About Getting Back Home
What are the different schools or lineages within Seon (Zen)?
Seon, also known as Zen in Japanese, is a Korean meditative tradition that originated from the teachings of the Indian Buddhist tradition of Dhyana. It emphasizes the practice of meditation as a means to achieve enlightenment and reach a state of inner peace and clarity.
Within Seon, there are several schools or lineages that have developed over time, each with their own unique practices and teachings. These schools include the Jogye Order, Taego Order, and the Korean Buddhist Taego Order.
The Jogye Order is the largest and most influential school of Seon in Korea. It was founded in the 14th century by Master Jinul, who sought to unify the various Seon teachings of his time. The Jogye Order emphasizes the practice of Seon meditation, known as hwadu, which involves focusing on a specific question or phrase to achieve enlightenment.
The Taego Order, founded in the 13th century by Master Taego, is another major school of Seon in Korea. It focuses on the practice of hwadu, similar to the Jogye Order, but also incorporates the use of chanting and prostrations as a means of meditation. The Taego Order also places a strong emphasis on social engagement and community service as a means of spiritual practice.
The Korean Buddhist Taego Order is a modern school of Seon that was established in the 20th century by Master Seungsahn. This school emphasizes the practice of meditation in everyday life, rather than solely in a formal seated practice. It also incorporates elements of Korean cultural practices, such as tea ceremony and calligraphy, as a means of meditation.
Aside from these major schools, there are also other smaller lineages within Seon, such as the Ganhwa Seon lineage, which focuses on the practice of hwadu, and the Kwan Um School of Zen, which combines elements of Korean Seon and Japanese Zen.
Despite their differences, all these schools of Seon share the common goal of achieving enlightenment through the practice of meditation. They also emphasize the importance of a strong teacher-student relationship and the transmission of teachings through direct experience rather than just intellectual understanding.
In conclusion, Seon is a diverse and dynamic tradition with various schools and lineages that have evolved over time. Each school has its own unique practices and teachings, but they all share a common goal of helping individuals achieve enlightenment and inner peace through the practice of meditation.