Zen

Zen is a type of Buddhism that began in China and flourished in Japan. Practicing Zen Buddhism includes meditating while observing the flow of your breath in and out.

Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of a Chinese word, ch'an, which comes from a Sanskrit root meaning "thought," "absorption," or "meditation." And meditation is at the heart of Zen, along with an emphasis on self-control and insight. Most Zen Buddhists have a teacher they look to for wisdom and guidance as they practice.

Definitions of Zen
  1. noun
    school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; China and Japan
    synonyms: Zen Buddhism
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    type of:
    Buddhism
    a religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha
  2. noun
    a Buddhist doctrine that enlightenment can be attained through direct intuitive insight
    synonyms: Zen Buddhism
    see moresee less
    type of:
    Buddhism
    the teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth
  3. noun
    street name for lysergic acid diethylamide
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