Satori
/səˈtɔːri/noun
A sudden spiritual awakening or enlightenment in Zen Buddhism.
Did you know?In Zen, satori is a moment of direct insight, not a magical spell—but its power comes from the idea that truth can strike all at once, like a shock to the soul.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
悟
“to awaken to understanding; to realize”
Japanese
Japanese
さとり (satori)
“awakening; realization; spiritual insight”
19th–20th Century
English
satori
“a Zen Buddhist awakening or moment of enlightenment”
Modern English
English
satori
“a sudden intuitive grasp of truth or spiritual insight”