Description
Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and direct experience over doctrinal knowledge and ritual. Originating in China as Chan Buddhism, it later spread to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, taking on different forms in each culture. Zen practice encourages individuals to look inward, cultivate awareness, and realize their true nature through meditation, especially zazen (seated meditation). Rather than relying heavily on scriptures or intellectual analysis, Zen focuses on simplicity, presence, and the transformative power of silent contemplation. It often uses paradoxical stories or questions known as koans to challenge conventional thinking and deepen spiritual insight.
Zen Buddhism traces its roots back to India, where Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in the 5th–6th century BCE. The core teachings of Zen—such as meditation (dhyana), mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment—originate in Indian Buddhist philosophy. Zen’s direct connection to India is especially evident through the practice of dhyana, a Sanskrit term meaning meditation, which became Chan in China and later Zen in Japan.
Zen’s lineage traditionally links back to Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who traveled to China in the 5th or 6th century CE. He is credited with transmitting the meditative essence of Indian Buddhism to Chinese monks, helping to establish the Chan school. Thus, while Zen developed its unique character in East Asia, its foundational principles and spiritual heritage are deeply rooted in Indian thought and practice.
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