Integrating the ideals of early Buddhism and Daoism, Chan Buddhism reflected the importance of a non-idealistic nature where the mind was prominent over the use of language. ... Instead, the Zen master would meditate and expect his disciples to understand and reach enlightenment by themselves. No words were actually exchanged to describe how to reach enlightenment. ... Buddha-nature is the belief that every living thing has the potential to reach Buddha-hood and enlightenment. ... Originally from India, Bodhidharma came to China to spread the importance of meditation as an integral part of C...

• Word Count: 1302
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Beck implies to the reader that they can find within themselves the ability to be a better person, reach enlightenment, and become a bodhisattva or Buddha. ... Buddha-nature can also be seen as an environment in which enlightenment can develop (Strong, 158). ... Beck stresses the importance of meditation in Zen practice. ... You are the only one who can change you, make you whole, or help you reach enlightenment. ... Just don't hold on to them;- This is telling us that is ok to have aspirations and dreams, thought and ideas, but it expresses the importance of being able to roll with...

• Word Count: 1358
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

The northern school, a short-lived affair, insisted on a doctrine of gradual enlightenment. ... If one perceives one's own nature, enlightenment will suddenly follow. ... Training in the methods of meditation leading to such enlightenment is best transmitted from master to disciple. ... -866), who was an exponent of sudden enlightenment. ... The Soto stressed quiet sitting in meditation to await enlightenment. ...

• Word Count: 1910
• Approx Pages: 8

In this stage one achieves a state of bodhisattva "mind of enlightenment" or bodhicitta "awakened heart." ... This classification system derived from the different types of practices, internal yogas, external rituals, and emphasized importance of different tantras. ... These activities, which are physically acted out, symbolize all aspects of the path to enlightenment. ... Those who practice "performance tantra" can reach the goal of enlightenment in only seven human lifetimes. ... With the proper motivation and attitudes one can have a distinct idea of the path to enlightenment and r...

• Word Count: 2224
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

., attained enlightenment by the age of 35, thus becoming the buddha (literally "awakened') and died in c. 563 B.C. ... From these short examples one can see that the enlightenment, which Buddha has attained, is not only about being able to see 'things as they are', but also about opening your heart towards others. ... These terms are pretty self-explanatory, the goal of the Hinayana practitioners was to attain enlightenment for oneself. ... As opposed to this Mahayana's philosophy differed in that the practitioner can only attain the salvation by helping others atta...

• Word Count: 1977
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

This Buddhism acknowledged that there were two paths to enlightenment (exceeding the identification of the personal ego). ... I was fortunate to have a great conversation with a Tibetan Buddhist who helped me understand the prayer wheel and its importance. ... No matter what language is used to speak of his collections of teachings, their meaning is for those beings" achieving enlightenment. Some people complained when the Buddha was passing away that he was leaving nothing behind to show them the way to enlightenment. ...

• Word Count: 2130
• Approx Pages: 9