years now
Please forgive my very, very elementary question. But what are you saying at 1:30? I would imagine its something simple like "Now on with today's lesson!" or some similar statement. Thank you in advance Shogo-san. You've done more to teach me about Japan than 35+ years of popular culture and TV-Style Documentaries.
He’s using very polite “nothing” language to say “let’s discuss Zen”.
80% was just “polite nothing” and has no exterior translated meaning outside culture.
Nice info
you should make a video where you visit tenshinryu hyoho and learn their techniques. that would be so cool, even though they are a newer ryuha id still love to see what type of content you can produce with them. who knows they might be impressed with your proficiency.
Currently writing the script for what will probably be a half hour or hour long video on kyudo and zen. So this is perfect for me. Can you recommend some sources I should read? Also would you mind if I recommend your video?
Hi Shogo! Are you planning to make a video about 'zanshin'? As a state of mind, its importance in martial arts (iaido, kenjutsu, etc.) as well as in one's personal life? I would love to see your take on this topic!
That's why I love Zen so much!!!😍
Excellent video! Even though I'm a martial artist for about 10 years ago, I was never taught how to practice ZEN, I would love to learn how to practice it, maybe you could teach a starting point in a video, that'll be awesome.
You need to go to a Zen center
It would be best if you attend your local Zen center, you could also watch Zazen practice instructions by Shodo Harada Roshi on youtube, it is in Japanese and has English subtitles
Nice video
I would think the idea of "self-reliance" in Zen may need to be qualified by the Buddhist concept of Sangha, that one receives teachings of proper practices from a community and contributes to the health and vitality of the community and well-being of others.
One of my favourite books is the Gateless Gate.
Hi Shogo and all! I want to learn about Zen. But, I feel like I am closer to a darker style of Zen. I do not know if it helps to ask a question or wait for an answer. If I ask a question… i have to wait for an answer?! Now, I live in America… how can i wait when nobody speaks and knowing the answer is there, how do I know? I am Turkish. Its said: nobody speaks unless you die. Like I said ‘dark zen’. But, again i am Turk. How do you calm a warrior with a mind? As SENSEI says… what is it? I choose to be peaceful with no peace of mind?.. how long shall or will this last? The answer for me is difficult. I MUST, suffer… Fair enough?!. I believe its helpful to argue in this sense; ‘in the old days’…
Shogo!! As always, thank you for the videos!!!
Does that ninja store in Japan sell internationally???
What is the best way to learn Japanese??? Is there a program that you would recommend??
There is similar word
For zen in india known as "dhayan" also pratice by buiddism,hinduism,jainism and sikhism
Me: I love Japanese culture
Other Person: cool what is your favorite Anime
😑😑😑😑😑😑
Been practicing martial arts and Zen love your videos
Well defined
Gassho
The one thing I don’t understand is why ethics are not mentioned? It is like the precepts have been dropped.
Their are a lot of similarities between Indian and japanese culture. In spiritual world of India their is a meditation technique called 'dhyan'. It is just bunch of various techniques for treatment over different things and improve skills (a lot of Indians don't have deep knowledge). And Budhha was also born in India. It also could be reason behind it.
"Bright and cold, the flash of steel. Alone I roam over desolate fields. My sword, I need no longer. The evening wind will carry me home."
- Tenchu II (Rikimaru’s Death)
Of course, zen meditation helped Samurai to be better fighters as well, trying to be in a state of no mind (mushin) in battle helped them to make fast decisions from an intuitive or visceral place.
Hey shogo :)
I've recently seen the video of you talking about why you dilike Iaido sometimes.
And I had a question about the bowing procedure and the general training/meditating:
Would you consider it rude to listen to "western/modern" music while performing exercises, or is it fine?
👍
I would like to know how the Samurai were striped of their open carry sword rights.
Zen Philosophy is interesting Philosophy of life such as the Ying-Yang Philosophy, want to learn more read up on Buddhist-Asian Philosophy.
WERE SO CLOSE TO 1 MIL
Can you do an episode on Sumo Wrestlers, please?
Early!
Don't know when to ask this or if this would be an appropriate video because it doesn't really relate, but is there a way to show or talk about some of the traditions and culture of the Ainu?
Dai, Kyo, Soku, Ke … Big, Dynamic, Smooth/Fast, Light.
Kinda want to the Zen but my family think like meditation = crazy for some reason
I got a question for Shogo, Please.
It is there a Iaido school or a Koryū, directly related or close related with a zen master or a zen temple?
Well I must’ve accomplished something because I’ve been doing it for five years without realizing it
It sounds like zen has evolved away from being a religion and is more of a philosophy that's accessible to all regardless of their religious beliefs.
If there's one guaranteed way to get Mushin ( " no - mind " , which is to say, one trades mind for MIND ) it is surely zazen. Shikan - taza comes next ... Pure Awareness .... Nobody's Home.....
a Great state of Mind to to in , in confrontation. Arigato Gomashio !!
What would be considered the best literature on zen?
Question to anyone how did someone not born into a Samurai clan receive the title of samurai? or do you not even get it from just being born into a know samurai clan?
It seems to me like zen can adapt to fit more with what you need
Where did they get that top knot style?
My son's initials is Zen, my mom likes to call my son that because she doesn't like saying her dad's name who he's named after.
everytime I look for the one to learn I lose him, I hear him in the sound of the crickets legs, the buzz of the bee's close by I go to investigate but with no sight I also lose his sound also, the one that stops to hear see's also but the one that moves to look cannot hear or see
I'm fond of Zen too, Zen priests are the only religious people I've seen who actually look happy and lively.
Zen is to abjure Ego. To serve. To be the place that evil will not pass. To fight for those who can not fight for themselves. Calmly. And without hatred.
This, is the true way of the Zen Samurai.
Only on this path will he achieve enlightenment.
wow I look away for a week and Shogo has like 14 more katanas
Zen is for reaching enlightenment and living in bliss :) Do Japanese believe that they will become enlightened during their life span?
Is this similar to nen? If so at what point can I do the water divination.
Like there's an extreme one where the young man shaves his head as balding and leaves only the top knot. That's some dedication.
What do u think of vagabond?
Is that a shin gunto behind you?
There are Zen scriptures and even sutras that are popular. But they are not seen as the main thing since Buddha is claimed to be only an illusion of the own mind.
I only know Zen through the art of motorcycle repair.
My man.
India is the root cause of this , but India don't have this 😢😢, a India monk named bodhidharma founded zen