A STUDY OF THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF ZEN BUDDHISM IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Zen is an important branch of Buddhism and has made a great contribution to Vietnamese Buddhism. Some people believe that Zen appeared in Vietnam in the 3rd century. Meanwhile, there is a controversy that it was not until the 6th century that Zen Buddhism really spread into Vietnam. The need for the current study is signifi cant and provides a comprehensive, clear view about the origin and development of Zen Buddhism in Vietnam. This article followed by clarifi cation of the origin and the development of Zen in Vietnam through transmission from generation to generation and Zen teachings. And fi nally the article proceeds with an analysis of the Vietnamese Zen with reference to Zen Buddhism in the Scriptures.