禅

Zen (Chan Buddhism)

Zen Buddhism · tradition

Zen (禅, Chán) is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience, meditation (zazen), and the cultivation of insight into one's own nature. Originating in China as Chan Buddhism, it blends Indian Buddhist meditation with Taoist spontaneity and Confucian practicalism. Zen is known for its use of koans (paradoxical riddles), sudden enlightenment (satori), and the practice of just sitting (shikantaza). Its influence extends across Japanese culture — tea ceremony, calligraphy, martial arts, and garden design.

A special transmission outside the scriptures; no dependence on words and letters; direct pointing at the mind of humanity; seeing into one's nature and attaining Buddhahood.

— Zen tradition (Bodhidharma)

What Are the Key Facts About Zen (Chan Buddhism)?

  • Tradition: Zen Buddhism
  • Chinese: 禅
  • Category: Tradition
  • Definition: Zen (禅, Chán) is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience, meditation (zazen), and the cultivation of insight into one's own nature.

What Concepts Are Related to Zen (Chan Buddhism)?

Tao 道
Entity Entity
Both value spontaneity and direct experience — Zen sudden enlightenment vs Taoist ziran (naturalness) — but from different philosophical foundations.

Further Reading