The 7 Essential Principles Of Zen Philosophy

Zen philosophy is a Buddhist school that originated in China and later developed into multiple Japanese and even Western currents. The basic practice in this line of thinking is meditation. In fact, the very word Zen means that: meditate.

The ultimate goal of Zen philosophy is the progressive awakening of consciousness to achieve enlightenment. The latter is a state of full rapport with the universe. This is not achieved through thought or intellect, but through daily practice.

The main tool to evolve is  contemplative meditation. In Zen philosophy this is a state in which a person sitting in the lotus flower position remains still and in absolute silence. Thus the content of thought is eliminated and full contemplation is achieved. All of this, in turn, is based on seven essential principles, which are as follows.

1. The mind builds the experience

Zen philosophy indicates that experience is not equivalent to reality. It is the mind that shapes the experience and, therefore, it is a construction of reality and not of reality itself.

Each person has the ability to choose what they think  and how they think about it. In fact, you do this all the time: select an approach to observing reality. However, you are not aware of it. Zen invites you to choose with conscience and freedom.

2. The self is an illusion, according to Zen philosophy

The “I” is also included within the realities that the mind  constructs. Being is not a “thing” that can be defined and on which precise limits can be placed. This tries to be delimited by labels or definitions, but these are illusory.

Much of the difficulties arise from that wanting to delimit or define the self. Deep down, there is the objective of immortalizing it and for that reason, it seeks to give it a precise shape, even though it does not have it. The self is flow, instant, change, not a given reality.

3. Listen to the heart and not the beliefs

The beliefs  interfere with the way reality is. Without noticing it, it is sought that the data provided by the senses adapt to the beliefs that are already installed in the mind and that have not even been subjected to a truth test.

Beliefs are obstacles because they operate as prejudices. Sometimes they are trusted more than the data provided by perception. So Zen philosophy invites you to see more with the heart and less through beliefs.

4. Detachment is the way to happiness

The concept of detachment is central to Zen philosophy. In this case, it is not only a matter of detaching oneself from material objects, but rather it is equivalent to having the conviction that everything has a meaning and a utility.

In this way, the presence of things or people makes an important contribution to life. However, its absence also enriches, in a different way. Therefore, you are never in want of something or someone, but living situations that nurture the experience.

5. Being is more important than doing

Stillness and silence are essential in Zen philosophy. To the western mind, this might seem like a form of passivity, but this only on the surface. Whoever concentrates and meditates is carrying out a very intense internal activity.

It is meditated to calm the waters of the mind, connect with oneself and evolve on the path of enlightenment. To reach the truth it is necessary to empty yourself first and this can only be achieved by stopping doing and allowing yourself to be.

6. Contemplation shapes being

Meditation allows, above all, to become an observer. The object of that observation is, in the first instance, thought itself. The purpose is to detect the content of that thought as a viewer would.

This exercise allows us to decide what goes through the mind and discover that a person is not the thought, but a much more integral reality. Full contemplation of reality is only possible when the mind has been purified of thoughts.

7. Unity: the natural state

When we speak of unity in Zen philosophy, what is referred to is a deep understanding with everything that exists. Contemplation is that: not looking at reality from the outside, but entering into the essence of what you are looking at and merging with it. The separation between everything that makes up the universe is also illusory. Each being is part of that whole and only when it manages to understand it does it reach harmony and inner balance, necessary conditions to reach enlightenment.

Zen philosophy is a lifestyle in which it is not necessary to retire to a monastery. The principles of it can be applied continuously, whatever the reality in which you live. It is a continuous exercise to be and to wake up.