What is Zen?

Authentic Samurai Zen Training in Bergen County New Jersey

Some view Zen as a philosophy, some view Zen as a religion, and some as a way of life. In reality, any definition or description we attach to what is called “Zen” would already be distracting us from its essence, and cause our understanding to drift away from it.  A quote from a famous Sutra illustrates the elusiveness of Zen very well: “Things are not as they seem, nor are they otherwise”. 

At Tenshinkai Dojo New Jersey, we practice Zen under the guidance of Rosh Eran Junryu Vardi, founder of the Eiryu-ji Zen Center of New Jersey.