Following in the Ways of Zen Buddhism

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Following in the Ways of Zen Buddhism

I fell in love with the first Buddhist I ever met. That is to say I fell in love with a man who is a Buddhist. I, however, am not a Buddhist. I have faith in what I find to be right rather than committing to a religion that I would not wholeheartedly believe in. It would seem that a difference in our spiritual practices may be a strain on our relationship, but in truth our faith lies in similar areas. The biggest difference between us is that I lack the knowledge and self discipline to be a practicing Buddhist. In loving Matthew I also want to gain understanding in what it is he believes. I have read through several texts in passing and find Buddhism more appealing as I continue to research it. In seeking to know more of Buddhism, I am promoting Buddhism as a beneficial practice.

There are so many different kinds of Buddhism that it would be rather hard to write a definitive work on all of them. The type of Buddhism that Matt chooses to follow the most closely is Zen Buddhism, though there are also Tantric practices he engages in. Information from an affiliate of the University of Virginia named Jennifer Gruia states that Zen Buddhism is founded upon the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama . Achieving enlightenment at the age of thirty-five, he gained the status of Buddha (“One who is awake”) and came to the realization that everything is subject to change and that suffering and discontentment are the result of the attachment to circumstances and things which, by their nature, are not permanent. That is how Zen Buddhism found its beginning, but some say that Bodhidharma is its founder since he spread the teachings across India and China . ( Gruia )

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...oduce great deeds, great art and culture, and greater still, great men.”(Humphreys 98) I believe my fiancé Matthew to be one of those great men, and I attribute at least part of that to his faith and following in the ways of Zen Buddhism.

Works Cited

“Essentials of Buddhism: Core Concepts.” Buddhaweb . 10 October 2004. <http://

www.buddhaweb.org/>

Gruia , Jennifer. New Religious Movements: Zen Buddhism. U of Virginia .

10 October 2004. <http:// /religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/zen.html>

Humphreys, Christmas. Zen Buddhism . London : Novello & Co. Ltd., 1957.

Kabik , Matthew. Personal interview. 17 October 2004 .

“Meditation for Health: Home.” Meditation for Health. 17 October 2004 <http://

www.meditationforhealth.com/brochure.html>

Suzuki, Daisetz T. The Essential of Zen Buddhism. New York : E.P. Dutton & Co. 1962.

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