坐禅

Zazen

Zen Buddhism · practice

Seated meditation in Zen Buddhism. The practice of just sitting, observing the mind without attachment, and realizing one's original nature. Zazen involves sitting in a stable posture, following the breath, and observing thoughts without grasping or rejecting. In Soto Zen, it is not a technique for enlightenment but its direct expression.

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

1 wisdom cards explore this concept
4 related philosophical concepts
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4 search questions answered

What Are the Key Facts About Zazen?

  • Tradition: Zen Buddhism
  • Chinese: 坐禅
  • Category: Practice
  • Definition: Seated meditation in Zen Buddhism.

What Cards Are Related to Zazen?

Return to Stillness

Each thing returns to its root

What Concepts Are Related to Zazen?

Stillness 静
Practice of
Zazen is the Zen practice of stillness
 Sudden Enlightenment 顿悟
Contrasts with
Sudden enlightenment contrasts with gradual cultivation through zazen
 Eightfold Path 八正道
Parallel in
Zazen is a practice of Right Concentration — the eighth factor of the Eightfold Path
 Bodhidharma 菩提达摩
Founded
Bodhidharma brought seated meditation (zazen) as the core Chan practice

Common Questions

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Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Zazen, consult these external sources:

Further Reading