Home > Mind , Body & Soul > Buddhism > Zen Buddhism Zen Buddhism is an offshoot of Mahayana Buddhism, the 'Greater Vehicle'. It was introduced into Japan from China in the 12th century and 13th century. It is, in many ways, an austere religion stressing simplicity and closeness to nature. It also emphasises the pursuit of salvation through meditation and self-discipline, and instils a sense of self-reliance in its adherents.

Zen Buddhism has a carefully devised system that, if practised over a period of time, is supposed to lead to salvation. The first method is 'sitting in meditation' known as zazen. The second method to salvation is called Koan. These koans are nonsense conundrums that typically make little sense. They are in the form of stories or sayings. Attempting to understand these koans and make sense of them is supposed to be a means of intellectual self-discipline. In conjunction, following zazen and understanding koans is meant to lead to sudden enlightenment called Satori.

Zen has deeply influenced the cultural landscape of Japan. There is a whole aesthetic system revolving around Zen philosophy that has now become deeply ingrained in Japanese life. Zen extols the virtues of the simple and the understated. The small and the natural are preferred over the large and artificial. Uniformity is regarded as anathema since Nature produces the unusual and the unique, one-of-a-kind masterpieces that cannot and should not be replicated. A similar aesthetic of simple, small, refined elegance has developed in painting, architecture and landscaping. The idea is that a few simple and bold brushstrokes done in deep India ink are preferable to a realistic, colour painting full of detail and depth. In architecture, irregular structures that reflect the surrounding environment is touted over carefully designed buildings. In landscaping, miniature gardens intended to capture in a microcosm the bountiful beauty of nature stands out in stark contrast to the geometric regularity of western gardens. Apart from these contributions, Zen Buddhism is also responsible for the world famous tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is a rigid, highly involved ritual that attempts to promote a sense of harmony both within and without the individual.

The minimalism of Zen Buddhism with its 'less is more' aesthetic continues to hold sway in the modern world which looks to escape from the abundance and regularity of everyday life.