선 (Seon) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Seon. A school of Mahayana Buddhism, Seon, known in other regions as Chan or Zen, transcends simple definition. It emphasizes direct experience and intuitive insight over reliance on scriptures or dogma, beckoning practitioners to awaken to their inherent Buddha-nature through meditation and mindful living. Is it a philosophy, a practice, or something more elusive? The term itself invites a questioning of preconceived notions.
The seeds of Seon in Korea sprouted in the late seventh century during the Unified Silla period, influenced by the burgeoning Chan traditions in Tang Dynasty China. Though precise dates are debated, the arrival of Doui, who studied under the Fourth Patriarch of Chinese Chan, Daoxin, around 629-702 CE, marks a pivotal early reference. Consider the sociopolitical landscape: a peninsula unified by force, grappling with identity and seeking philosophical anchors amid upheaval. Doui's teachings, representing a distinct "Eastern Mountain School," challenged the dominant scholastic Buddhism of the time and were arguably the first roots of Seon Buddhism in Korea.
Over centuries, Seon’s evolution witnessed the emergence of the "Nine Mountains" schools, each with its own lineage and style, fiercely debated yet bound by the common thread of seeking enlightenment through direct experience. Figures like Jinul (1158-1210), a pivotal reformer during the Goryeo Dynasty, synthesized Seon’s emphasis on sudden awakening with the doctrinal study of scriptural teachings, bridging seemingly disparate paths. Jinul's integrated approach, a beacon in a time of corruption within the monastic orders, continues profoundly to influence modern Korean Seon practice. Yet, lingering questions persist: how did different interpretations both compete and harmoniously coexist? And can practice truly bring forth awakening?
Today, Seon remains a vital force in Korean Buddhism and beyond, its principles increasingly embraced as a means to navigate the complexities of modern life. Modern practitioners search for enlightenment not just in monasteries but in daily acts of mindfulness, suggesting its continued potential to influence generations to come. But, as we navigate a world so rapidly changing, does it present the same depth for understanding that it did centuries ago?