The 7 essential principles of Zen philosophy

Zen philosophy is a Buddhist school that originated in China and later led to multiple Japanese and even Western currents. The basic practice in this line of thought 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 understanding with the universe. This is not achieved through thought or intellect, but through daily practice.

The main tool to evolve is meditation contemplative. In Zen philosophy this is a state in which a person sitting in the lotus flower position remains still and in absolute silence. In this way, 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 constructs experience

Zen philosophy points out 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 reality itself.

Each person has the ability to choose what they think about. and how you think about it. In fact, this is done all the time: selecting an approach to observe reality. However, we are not aware of it. Zen invites us 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 build. Being is not a “thing” that can be defined and to which precise limits can be set. This tries to delimit itself through labels or definitions, but these are illusory.

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

3. Listen to the heart and not beliefs

The beliefs They interfere with the way reality is seen. Without noticing it, the data provided by the senses is intended to 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 like prejudices. Sometimes they are trusted more than the data provided by perception. So Zen philosophy invites us to see more with the heart and less through beliefs.

4. Detachment is the path to happiness

The concept of detachment is fundamental in Zen philosophy. In this case it is not only about getting rid of material objects, but rather is equivalent to having the conviction that everything has a meaning and a usefulness.

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 lacking something or someone, but rather living situations that nourish the experience.

5. Being is more important than doing

Stillness and silence are essential in Zen philosophy. To the Western mentality, this might seem like a form of passivity, but this is only in appearance. 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 oneself first. and this can only be achieved by stopping doing and allowing yourself to be.

6. Contemplation shapes the being

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

This exercise allows you to decant what is going through your 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 purged of thoughts.

7. Unity: the natural state

When we talk about unity in Zen philosophy, what we are referring 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 integrate with it does it achieve harmony and inner balance, necessary conditions to reach enlightenment.

Zen philosophy is a lifestyle in which it is not necessary to retreat to a monastery. Its principles can be applied continuously, whatever the reality in which one lives. It is a continuous exercise to be and awaken.

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