Expert: Bodhicitta - 8/26/2005

Question
Hi!

I know this is a blunt and simple question, but please tell me- what is the difference between zen buddhism and Tibetan buddhism? I presume they are both "sub forms" of something, but how have they come to be seperate, and what is the difference between the practise of each? sorry if my message is a little unclear. And also, besides the two above, are there any more that I should know of? thank you so much :o)  

Answer
Hi Sarah
Thanks for your blunt and simple question. I always think
they are the best  questions!

The blunt and simple answer is that Zen is Buddhism as taught in Japan. Tibetan Buddhism is Buddhism as taught in Tibet!

Buddhism has moved from culture to culture and country to country since its origins in India 2500 years a go. Buddhism moved into
Tibet from India while it was still at its height in India - we are talking approximately 400AD to a 1000AD.

This process proceded in a number of waves with different great Indian teachers
taking different apsects of Buddhism to Tibet. There was also a
movement of teachers from Tibet into India and China seeking
texts and teachings .

This process was very complete. The country itself became Buddhist including the King of Tibet. Also all the Buddhist
texts from India were translated into Tibetan. Which represents
a vast body of literate. All this while Europe was in the dark ages!

Buddhism eventually was wiped out of India somewhat. This was
due to the invasion of the Mongul hordes who destroyed all the big monasteries and Buddhist communities. So Tibet became a store house of Buddhism as it had existed in India. Most Tibetan teachers would say there is no such thing as Tibetan Buddhism but there is just Buddhism that exists in Tibet..


Buddhism also moved into China from India . Perhaps this movement was earlier. China also became a Buddhist country. The emperor became Buddhist and large Buddhist established were built. The texts were translated into Chinese etc.

Buddhism eventually moved into Japan from China and Zen Buddhism resulted.

Often when Buddhism moves from one culture to another certain aspects are stressed or emphasized. In Japan the teachings on
discipline and sitting practice were emphasized. This gives
Japanese Buddhism its stark austere simplicity.Although
other aspects were present in Japan when Buddhism was at its height .

In Tibet the more magical aspect of Buddhism. The Tantra etc
were strong. These were very strong in India too and this is
where this comes from. However Tibetan Buddhism is very
compl;ete it contains teachings of all the different aspects of Buddhism from the monastic to the Mahayana to the Vajrayana.

Tibetan  Buddhism and Japanese Buddhism and CHinese Buddhism are all what is known as Mahayana schools of Buddhism. They emphasize great compassion.

The other interesting thing is that Buddhism is still moving from culture to culture. It has moved into America and EUrope. It is still settling down just as it had to do when it went into Japan and Tibet. So soon people will be asking what is the difference between British Buddhism and Spanish Buddhism!

Hopefully that gives you an idea. The one thing to remember
is to find a good teacher and meditate what ever your tradition.

Bodhicitta