The Meaning of the Word Zen

The word zen conjures up images of Buddhist monks in robes, arranging flowers, gardening, or sitting in meditative states with sublime smiles. But what does the word really mean? The story of zen goes back to ancient India and China, and is said to be the direct teaching of the Buddha himself.

History

The word zen is the Japanese version of the Indian Sanskrit word, dhyana, meaning meditation or correct mind. The Chinese version of the word is ch'an.

Time Frame

Dhyana, or zen, was taken to China in the sixth century from India by Bodhidharma, the first of the zen patriarchs. It came to Japan in the 12th century. In the 20th century, popularized Japanese zen came to the United States and Europe.

Types

Ch'an is a form of Mahayana Buddhism. When brought to Japan, it became known as zen, and branched into two main schools, Rinzai and Soto.

Function

Zen is said to be the direct teaching of the Buddha, and speaks of sudden enlightenment. It points to a direct understanding of the mind, without words, ceremony or scripture.

Benefits

Zen teaches focus, concentration of mind and self-control, and claims that all beings have the capacity for enlightenment, that the Buddha-nature of which it speaks is inherent in us all.

Fun Fact

Bodhidharma not only brought the teaching of the Buddha to China, but also invented kung fu and founded the famous Shaolin Temple.

References

• Zen
• Zen(Ch'an)Frequently Asked Questions
• Zen

Resources

• The Teachings of Sudden Illumination