I'm Soto-Zazen Buddhist, practicing the discipline of Shikantaza, which pretty much means "just sitting". Most Buddhist paths are really more a philosophy and self discipline, if science discovers something new as to how the universe works, then that's how it is, Its about how we act and reacts as individuals and a whole with the universe, not how or why it does what it does..
Buddhism is one of the oldest surviving " beliefs" predating Christianity, and one of the largest ( if you count the various sects)
though I noticed in the west where it is booming in growth, in general there are still alot of preconceived notions as to what it is, and is not...
and trust me, Zen, and Zazen is FAAAAAAAR FAR FAR from what the hippy new-agers go on about, and spend millions on any little thing that has the word " zen" printed on it..
Shengyen Roshi described the practice as " While you are practicing just sitting, be clear about everything going on in your mind. Whatever you feel, be aware of it, but never abandon the awareness of your whole body sitting there. Shikantaza is not sitting with nothing to do; it is a very demanding practice, requiring diligence as well as alertness. If your practice goes well, you will experience the 'dropping off' of sensations and thoughts. You need to stay with it and begin to take the whole environment as your body. Whatever enters the door of your senses becomes one totality, extending from your body to the whole environment. This is silent illumination"
basically the idea is to let go of the self...to accomplish nothing with the goal of nothing, and accepting things as is.
It's tough to describe exactly what Zazen really is...other than " it just is"
now while some sects of Buddhism do keep a certain mythology behind it " mostly flakes of culture adapted depending on where one is from" Zazen is one of the sects that in large drop away from the myths, and legends...the notion of reincarnation is not really wide spread.
while it does still seek to teach the lessons of Siddhartha Gautama ( the first Buddha, and founder of the philosophy) it focuses more on the historical facts rather than the legends, and supernatural aspects that any influential person generates.though we do acknowledge them, but they are viewed as simply stories, sometimes meant to teach a lesson, but still just stories..
Now, we do follow the precepts, but they again are as guidelines, there is no condemnation if you are not perfect following it, because were human, we screw up...
Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts..
and remember...There are many variations and understandings on what exactly these mean... it is for the individual to understand them as they will, NOT to be forced into thinking a certain way
The Three Refuges
We take refuge in Buddha
We take refuge in Dharma
We take refuge in Sangha
The Three Pure Precepts
To do no harm
To do good
To live to benefit all beings
The Ten Prohibitory Precepts
A follower of the Way does not kill but rather cultivates and encourages life. ( though I want to add, this has exceptions, such as defense, or to protect.. think of a Jedi Knight, and your on the right path)
A follower of the Way does not take what is not given but rather cultivates and encourages generosity.
A follower of the Way does not misuse sexuality but rather cultivates and encourages open, honest and acceptable relationships.
A follower of the Way does not lie but rather cultivates and encourages truthful communication.
A follower of the Way does not intoxicate self or others but rather cultivates and encourages clarity.
A follower of the Way does not slander but rather cultivates and encourages respectful speech.
A follower of the Way neither extols self nor demeans others but rather cultivates awareness of the interdependant nature of self.
A follower of the Way does not attach to anything, even the teaching, but rather cultivates mutual support and shares the dharma with all beings.
A follower of the Way does not harbor ill will but rather cultivates loving-kindness, understanding, and forgiveness.
A follower of the Way does not turn away from the Three Refuges but rather cultivates and encourages taking refuge in them.
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