PlainZen 7.0

This concise tutorial offers a straightforward introduction to Zen, emphasizing its practical application in daily life. Crafted in accessible language, it aims to dismantle the common misconceptions that portray Zen as mysterious, mystical, or overly complex due to difficulties in conveying its practices. Contrary to what many traditional texts might suggest, Zen is fundamentally practical and simple when understood in terms of purpose and practice.

Unlike other instructional materials that often delve deeply into Zen history, terminology, and rituals, this guide consciously prioritizes the core essence of Zen: its mechanisms, reasons for effectiveness, and benefits for personal well-being. It clarifies that Zen is neither a religion nor a cult nor a philosophical doctrine but rather a mental approach conducive to mental health and clarity that can be embraced by individuals from all religious backgrounds or philosophical beliefs.

Participants are encouraged to remember their place within the material. Use the 'Bookmarks' feature to revisit personal highlights and the 'Contents' section to navigate various topics systematically.

• Learning Zen is no big deal
• How our mind works
• Realization#1: Thoughts and the thinker are no big deal
• Meditation/Practice#1: Do an activity...
• Realization#2: You and perfection
• The Self
• Reality: only one self
• The outside world: The world is out there
• Reality: no separation
• Freedom from fear: Two kinds: regular and premium
• Source of fear
• What's there to lose?
• Meaning: Life is a river
• Outside looking in
• Getting back in the flow
• Zen practice: Meditation: calm you down
• Koans: shake you up
• Enlightenment vs guilt: aha!
• Conclusion: Zen is yoga for the mind
• Meditation/Practice#2: Severing duality
• Meditation/Practice#3: When waking or before sleeping
• Q&A
• • Is thinking or thought bad?
  • So how is Zen different from thinking?
  • How do I get that 'insight' or 'enlightenment' and how do I retain it?
  • How are people related, connected?
  • Is it okay to follow a person, a movement, a philosophy, a religion without doubt, without question?
  • How does Zen view money, jobs, unemployment, wars, sex, hate, love?

This material aims to demystify Zen, presenting it as an accessible mental discipline that enhances understanding and improves quality of life for all who explore it.