Expert: Joe McSorley - 5/5/2008

Question
In what ways does zen differ from buddhism? (i.e)beliefs,rituals, and so on

Answer
Hello Samone,
 It's not that Zen differs from other schools of Buddhism but that it is a distilled form of Buddhism.  Zen Buddhism is concerned with the self awakening of the individual and does not rely on ritual or beliefs. It is concerned with having an identical awakening as the historical Buddha had.  It is described as 'not relying on words and letters' meaning that it does not concern itself with the ritual and history of Buddhism but is only concerned with awakening in the moment.  Other sects of Buddhism may have lots of ritual and tradition but Zen does not.  There are even delineations now a days between Zen Buddhism and Zen.  There are two main schools of Zen Buddhism; Rinzai and Soto.  Some delineate between any adherence to the practice in these schools and Zen as being not a practice of a Buddhistic school but as being only involved with awakening without any attachment to the teachings of these two branches.  In the end true awakening has nothing to do with any school, branch or delination but on the practice of the individual.
 I hope this helps you.  Take care,
      Joe