What does it mean to identify as a Buddhist? There is a diversity of Buddhism, so what kind of Buddhist? The most important point for me is that it is a commitment to a teaching and a teacher. We are all students of the Buddha Way. We are always deepening our understanding and our practice. In Buddhism the teaching is called dharma. We could say we are students of the dharma.

What is the essence of Zen Buddhism? In this talk I propose that the four seals summarise the essence of Zen Buddhism. The four seals are:

1. Life inevitably involves suffering;

2. Everything is impermanent;

3. Everything is interdependent; and

4. Nirvana is peace or perfection found in this life.