Doctrine of the 4 Statements of Zen

The four statements of Zen are really not compatible with anything the West markets as Zen.

4SZ is more.taxonomical than doctrinal, but when people come to Zen study from a religious context, Zen teachings seem doctrinal in the same way that the scientific method can seem doctrinal.

Here is a "doctrinal' restatement of 4SZ:

1. Transmission

2. Outside of teachings, not derived from words

3. Seeing self nature

4. Sudden awakening.

Each one of these is incredibly controversial when bumped up against any religion or philosophy... But the contrast with Buddhism is especially combustible.

Submitted March 13, 2022 at 08:17AM by ewk https://ift.tt/xh1pitZ