Hi, Ed,
The others have weighed-in, and it's a fertile question.
It's good to be clear about terms though, especially "Zen".
So -- vague though I find the question to be -- I'll make several clear answers
to cover the meanings.
I myself perceive differences in some aspects of PRACTICE as promulgated by zen
teachers and chan teachers.
But, of course there are also differences in practice even within chan or zen
between different teachers. And as another example, there are the differences
between the five schools of chan or zen. Most of us know Tso Tung and Lin Chi,
or Soto and Rinzai, and we all knows the differences in practice there. The
other three schools are less known in the West and I think less popular
(populated) elsewhere.
Now to the other meaning: The STATE of chan, or zen. That state is the same
for a chan practitioner and a zen practitioner. It is the state of emptiness,
and of freedom. No mind.
But the differences in practice to BRING a practitioner to this state are real,
although they may seem small to one who merely studies and appreciates them
intellectually or academically. One must practice.
The STATE of chan may be properly described as "boring" by some, and it's so,
but it's "good" to have it to return to -- in fact, it is the most important
thing in the world -- in order to completely wipe the slate clean and allow our
human endowment to operate freely.
I pen this verse in appreciation of "Ch'an", and "Zen":
Like any pair here,
"They" are not two (but differ);
Names are good for FUN.
Now you know a *lot* more than I do about it!
--Joe
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