A HERMENEUTICS OF MIND (CITTA) IN ZEN BUDDHISM

Abstract

     The objectives of this research article were: 1) to study the concept of mind in Theravãda Buddhism and Zen Buddhism; and 2) to study the explanation of mind in Zen Buddhism. This research is a documentary research by studying the Tripitaka Buddhist academic papers and related research results Then present the research results by descriptive analysis.

     The result of the study found that Theravãda Buddhism mentions the mind by focusing on the purification of mind from defilements, craving, and attachment. The fundamental of mind is a state of consciousness that continuously arises and passes away, behavior factor, and causes of mind and matter. All things, matters and mind have no such thing as absolute self or ego. It depends on causality law. The method of mind development in Theravãda Buddhism is obvious and systematic. Zen Buddhism holds that the world is nothing but one’s own mind. The development of mind leading to the enlightenment is Satori with the practice method called mind to mind without any traditional explanation.

     Hermeneutics of Zen Buddhism uses differently word and letter but in fact the meaning is the same as Theravãda; to emphasize the Absolute Truth. Explains and emphasizes directly to mind in whatever concept has been concerned without any explanation in detail. The practice of Zen Buddhism has a broadly principle without any additional explanation. Zen Buddhism emphasizes the liberation through wisdom; the sudden enlightenment, so as to apply with most people and the way of life. But if the spiritual experience called Satori happens to anybody, it brings about the revolution and the freedom of life absolutely.