Departments
Intermediate Japanese - Free Online Course
ZEN
禅
The Japanese word zen is derived from the ancient Chinese word Ch’an, which itself originates in the old Sanskrit term dhyana, a word which means “meditation.” Zen Buddhism became popular in China in the sixth century, and spread to Japan during the twelfth century.
Zen focuses on the inner practices of satori (悟り) or “enlightenment.” Under the tenets of Zen Buddhishm, enlightenment is achieved mostly via the process of meditation [zazen (座禅)]. The religion advocates a self-directed path of spiritual growth rather than conventional religious practices like ritual and charity.
Zen had a strong appeal among the samurai class. Zen emphasizes inner peace, understatement, and the harmony of nature.