... of gradual enlightenment. The southern school, which became the more dominant of the two, held to a doctrine of instantaneous enlightenment. The southern school evolved under the powerful influence of Hui-neng (638-713), who is recognized as the sixth great patriarch of Ch"an and the founder of its modern interpretation. In fact, the forms of Ch"an and Zen still practiced today originate from his teachings. Hui-neng is the most well known of all the patriarchs, and receives the ... teachers are setting up centers all over this country, and accepting new students on their own authority. ...

• Word Count: 1910
• Approx Pages: 8

... magically protective and salutary), and to the recitation of sutras for the dead (Corless 57). All of these acts of offering are intimately involved in the concept of merit-making. By performing them, individuals, through the working of karma, can seek to assure themselves rebirth in one of the heavens or a better station in life, from which they may be able to attain the goal of enlightenment. Zen Buddhism Zen or Chan Buddhism represents ... spent nine years in meditation facing a wall (Davids 101). With the importance of lineages, Chan stressed the master-disciple relationship, and Bo...

• Word Count: 1355
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... paths to enlightenment (exceeding the identification of the personal ego). The first path was one that was taught in the sutras according to the historical teachings. Morality, concentration, and wisdom were the heart of the sutra practice. The second path, which has become the cornerstone of Tibetan variations, was the tantric path. The tantric practice combined the sutra teachings with techniques adapted from Hindu systems of yoga and tantra. Tantric systems convert the basic human passions of desire and ... ) is developed and the final result is that the astral body has become the bod...

• Word Count: 2130
• Approx Pages: 9