The Creation of the Zen Sect and the Folklore of Buddhism

A Trace of “Bendouwa”（ 『辦道話』） of the Shobouji（ 正法寺） Temple

Abstract

The Zen sect is based on the concept “Zazen,” which means “to sit in meditation.” It is said that it was introduced from China by Doushou（ 道昭） in the Nara period. While Zen＇s important religious mission of saving people was introduced at that time, it first became a formal sect in the Kamakura period. This was only after Dougen （道元） wrote “Bendouwa,” a book with the purpose of spreading the Zen sect. Its contents describe in detail how he introduced Zen and its message was meant to be the answer to people＇s questions about life. In its early manuscript, the basis of the missionary work was to continue the practice of Zazen, which involved meditations inspired by the idea of Buddha （ 仏） praying for the dead (Hotoke) for whom people wished salvation. Dougen answered the people＇s questions and expectations of Buddhism with Zen. He showed it mainly through the practice of sitting in contemplation. The actual activity of the Zen sect was not established until Keizan＇s（ 瑩山） missionary work.