What is a key focus of Zen Buddhism that became popular in Japan?

• A. Rituals and ceremonies
• B. Meditation and direct experience of enlightenment
• C. Textual study and interpretation
• D. Community and social activism

Answer: (B)

Zen Buddhism, which became prominent in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), emphasizes meditation and direct experience of enlightenment as its core practice. This approach encourages practitioners to engage in zazen (seated meditation) to attain insights into their true nature and the nature of reality. Rather than relying heavily on scriptures or rituals, Zen prioritizes personal experience and the realization of one's innate Buddha nature through the practice of meditation.

The simplicity and intensity of Zen’s focus on meditation resonated with many Japanese, aligning with their cultural inclinations towards introspection and simplicity. This led to the establishment of various Zen temples and communities that prioritized the experiential over the theoretical, shaping a significant aspect of Japanese spirituality and aesthetics.

Other choices, such as rituals and ceremonies, while present in Zen practice, are not the central focus as they may be in other forms of Buddhism. Textual study, though valued, is secondary to direct experience in Zen pedagogy. Community and social activism, while important in various forms of Buddhism, do not capture the essence of Zen as clearly as meditation does.