Originally Posted by Terumoto

Who said zen was the only path to a similar state of mind?

It uses the same sutras as other kinds of buddhism, and some sects of hinduism.

Many of the teachings of jesus offer the same kinds of philosophy, but less practical instruction on how to fulfill them (except for things like the ten commandments).

There are a lot of philosophies that lead to the same sort of idea.

Even some peoples' natural perception is similar.

There are many different paths up the same mountain to the same peak. All that's required is persistence and will. Choose your method, and stay with it... I chose zen, because it facilitates any teaching, ancient or new, western or eastern, christian or buddhist, personal or widespread, and uses it to assist in the eratication of suffering and the cultivation of compassion, IF it is effective. Also, I think that these paths may end at different points, and only a few will lead all the way to the peak, which is samadhi, satori, nirvana, enlightenment... Whatever you want to call it. To my knowledge, zen, chan, mahayana and theravada buddhism, hinduism and yoga are the paths that have the necessary tools needed to attain the "highest" state of mind. There may be more, I dont know, my knowledge is limited. Zen suits my personality, so I practice it.

There are, of course, members of any group or religion that have a warped understanding... So it is necessary to not trust and regard as ultimate any sect, text, or teaching. This is a principle of zen, they emphasize growth through personal experience and understanding, perhaps guided by a teacher or text, but non-attachment to the guide or practice, but practice with utter sincerity and determination.