Zen is a Japanese school of Mahāyāna Buddhism that emphasizes the value of meditation and insight. It was introduced to Japan from China in the 12th century.
The word Zen is derived from the Sanskrit ‘Dhyāna,’ which in Chinese transliteration became ‘Chán,’ and Japanese pronunciation ‘Zen.’ It means meditation, contemplation, pondering.
The purpose of Zen is a spiritual discipline to reach enlightenment (satori) through meditation in a seated posture (zazen.) A practitioner receives guidance from a teacher and often uses paradoxical statements, stories, and puzzles (koans) to rise above mere intellectual reasoning and realize insight.
Owing to the consequential emphasis on harmony and mental tranquility, Zen has had a profound cultural influence on Japanese art and architecture. Zen practice has also inspired Japanese literature, the Japanese tea ceremony, and the Noh dance-theater.
Works on Zen by authors such as D. T. Suzuki has contributed to an ever-increasing appreciation and popularity of Zen in the West.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Zen Proverb
In studying the way, realizing it is hard; once you have realized it, preserving it is hard. When you can preserve it, putting it into practice is hard.
—Zen Proverb
Topics: Zen
The driver knows how much the ox can carry, and keeps the ox from being overloaded. You know your way and your state of mind. Do not carry too much.
—Zen Proverb
If something is boring after 2 minutes, try it for 4. If still boring, try it for 8, 16, 32, and so on. Eventually, one discovers that it is not boring, but very interesting.
—Zen Proverb
Topics: Boredom, Perseverance, Resolve, Endurance
The obstacle is the path.
—Zen Proverb
Topics: Obstacles
If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.
—Zen Proverb
Topics: Understanding, Proverbs
Be as an cup, and the universe flows into you. Be as an arrow, and the universe retreats from you.
—Zen Proverb
Topics: Attitude
Sometimes, simply by sitting, the soul collects wisdom.
—Zen Proverb
Topics: Proverbs, Wisdom
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Soichiro Honda Japanese Inventor
Miyamoto Musashi Japanese Samurai Warrior, Artist
Yoko Ono Japanese Artist, Musician
D. T. Suzuki Japanese Buddhist Philosopher
Masanobu Fukuoka Japanese Buddhist Polymath
Akira Kurosawa Japanese Film Director
Taisen Deshimaru Japanese Buddhist Teacher
Nyogen Senzaki Japanese Buddhist Monk
Haruki Murakami Japanese Novelist
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi Japanese Buddhist Religious Leader