Zen Parables

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Zen Parables
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Zen Buddhism

• falls somewhere between religion and philosophy
• branch of Buddhism that arose in 6th century
  China by mixing Taoism and Buddhism
• stresses neither worship nor scripture nor good
  deeds focuses on a sudden breakthrough to
  enlightenment achieved through meditation

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Zen Buddhism cont

• Enlightenment quality of mental tranquility,
  spontaneity, and fearlessness
• Master Student relationship guides the student
  on his personal journey, but enlightenment cannot
  be taught.
• Divided into sects based off beliefs of different
  paths to enlightenment
• Koans riddles
• Meditation on particular phrase paying homage to
  Buddha
• Ritualized, self-disciplined actions

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Literary Terms

• Parable short story that teaches a moral or
  spiritual lesson
• Zen parable teach the principles of Zen Buddhism
  by inspiring contemplation rather than directly
  expressing a moral
• Paradox statement or situation that seems
  contradictory but actually represents truth

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Lessons Learned

• A Parable
• A man facing certain death takes a moment to
  enjoy a small sampling of life/beauty.
• Publishing the Sutras
• A man gives up his dreams to help others
  repeatedly and in the end his invisible works
  are greater than his accomplished dream.
• The Taste of Banzos Sword
• The Master teaches by refusing to teach.