顿悟

Sudden Enlightenment

Zen Buddhism · concept

The Chan/Zen doctrine that awakening is not a gradual accumulation but can occur in a single moment of direct insight. Associated with the Southern School of Huineng. Associated with Huineng (638-713 CE) and the Southern School of Chan, this doctrine holds that awakening can occur in an instant, though practice prepares the ground for the breakthrough.

In the tradition of Chan and Zen Buddhism, as transmitted from Bodhidharma through the lineage of Zen masters, Sudden Enlightenment represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

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What Are the Key Facts About Sudden Enlightenment?

  • Tradition: Zen Buddhism
  • Chinese: 顿悟
  • Category: Concept
  • Definition: The Chan/Zen doctrine that awakening is not a gradual accumulation but can occur in a single moment of direct insight.

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Further Reading and Sources

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Further Reading