January 21, 2017
Zen Buddhism

On this day, January 21, 1324, a religious debate was held between Tendai and Shingon of Zen Buddhism.

The essential element of Zen Buddhism is found in its name – “Zen” means “meditation”. Zen teaches that enlightenment is achieved through the realization that one is already an enlightened being. This awakening can happen gradually or in a flash of insight. But in either case, it is the result of one’s own efforts. Deities and scriptures can offer only limited assistance.

Tendai and Shingon are just two of the many different branches of Buddhism. Both were developed in China and then imported into Japan. Both Tendai and Shingon emphasize the possibility of attaining enlightenment through techniques such as visualization, meditation, chanting mantras and other rituals. Both Tendai and Shingon emphasize the monastic life. Tendai Buddhism is also known as “Lotus Sutra” or Lotus School. It is an eclectic tradition incorporating numerous divinities. Shingon is known for the richness of its artistic heritage based on “mandala” designs. A “mandala offering” is a symbolic offering of the entire universe. Every intricate detail of the Mandala has specific, symbolic meanings.

Here are some statistics for both traditions:

Tendai: approx. 9,300 temples and other meeting places, 15,300 clergy and 4,665,000 adherents.
Shingon: approx. 17,700 temples and other meeting places, 17,900 clergy and 11,200,000 adherents.  (Source: Hori (ed.) Japanese Religions 1972)
As Christians, it is interesting to know that all religions have their differences, have their theological debates, and have their proponents and their detractors? Lutherans are no different from other religious sects, even those that are a thousand years old like Zen Buddhism – no different with their arguments and their disagreements. Taking a look at Wikipedia’s list of Lutheran denominations around the world, the site lists 189 different branches of Lutheranism, not including those Lutheran bodies that have merged with others. Almost two hundred different branches of Lutheranism – denominations who have Lutheran as part of their name – denominations such as:

• Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church
• Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland
• Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovakia
• Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovenia
• Evangelical Community Church-Lutheran
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Jesus prayed that his followers would be one – and after two thousand years, all we have managed to do is divide, split, and fracture the church. And the same is true for others religions who seek to offer praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. Our greatest hope is to find ways to bridge the gaps, establish relationships, and work together with all people of faith. The more we work for unity, the more opportunity we will find to be One in the Spirit.

Pastor Dave