Zen is deeply rooted in both Taoism and Buddhism from "summary" of The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
Zen, with its emphasis on the direct experience of reality, is often seen as a unique blend of Taoism and Buddhism. The influence of Taoism can be seen in Zen's emphasis on simplicity, naturalness, and spontaneity. The Taoist concept of wu-wei, or effortless action, is reflected in the Zen idea of non-doing or non-striving. Both traditions emphasize the importance of letting go of attachments and desires in order to live in harmony with the natural flow of life. On the other hand, the influence of Buddhism on Zen can be seen in its emphasis on meditation and the cultivation of mindfulness. The practice of zazen, or seated meditation, is central to Zen training, just as mindfulness meditation is central to the Buddhist path. Both traditions emphasize the importance of being present in the moment and seeing things as they truly are, without the distortions of our conditioning or preconceptions. Despite these influences, Zen is not simply a synthesis of Taoism and Buddhism. It is a unique tradition with its own distinctive teachings and practices. While it shares some common elements with Taoism and Buddhism, it also has its own unique approach to the nature of reality, the nature of the self, and the nature of enlightenment. In Zen, the emphasis is on direct experience rather than intellectual understanding. It is not enough to simply study the teachings of the Buddha or the writings of the Taoist sages. One must engage in the practice of meditation and mindfulness in order to truly understand the nature of reality and the nature of the self.- Zen is a path of liberation, leading to a direct experience of the ultimate reality beyond words and concepts. It is a way of awakening to the true nature of ourselves and the world around us. In this sense, Zen is deeply rooted in both Taoism and Buddhism, drawing on the wisdom of both traditions to create a unique path to enlightenment.
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