Zen Buddhism
Definition
Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty. It emphasizes direct understanding through meditation and interaction with an accomplished teacher.
Analogy
Zen Buddhism is like learning to ride a bike. You can read all the instructions and theories, but you won't truly understand until you hop on and experience it yourself. It's about direct, experiential understanding rather than intellectual knowledge.
Related terms
Zazen: The practice of seated meditation in Zen Buddhism.
Koan: A paradoxical anecdote or riddle without a solution, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and provoke enlightenment.
Satori: In Zen Buddhism, this term refers to a flash of sudden awareness, or individual enlightenment.
"Zen Buddhism" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (1)
- What cultural trend emerged as a result of Zen Buddhism's spread to Japan during this period?
Resources
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