Modern and educated people are increasingly finding a need for spiritual teachings devoid of fanciful stories and myths, free from threats of punishments and beliefs, which go against science and reason. Simplistic faith and worship are no longer enough in this day and age. Buddhism with its practical and consistent teachings and its relevance to daily life is able to satisfy intelligent and inquiring minds, and thus appeals very much to our present-day society.
Blind faith and unthinking worship are negative qualities to be discouraged as they lead to dogmatism, stubbornness and inflexibility. Instead, a receptive and inquisitive mind is considered a beneficial quality and a sign of openness and intelligence.
There is nothing mysterious in this spiritual path. The Buddha never resorted to supernatural rituals or asked for logic-defying leaps of faith in any of his teachings. Everything is rational and sensible, relevant to the present and very much down-to-earth.
These teachings are not difficult, and can be practiced by anyone — Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Approach these teachings with an open mind. Make a sincere attempt to observe and practice them. The results will be immediate and beneficial — for this life and the future.
When religion grows in age, faith turns into dogma, and experience is replaced by book-knowledge, virtue by adherence to rules, devotion by ritual, meditation by metaphysical speculation. The time is then ripe for a rediscovery of truth and a fresh attempt to give it expression in life.
lama govinda
Buddhism originated in India more than 2500 years ago. A prince named Siddhartha Gautama had tried many spiritual paths without satisfaction, until one day, while sitting in meditation, he came to a profound realization of the nature of existence. He was thereafter known as the Buddha, meaning the "Awakened One". Buddhism spread from India to China, then to Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. Since roughly the 19th century, various Asian immigrants and Zen masters began to bring Buddhism to Europe and the United States.
Zen emphasizes the practice of zazen, or sitting meditation, and individual effort. By learning to put the entire being into spiritual practice, we are able to realize our original nature and to carry that experience beyond sitting meditation into daily life.
We come into this world endowed with enlightenment nature. When we fail to realize this, life becomes selfish and egotistical, causing much suffering to ourselves and others. For that reason, we remove the barriers towards awakening and take refuge in the Buddha (enlightenemt), the Dharma (teaching practice), and the Sangha (community with a master). We commit ourselves to lives guided by the Precepts (Buddhist ethical code) and aspire to follow the Bodhisattva ideal of Mahayana Buddhism, in which we rejoice in being of service to others.
No matter how long we have been meditating, we aim for "beginner's mind" and treat each period of zazen as if it were our first time. We focus on the mechanics of sitting meditation (zazen), including posture, breathing and disposition of the mind. Our practice is rounded out with Dharma readings, teaching and discussion.
Mission Statement
Lotus Zen Temple is a non-profit organization (incorporated in the State of Nebraska) that offers resources and instruction on Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism in the Chinese Mahayana lineage tradition of Hui Neng. We welcome people of all backgrounds and religious paths. The Temple also offers opportunities for people to practice Zen through its various activities and outreach in Nebraska and beyond.
Lotus Zen Temple is an open and accepting community. It does not support or participate in discrimination on the basis of skin color, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, nationality, class, marital status, gender or physical condition.
Interactive Features
Click on Image for General Introduction to Meditation
Last updated: 02-07-2010