Expert: Joe McSorley - 12/28/2004

Question
Hi, I'm quite new here in Buddhism so i wanted to know some doubts:
First:
What's the main difference between ibetan Buddhism and zen Buddhism?
If I don't want to focus on reborn, which one should I choose? (I practice martial arts)
Second:
I have a 108 beads mala and a 27 beads mala, which one should I wear everyday? Can I wear both? where do I have to wear them (neck,wrist...)? whick one should I use to say mantras?
Thank you very much.

Answer
Dear Patty,
 My knowledge of Zen is much greater than that of Tibetan Buddhism  (TB) so I cannot give an in depth comment on the Tibetan practices but I do see major differences between the two schools.  There is a lot of ritual and hierarchy in TB and this is antithetical to real Zen.  I say real Zen because there are many schools today that have become very ritualized and hierarchical.  Zen is that which is ‘ lying beyond words and letters'.  What is most important in Zen is to attain the identical experience of the historical Buddha in the here and now by whatever means possible.  TB is very concerned with the rituals, chanting and performance of the religion while Zen has no concerns for this.  Although the ultimate goal of TB is to awaken there is much more emphasis on the ritual and practices than on achieving awakening here and now.  To break through the dualistic consciousness is the only concern of Zen.  The historical Buddha did not follow a ritualized path for his breakthrough but sought to solve his own existential crisis in a profound and thorough -going manner.  This should be the goal of anyone who comes to Zen to solve a real existential crisis.  This is why the samurais came to Zen to overcome there fear of death.  They wanted to deal with what was immediate and real to them and not be distracted by anything else.  This type of single minded practice is essential in martial arts.  In a sense Zen does not offer any comfort or respite but demands hard work and commitment.   I realize that once awakened, through TB or any other means, it is identical with Zen and the historical Buddha so the path does not really matter.  To me Zen is the most direct, no nonsense attempt to realize what Siddhartha did without concern for history, culture, ritual or religious teachings.  
   The beads you speak of are more from TB or Theravada Buddhism and are more of a superstition than anything else.  You can hang an icon from any religion on your body and it's not going to change anything.
 I hope this helps you. Take care,
            Joe