Definition

1. Noun:
   • A school of Mahayana Buddhism: Zen Buddhism is a major school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes rigorous meditation practice, personal insight into one's true nature, and the direct, experiential realization of enlightenment.
   • A Buddhist doctrine: It is the doctrine that enlightenment (satori) is attainable through direct, intuitive insight, often cultivated through meditation and interaction with a teacher, rather than through intellectual study or faith alone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The principles of Zen Buddhism have influenced many aspects of Japanese culture, from tea ceremony to garden design.
  • She practices Zen Buddhism, meditating for an hour each morning.

Advanced Usage

• "to study Zen Buddhism": to learn about its teachings and practices.
  • He went to a monastery to study Zen Buddhism more deeply.
• "the practice of Zen Buddhism": the application of its methods, such as zazen (seated meditation) or koan study.
  • The practice of Zen Buddhism requires discipline and patience.

Variants and Related Words

• Zen (n): Often used as a shortened, more general term for Zen Buddhism, or to describe its aesthetic or philosophical qualities.
  • He approached the problem with a Zen-like calm.
• Zazen (n): The core meditative practice of sitting in mindfulness, central to Zen Buddhism.
  • The daily schedule includes several hours of zazen.
• Koan (n): A paradoxical anecdote, dialogue, or question used in Zen Buddhism to provoke doubt and test a student's progress.
  • The teacher assigned him the koan "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"

Synonyms

• Chan Buddhism: The Chinese precursor and equivalent term for Zen Buddhism.
• Seon Buddhism: The Korean equivalent of Zen Buddhism.
• Thiền Buddhism: The Vietnamese equivalent of Zen Buddhism.

Related Phrases

• Zen master: A teacher recognized for deep attainment in Zen Buddhism.
  • The student sought guidance from a renowned Zen master.
• Zen center: A community or institution dedicated to the practice and study of Zen Buddhism.
  • She attends weekly meditation at the local Zen center.

Related Idioms/Concepts

• "Zen mind, beginner's mind": A concept emphasizing an open, eager, and unbiased attitude, free from preconceptions, essential for practice.
  • The teacher reminded us to cultivate a "Zen mind, beginner's mind" in our meditation.

Noun

1. a Buddhist doctrine that enlightenment can be attained through direct intuitive insight
2. school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; China and Japan