Zen Buddhism is a Buddhist tradition with a long, rich history. From a humble introduction in approximately 520 CE, it has grown to be a very popular branch of Buddhism, and one many Westerners are quick to think of when Buddhism is mentioned. According to popular tradition, Zen originated with Buddha's famed "Flower Sermon". In this sermon, instead of speaking, the Buddha simply walked to the edge of the stage, picked up a decorative flower, and held it aloft before returning to his seat. While many did not understand what the Buddha was trying to impart, a group of separate monks saw and understood. This understanding was passed down until a man named Bodhidharma was born around 482 CE.
             Bodhidharma is a legendary figure, and historians disagree over whether he existed at all. Whether he did or not is largely irrelevant to modern Zen Buddhists – he still has a tremendous impact on their religion. According to legend, Bodhidharma trekked across Himalayan mountains, braving both incredible weather conditions and bandits, without incident to bring the teachings of Buddhism into China. He meditated for nine years at a stretch, and originated the martial art known as Kung Fu as a method of teaching the Shaolin monks the value of physical exercise as well as religious contemplation. Bodhidharma's dedication to Buddhism was incredible. He was once said to have become frustrated because he had fallen asleep while meditating, so he cut off his own eyelids. Zen Buddhism is rooted firmly in the here and now. It is not a religion based on long consideration of metaphysics or cosmological mysteries. Instead, it is firmly centered in a living experience – in fact, it denies the usefulness of writings at all, instead focusing on a very strong master-to-disciple relationship. This relationship is stressed because language is viewed as inherently divisive, a separation of the unity we all exist in but seek to deny. The Zen Master Deshimaru once...