Jan Hendriksson is a spiritual master and teacher in the tradition of the eastern doctrines of wisdom and philosophies (ZEN, Buddhism, Taoism, etc.)
Over 20 years ago, he began with his spiritual search for deeper truth and wisdom. And so he came into contact with the Buddhist body of thought.
His search first led over different spiritual paths and Buddhist schools until he later reached familiarity with ZEN Buddhism. During his traditional ZEN schooling, he experienced a deep spiritual transformation and fundamental change of his life. In the following years, he deepened this experience, until he finally found his fulfillment and his peace.
In recent years, he dedicated himself mainly to the development of a modern, western ZEN path. This was accompanied by the completion of his books “The Secret Book of ZEN” and “The Secret Book of ZEN-The Comments”.
Today he still feels connected with the principles and the universal spirituality of ZEN and with all living beings-regardless of the religion to which these belong or which spiritual path they might follow.
My view of things
On my spiritual search for a more profound truth, I got to know the most diverse religions, spiritual paths, and schools of our world (such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism). Buddhism attracted me from my earliest youth and I always felt at home there. Thus it is no surprise that my journey ultimately led to ZEN Buddhism.
During my traditional ZEN schooling, I became familiar with the most diverse approaches of ZEN masters from the Soto and Rinzai schools. Both are traditional Japanese ZEN schools.
At the same time, this sort of traditional Japanese ZEN was very strange for me, because it has little in common with our western culture. It is important to gain insight into the Japanese culture and way of thinking during ZEN schooling. However, in my opinion, one should never adopt a foreign culture in his own life without some adaptation.
For instance, many western ZEN Buddhists completely renounce their own culture on their spiritual path, exchanging it for another one (Japanese)- although this does not correspond to any real inner need. But they believe they can only experience enlightenment and Nirvana in this way.
This is not in line with reality and, in my opinion, can only be helpful in a very few cases.
Thus I stand for a modern, universal ZEN, which combines tradition and the western modern age.
I view myself as a part of a young generation of spiritual teachers or masters who attempt to remain true to their own western roots and the typical western teachings, while passing on eastern wisdom.
In “The Secret Book of Zen” and “The Secret Book of Zen-The Comments”, I concentrate on the core of ZEN teachings and the essence of ZEN wisdom, which is characteristic of all original ZEN traditions and other paths. To this extent, my role distinguishes itself from that of “learned” or “orthodox” ZEN Buddhists.
My personal understanding of ZEN includes the most important rules and traditions from the original ZEN teaching, the Japanese ZEN tradition, and Buddhism, which appear sensible for leading those practicing most quickly to Satori (spiritual awakening).
Moreover, I always wanted to integrate modern, western teachings (the teachings of western mysticism, western contemplation, and psychological knowledge). This is in order to lead the student to enlightenment and to Nirvana after the spiritual awakening.
Tradition is valuable. However, when there is an attempt to adopt the tradition of a foreign Japanese or Buddhist culture for our western culture without any adjustments, this cannot work- or, in my opinion, it can only work conditionally.
On the other hand, modern is “in” these days. But, if there is an attempt to completely replace old traditions with modern techniques, what remains left of the original ZEN teaching and the eastern wisdom?
For this reason, I think that the wisdom of the middle path should apply here.
If we all can practice a modern, universal ZEN with an open and peaceful heart, with joy and happiness, perhaps we have the chance to reach a larger circle of interested people.
ZEN never was and never will be for the masses. But a bit more love, joy, and serenity would do us all good.
I would like to pass ZEN on in this way.
