What central part of Buddhism expressed in quote appealed to samurai who practiced zen?
The central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote that appealed to samurai who practiced Zen was the concept of impermanence or "transience" (mujō in Japanese). The quote often attributed to Zen Buddhism is, "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." This quote embodies the principle of impermanence, highlighting the transient nature of all things, including life itself.
For samurai, who were constantly facing the possibility of death on the battlefield, this concept of impermanence held great significance. It resonated with their understanding of the ephemeral nature of life and the need to fully embrace and live in the present moment. The practice of Zen meditation, which aims to cultivate mindfulness and awareness of the present, helped samurai warriors develop a detached and calm mindset, enabling them to face life and death situations with equanimity.