Zen

[zen]

noun

1. Chinese Ch'an. Buddhism.,  a Mahayana movement, introduced into China in the 6th century a.d. and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment for the student by means of meditation and direct, intuitive insights, accepting formal studies and observances only when they form part of such means.

2. the discipline and practice of this sect.

3. (lowercase),  a state of meditative calm in which one uses direct, intuitive insights as a way of thinking and acting.

adjective

1. of or relating to Zen Buddhism.

   Zen monasteries.

2. having characteristics or qualities associated with the discipline or practice of Zen Buddhism.

   Fishing is a Zen hobby.

3. (sometimes lowercase),  relaxed and calmly accepting of a situation.

   I’m usually very Zen about my investments.

Zen

/ zɛn /

noun

1. a Japanese school, of 12th-century Chinese origin, teaching that contemplation of one's essential nature to the exclusion of all else is the only way of achieving pure enlightenment

2. (modifier) of or relating to this school

   Zen Buddhism

Zen

1. An approach to religion, arising from Buddhism, that seeks religious enlightenment by meditation in which there is no consciousness of self.

Deliberately irrational statements are sometimes used in Zen to jar persons into realizing the limits of the common uses of the intellect. One well-known example is, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”

Other Word Forms

• Zenist noun
• Zenic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zen¹

First recorded in 1725–30; < Japanese, from Middle Chinese, equivalent to Mandarin Chinese chán “meditation, contemplation,” from Pali jhāna, from Sanskrit dhyāna, from the verb dhyāti “he meditates” (i.e., “sees mentally”), ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root (and its variants) dheiə-, dhyeə-, dhyā- “to look, see.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zen¹

from Japanese, from Chinese ch'an religious meditation, from Pali jhāna, from Sanskrit dhyāna

Example Sentences

I’d been reading a little Zen stuff about the here and now — about how important it is to be in that space, which is impossible unless you’re going to meditate in a f— cave somewhere.

From Los Angeles Times

I go back to Zen sitting and Zen meditation.

From Salon

Everything in the Zen Garden came together as a result of the fires.

From Los Angeles Times

My mom played Zen chanting music through headphones on her belly when she was pregnant with me.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Agrawal says his company, Zen Barefoot, is unusual as much of the Indian footwear industry is not very innovative.

From BBC