About Getting Back Home
How does Korean Seon view enlightenment or awakening?
Korean Seon, also known as Korean Zen, is a form of Buddhist practice that originated in Korea and is based on the teachings of Chinese Chan Buddhism. In Korean Seon, enlightenment or awakening is seen as the ultimate goal of practice, and it is viewed as a state of complete understanding and liberation from suffering.
According to Korean Seon, enlightenment is not something that can be achieved through external means or by following a set of rules or rituals. Instead, it is believed to be an innate quality that is present in every individual, waiting to be awakened and realized.
The concept of enlightenment in Korean Seon is often described as a sudden awakening, or a moment of clarity that brings about a fundamental shift in one's perception and understanding. This awakening is not limited to a specific time or place, but can happen at any moment, and is not dependent on any external factors.
In Korean Seon, the process of attaining enlightenment is often described as a journey of self-discovery and self-realization. This journey involves intense and rigorous meditation practice, known as Seon meditation, which aims to quiet the mind and allow for a direct experience of one's true nature.
One of the key teachings in Korean Seon is the concept of "hwadu," which refers to a central question or inquiry that is used as a focus for meditation. This question can vary, but it is often centered around the nature of the self and the nature of reality. Through deep contemplation and introspection, practitioners of Korean Seon aim to break through the illusions and attachments of the ego and gain a deeper understanding of their true nature.
Enlightenment in Korean Seon is not seen as a final destination, but rather an ongoing process of deepening one's understanding and awakening to the true nature of reality. It is not a state that can be achieved and then maintained, but rather a continuous practice of letting go and returning to the present moment.
In conclusion, Korean Seon views enlightenment as a state of complete understanding and liberation from suffering, which is not limited to a specific time or place. It is seen as an innate quality that can be awakened through rigorous meditation practice and self-inquiry. The ultimate goal of Korean Seon is not just to attain enlightenment, but to continuously deepen one's understanding and awakening to the true nature of reality.