This is a community dedicated to the teaching of Chan / Zen in the form it emerged in China. This community does not recognize branches which call themselves Zen but have no connection to these lineages.
We do not recognize Zen as a form of Buddhism or as being synonymous with Buddhism.
Chan Buddhism: Chan Buddhism, known as Zen in Japan, originated in China during the 6th century CE. It emphasizes direct insight into one's true nature and the nature of reality, often through the use of meditation (called "zazen" in Japan). Chan practitioners seek to transcend conceptual thinking and intellectual understanding, aiming for direct experiential realization of enlightenment. Chan masters are known for using unconventional methods, such as using paradoxical questions called "koans," to disrupt ordinary thinking and awaken their disciples to the profound truth. Chan Buddhism places a strong emphasis on the transmission of enlightenment from master to disciple and has been influential in shaping the broader Zen tradition.
Dogen's Zen: Dogen Zen, also known as Soto Zen, is a Japanese school of Zen that was founded by the monk Dogen Zenji in the 13th century. Dogen studied Chan Buddhism in China and then returned to Japan to establish his school. While Dogen's Zen shares many core principles with Chinese Chan, it introduced some unique aspects. Dogen emphasized the practice of zazen (seated meditation) as the primary means of attaining enlightenment, without necessarily relying on koans. He stressed that enlightenment is not something separate from everyday life but can be realized through fully engaging in mundane activities. This notion is encapsulated in the famous phrase "practice-enlightenment" or "shikantaza," which means "just sitting" or "just being." Dogen's teachings also emphasized the concept of "non-duality," the idea that enlightenment and delusion are not separate realms but are interconnected aspects of reality.