Zen Philosophy Poem by RAJ NANDY

ZEN PHILOSOPHY


With roots buried deep in soils of Ancient India,
And watered by the exotic blend of three different
cultures;
Reflecting the mysticism of India, the pragmatism
of the Confucian mind,
And the Taoist's love of naturalness and spontaneity;
Buddhism bloomed and blossomed into an exotic
flower called ' Zen Philosophy '!
In 475AD, a pupil of Buddha called Bodhidharma,
went to China!
There this Mahayana School of Buddhism, mingled
with Chinese Taoism,
Evolving into Chan Philosophy!
'Chan 'derived from the Sanskrit word 'dhyana', which
meant silent meditation,
Through which the Buddha attained enlightenment
and salvation!
Later, in 1200 AD, the Chan philosophy, travelled
to the shores of Japan,
Where 'Chan ' got translated to ' Zen '!
Zen is the art of meditation to achieve inner awakening;
To gain intutive knowledge, highlighting the inadequacy
of logical reasoning!
It therefore advocates the practice of 'zazen', or 'sitting
meditation', -
For acquiring inner awakening through silent
contemplation!

Zen could be practised in our daily life,
Without entering a hermitage, leaving behind your
family or wife!
'Gain the naturalness of your original true nature, '
- preaches the Zen teacher!
'Rather than through mere faith and devotion,
which is contrary to Zen notion! '
One must awaken to this present moment to feel
this life,
And not waste time in speculations of an elusive
after-life! '
The 'Enso' or circle, is the Zen symbol which is
often deployed,
Symbolising enlightenment, strength, the universe,
and the void!
With this 'expression of the moment ' the Zen philosophy
starts,
And today the Enso is also the symbol of expressionist
art!
Never ask the Zen Master, ' What is Zen, when or how? '
For he will always tell you, 'Zen is the instant now '!

-Raj Nandy
New Delhi
11 Sep 08
(Having written three poems on KOAN, which is inseparable
part of Zen philosohy, I have tried to explain Zen philosophy!)