Zen
/zɛn/noun
A Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the practice of meditation and intuition rather than ritual worship or study of scriptures.
Did you know?The term 'Zen' traces back to the Chinese word 'Chan', which emphasizes a direct experience of reality, often seen as a form of mystical insight.
Etymological Timeline
6th Century
Sanskrit
dhyāna
“A state of meditative absorption or contemplation.”
6th Century
Chinese
禅 (Chán)
“A school of Buddhism focusing on meditation and direct experience.”
12th Century
Japanese
禅 (Zen)
“The Japanese adaptation of the Chinese Chán school, emphasizing meditation.”
20th Century
English
Zen
“Adoption into English as a term for the practice and philosophy of meditation.”
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