Zen

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A school of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by sudden enlightenment achieved by indirect…

   A school of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by sudden enlightenment achieved by indirect means and principally associated with China and Japan.

   • Philosophical mysticism, the idea that truth is indefinable and can be apprehended only by nonrational means, has been with us since the beginning of history. It's the basis of Zen practice.
2. 2

   Alternative letter-case form of zen

   Alternative letter-case form of zen: (religion) enlightenment and (informal) mindful action, instruction, or behavior considered similar to Zen.

   • Hōyen... used to produce his own hand and ask his disciples, why it was called a hand? When we know the reason, there is satori and we have Zen.
3. 3

   Of or related to Zen Buddhism.

   • Zen meditation
   • Zen monk
   • Zen master
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Alternative letter-case form of zen.

      • "It sounds very Zen," I said. "A log cabin with no logs."
      • Part of him is still so much the newbie, amazed to find this place of sand and sun stuck onto the ass end of the greatest city in the world, but the rest of him has relaxed into acceptance already. He's Zen like that.
   2. 5

      Synonym of enlightenment, particularly the kind acquired through Zen meditation.

   3. 6

      An approach to instruction, understanding, or an activity similarly emphasizing…

      An approach to instruction, understanding, or an activity similarly emphasizing simplicity and intuition rather than conventional thinking or fixation on goals.

      • the zen of cooking
      • the zen of passing the bar exam
      • the zen of C++
   4. 7

      Wise, displaying enlightenment or similar wisdom, insightful, unburdened and free of…

      Wise, displaying enlightenment or similar wisdom, insightful, unburdened and free of worries, extremely relaxed and capable.

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