Expert: Avinash Chander Sharma - 5/26/2009

Question
Hello,

Please excuse my interruption.

I often have discussion about certain subjects, and the latest is of Zen

One of my cohorts has it in mindset, that Zen is a religion design to outcast God.

Another cohort, believes Zen was used by the Samurai, to cast out fear of death.


A brief explanation of Zen and a religious belief may help.


As for the Samurai, was Zen to help them purge fear, or living for the moment, in anything, using the moment of "no-mind"?

How did it actually help out the Samurai?

Answer
Hi Rick

Zen is related to the philosophy of maintaining good health and longevity by becoming introvert and reverting our mind inside towards our center like the entire universe. Even though it has got nothing to do with any religion but when there grows a thought and the group of followers increase it turns into a sect or a religion. For a warrior like the samurai, his skills would be gauged by the extent of equilibrium he develops between his mind and body. The perfection would only be achieved thereafter. Japanese would say him a Samurai, the Chinese- a Kung Fu, the Indian- a yogi,etc etc.

The onus has to be on proper breath work and meditation  to be an introvert person and to lead a healthy and long life.


regards


Avinash