Zen Buddhism

Zen

(zɛn)

n.

1. a Mahayana movement of Buddhism, introduced into China in the 6th century a.d. and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment by means of meditation and direct, intuitive insights.

2. the discipline and practice of this sect.

[1725–35; < Japanese]

Zen′ic, adj.

Zen Buddhism, Zenism

an outgrowth of Mahayana, the “meditation” sect, developed in Japan from its earlier Chinese counterpart and divided into two branches: Binzai, an austere and aristocratie monasticism emphasizing meditation on paradoxes; and Sōtō, a benevolent monasticism with great popular following, emphasizing ethical actions and charity, tenderness, benevolence, and sympathy as well as meditation on whatever occurs as illumination. — Zen, n. — Zenic, adj.

See also: Buddhism

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	Zen Buddhism - school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; China and Japan Zen Buddhism - a religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha Zen Buddhist - an adherent of the doctrines of Zen Buddhism
	2.	Zen Buddhism - a Buddhist doctrine that enlightenment can be attained through direct intuitive insight Zen satori - (Zen Buddhism) a state of sudden spiritual enlightenment 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