Read the following quote from Buddhist scripture Dhammapada. “Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like); fletchers bend the arrow; carpenters bend a log of wood; wise people master themselves.” What central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote appealed to samurai who practiced Zen?
A: patience
B: self control and discipline
C: purity
D: loyalty and obedience
B: self control and discipline
The central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote that appealed to samurai who practiced Zen is B: self control and discipline. The quote suggests that wise people are able to master themselves, highlighting the importance of self-discipline and control over one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. This aligns with the values and teachings of Zen Buddhism, which emphasize discipline, self-restraint, and the cultivation of inner strength.
The central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote that appealed to samurai who practiced Zen is self control and discipline. The quote highlights the importance of mastering oneself, which aligns with the principles of Zen Buddhism. Samurai, as warriors, valued the ability to exercise self-control, discipline, and to maintain a focused mind in order to excel in their craft and remain steadfast in the face of challenges and adversity. This quote from the Dhammapada would resonate with samurai seeking to cultivate these qualities through their practice of Zen.
To arrive at this answer, we can analyze the different options provided:
A: Patience - Although patience is a virtue upheld in Buddhism, it is not explicitly expressed in this quote. While patience may be a characteristic valued by samurai, it is not the central focus of the quote.
B: Self control and discipline - This option best captures the essence of the quote. The quote emphasizes the importance of mastering oneself, which involves self-control and discipline.
C: Purity - While purity is a concept valued in Buddhism, it is not directly expressed in this particular quote. The quote primarily emphasizes self-mastery and control.
D: Loyalty and obedience - While loyalty and obedience may be important virtues in the samurai code, they are not the central focus of the quote or explicitly addressed in Buddhism as expressed in the given quote.