Zen teachings are transmitted through direct experience rather than scripture from "summary" of The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
Zen teachings are not based on the authority of sacred scriptures or the words of great teachers. Instead, they are transmitted through direct experience. This is in stark contrast to many other religions and philosophies, which rely heavily on written texts and the interpretations of scholars. In Zen, the emphasis is on personal realization and insight, rather than on blindly following dogma or doctrine. The idea of direct experience is central to Zen practice. Zen masters often use unconventional methods to shock their students out of their habitual ways of thinking and induce moments of sudden insight. These experiences are not something that can be conveyed through words or concepts; they must be directly experienced to be understood. In this way, Zen teachings are said to be "transmitted mind to mind," from teacher to student, through direct experience. By emphasizing direct experience over scripture, Zen challenges us to look beyond words and concepts to the true nature of reality. This can be a difficult and disorienting process, as it requires us to let go of our attachment to ideas and beliefs. However, it is also incredibly liberating, as it allows us to see the world as it truly is, unfiltered by the limitations of language and thought. In Zen, there is a strong emphasis on the present moment. By cultivating mindfulness and awareness in our everyday lives, we can come to see the interconnectedness of all things and the impermanence of the self. This can lead to a profound shift in our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, freeing us from the constraints of ego and opening us up to a deeper sense of peace and unity.- Zen teachings are not something to be studied or debated intellectually; they are something to be experienced firsthand. Through meditation, contemplation, and direct interaction with a teacher, we can come to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the nature of reality. This direct experience is what truly brings Zen teachings to life, allowing us to see beyond the limitations of language and thought to the boundless potential of the present moment.
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