Expert: Stuart Resnick - 10/10/2006

Question

Hello, my name is Joshua Wallace. I am taking Eastern and Western Thought online and would like to ask you 3 questions concerning Buddhism:
1.   You stated that you are a practitioner of Korean-style Zen. What are the regional differences in Zen?
2.   What is the practice of “koan” transmission? Is it practiced in all forms of Zen? How does it affect you?
3.   So far as I can tell, (with my limited 2 week exploration into Zen) the concept of Zen is being open-minded about everything. Am I right (to any extent)? What would you consider to be the central theme to Zen?


Answer
Hi, Joshua, thanks for your questions.

1. The purpose of Zen is to understand yourself and help others. This is also the purpose of life. The particular forms that are used as tools or techniques in this effort vary from region to region. It's like people in China using chopsticks to eat, and people in America using spoons and forks. The style is difference, but the purpose is the same.

2. A central practice of Korean-style Zen is to keep a clear mind. One way to find your clear mind is to ask a great question, and return to the "Don't Know" mind. This Don't Know is before thinking; it just reflects this moment like a clear mirror. This style isn't used in all forms of Zen. But in this style, there are specific big questions that a teacher will ask a student as a way of pointing to Don't Know. All of these questions return to the one great question, "What am I?" Please see http://www.kwanumzen.com/misc/12gates.html to learn more.

3. Yes, "open-minded" meaning finding that mind that's like clear space, or a clear mirror. The mind that perceives all things appearing an disappearing like clouds in the sky. All problems are caused by wanting something, holding something, or judging something. If you put down that type of thinking, then this very moment is already complete.