The definition of Zen is rather complicated ! Zen originated in India, when the Buddha held up a flower and Kasyappa smiled.(I don't know who that is, sorry)
Then Buddhism was introduced to China in the first century CE. According to tradition by an Indian patriarch of Zen, then it arrived in Japan in the 8th century. That's really a very short resume of Zen !
Anyway I haven't seen yet one person holding up a flower and smile when he or she is not in a zen mood. That's my case right now ! I don't know what the opposit of zen is, but that's like I feel.
Today is the 11th of November "Armistice Day" and a bank holiday in Belgium. They celebrate the end of the first world war ! I wonder why countries are celebrating war ends of 100 or 70 years ago instead of ending the wars which are going on right now ?? To celebrate in a 100 years the end ??
This is also my last post for Alphabet Thursday. Unfortunately Jenny Matlock who had created this meme in 2009 is so sick that she is unable to continue ! It's sad I participated almost since the very beginning.
I hope she will heal soon and wish her all the best !
more participants at Jenny Matlock's Alphabet Thursday
Jenny is continuing next week but probably a new post ~
ReplyDeleteLove your post on Zen ~
Happy weekend coming to you,
artmusedog and carol
Happy Zen Day to you. I try, but have not got to the smile whilst holding a flower stage. ( really don't think I want to go quite that far. ;)). I will just drink my tea!
ReplyDeleteWonderful final post! I am not sure I can bring myself to quit Alphabe-Thursday even if there's no linky for it. Of course, I'll have to stop back and see what new thing she's planning.
ReplyDeleteSorry that Jenny is ill. And also for your "down" feeling. Hopefully the African sunshine and weather will perk you up at the end of the month. I love this post on Zen. Never quite understood it until now!
ReplyDeleteI am feeling the opposite of Zen also as the Holidays approach.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I'm out of sorts, I jokingly say myself to Zen out. Sometimes it works. But, it could be all the slow deep breathing I finally get myself to do.
ReplyDeleteThe View from the Top of the Ladder
I'm with you...I want to see all wars end. No more!!
ReplyDeleteWe need to check out Jenny's blog next Wednesday.
This made me chuckle, the little cartoons, because , my friend was born and raised in Japan and she could be the little character saying "C'mon, Zen I haven;t got all day." Hee Hee!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Zen is very calming thing if practiced properly
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