Buddhist Teaching About Death

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The truth is, we don’t know what happens when we die. The Buddhist teaching about death can be helpful in that it gives us a good feeling, some sense of comfort in this mystery. This framework that can be helpful in the grieving process, but the Buddha taught that originally there is no life or death. Our true self is infinite in time and space. Don’t Know Mind doesn’t have a beginning or an ending.

Zen Master Seung Sahn’s teaching is to wake up in this moment and attain our true nature. When we keep a Don’t Know Mind we are addressing the big question of life and death moment to moment. The big meaning of a 49-day memorial ceremony is to wake up just now. Actually, whenever anybody dies, they are teaching us that we must wake up, because our lives only occur in this moment [snaps fingers]. Just that.

Tim Lerch JDPSN

(From The Kwan Um School of Zen)

Which Style of Buddhism is the Best?

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Student: Buddhism have Hinayana, Mahayana, Tibetan & Zen, how do I know which is the best for me?

Zen Master: (Pick up a glass of water) Please taste this. (Student then drink the glass of water.)

Zen Master: When you are drinking the water, you by yourself will know its cold and warm. (The student seemed to attain something and he continued his meal.)

When the student started to eat, Zen Master again asked: Is this Hinayana, Mahayana, Tibetan or Zen? (Student returned with a big smile and happily enjoyed his food.)

Commentary:

Buddhism consists of eighty four thousand teachings. They all help us to wake up from our illusion. If you only attached to words and its differences, you cannot taste the truth. Zen means put it into practice. Don’t indulge in empty talk.

Zen Master Dae Kwan

(From The Kwan Um School of Zen)