Most people have probably heard of Zen, as spiritual essence of Asia, particularly with its meditation practice. Yet, not many would truly know the history of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Takahashi’s Zen (2009) not only gives you an opportunity to learn about a clear-cut history of Zen Buddhism in Japan in just over two hours, but also captivates you with unsullied spiritual insights.
Zazen, Removal of All Worldly Thoughts from One’s Mind
In the early 1200’s, Dogen brought Chinese Zen philosophy to Japan, and established the Japanese Zen sect of Buddhism. He taught that a person was capable of realizing Buddhahood within himself, by way of Zazen. Zazen is extended hours of sitting and meditating to achieve a state of “Mu” (nothingness, or empty existence). While engaging in Zazen, a person is to free their mind from all feelings, thoughts, judgments, opinion, and conceptual ideas, etc. Furthermore, accepting things as they are without filtering through your own mirror (perception), is called, “Arugamamani”, and is the bases of the Zen philosophy. Being able to reach a state of “Mu” effortlessly until all worldly thoughts are out of one’s mind, can eventually lead to enlightenment.
“Why Can’t We Live in a Paradise on Earth?” – Dogen’s Mother’s Question before Her Death
The story of Zen begins with young Dogen facing his beloved mother’s death at age eight. Before her death, she asked him “why can’t we live in a paradise on Earth?” Under traditional Buddhism, ultimate enlightenment was only possible after death. Later, Dogen decided to seek an answer to her question, thus traveled to China. He ardently sought out a true Buddhist wisdom that could lead people into enlightenment during their life. By then, Dogen was an exceptional young man who also questioned conventional Buddhism as being overly involved with power struggles and politics.
A Turbulent Era, Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
When Dogen returned to Japan, the country was in the middle of the Kamakura period with endless conflicts between warlords and deterioration of moral standards in society. During the Kamakura period, a practice of Buddhism, which was reserved for imperial members, became allowed among the populace. Meanwhile, Dogen’s simple teachings of Zazen,” achievement of “Mu” and enlightenment, steadily gained followers.
“Flower in Spring, Little Cuckoo in Summer, Moon in Autumn, and Snow in Winter Brings Cold Breeze.” By Dogen
While Nakamura’s refined acting as Dogen is enchanting, his profound statements are deeply inspiring. Zen attempts to convey to viewers how Dogen intended to teach all humans to remember to appreciate ordinary things, matters, and events.
The poem by Dogen appears in Zen more than a few times, and represents a principle of his teachings. Towards the climax of Zen, a Shogun who was losing his mind, after being mentally tormented by rancor of the dead, calls upon Dogen to save him from his mental anguish. Dogen reads his poem, and tells him that no status, money or warriors are able to save the Shogun from death (an ultimate anguish), and only his actions will matter after his death. The Shoguns initial reaction to Dogen’s poem and advice was extreme frustration. However, the Shogun came to accept the true meaning of Dogen’s poem and advice.
The movie successfully depicts how Dogen’s Zen sect established itself in Japan by influencing people from all walks of life.
Acceptance of Death and Life as They Come
Death, particularly of a human, is one of the most feared events for all humans. As with many religions, the question of death and afterlife has been a main concern. However, in Zen Buddhism, a main concern is to achieve nothingness during life. By engaging in Zazen, one will eventually be able to realize that there is a Buddha within oneself. In other words, by preoccupying oneself with the fear of death or afterlife, one forgets to achieve “Mu” - a path to enlightenment, to be empty, free of worldly thoughts, and not fearing death.
Just Sit and Let Life and Nature Find You
Zen is a fascinating movie, and viewers should simply accept the Zen perspective of life. Zen teaches, ultimately, there are no inseparable connections between humans and their environment. After seeing Zen, one might come to appreciate the beauty of nothingness of just living in a moment, without conflicts, prejudgments, pre-occupation with power and status, and let nature (death is also a natural state) find you - as flower blooms in every spring. Looking at an untainted flower in natural settings is far more enlightening than a flower wrapped in paper and being sold in exchange for money. Next time when you see a flower in nature, and if it gives you a feeling of “Mu”, you can be sure that you are ready to sit and just let nature find you.
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