difference zen and Tibetan Buddhism?

Tibetan Buddhism are in reality several different extremely diverse traditions of Buddhism. Zen is just one (even if there are a few different schools even inside Zen) of many different extremely diverse Japanese traditions of Buddhism. Probably it would be more fair to compare “Tibetan Buddhism” with “Japanese Buddhism” or Zen with a particular tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, for example Dzogchen.

Since Zen is just a part of Japanese (or Chinese-based) Buddhism and Tibetan is the umbrella term of many different Tibetan traditions, Tibetan Buddhism contains a vast array of styles, from almost Zen-like styles to monastic universities offering 25-year-long educations for in Buddhist philosophy based on logic, perception analysis and reasoning; yogic traditions with long-haired recluses meditating in a cave in the mountain for many years; hidden yogis who practice full-time in their everyday as a common householder; extremely complex and colourful rituals; extremely simple rituals; and so on; whereas Zen looks much more one-sided – the basic methods are far more limited in terms of variations and alternatives.

However, for a Westerner, Zen is often the only Japanese tradition you know, and most people don’t know the difference (and diversity) of Tibetan Buddhism, so your question is very common.

On the surface, Zen and Tibetan Buddhism looks almost like if they came from different planets. If you come to a Zendo (Zen meditation hall), you will see a plain and light room with naked walls and a very simple altar. If you come to a traditional Tibetan prayer hall, the colours are at the same time dark and bright, almost every inch of the wall is covered with paintings and brocades, the large (and many) altars are filled with statues, texts, butter lamps, water offering bowls, incense and a plethora of ritual things. The same goes for the colourful rituals, clothes and music in the Tibetan monasteries and temples.

In one way, this outer difference reflects a difference in method similar to the difference between Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant churches. In Zen and Protestant churches, you reduce the outer distractions and go straight to the core: what’s happening inside the mind (obviously different things in the Zendo and in the Protestant Church …). In the Tibetan temple and Catholic/Orthodox churches, the pedagogy is another – they are more aimed at involving all aspects of you, sight, sound, smell, taste and body. The rituals are speaking to many levels at the same time, not only the intellectual/inner mind level.

It’s easy to get fooled by this vast outside difference. One should always remember that the basic presentation of the problem (ignorance/suffering), starting-point (wherever you are), teachings (hinayana and mahayana sutras, later Indian Mahayana commentaries) and goal (buddhahood) are the same, and that not even the methods are as different as they might look.

The difference between Zen and tibet Bdddhism is: Buddhism and Tantra.

Tibet Buddhism is not Buddhism! They are Tantric. Their major practices are couple practices. Their goal is sexual happiness.

Zen Buddhism is to gain enlightenment and to achieve Buddha.

The most fundamental difference would be belief in instantaneous enlightenment in Zen,( a halted mind is an enlightened mind!?- they have a similar quote) whereas Tibetan Buddhism believe in a gradual enlightenment.

It is rumored that in it's formative years Indian Buddhism(gradual) won over Chan(Chinese, <>Zen- sudden enlightenment) in Tibet!


Zen would be shut up and meditate, Tibetian has yogas, tantras, prostrations, that lead to supposedly quicker enlightenment.

also Tibetian Buddhism has distinct practices, mahamudra, Dzog Chen from Zen.

Although juexue's answer above is correct, it seems to me he forgot the most important point: the main practice in Tibetan Buddhism is tantra or the Vajrayana. Buddhist tantra is a very elaborate and complex method to achieve Buddhahood, but it is said to be relatively very fast for those who practice it well. Tantra often includes lots of symbolism and symbolic ritual, and this is what makes it look so extremely different from e.g. Zen or Theravada Buddhism.

Tibetan Buddhism has a lot more ritual in it.