Zen
/zɛn/ · name
Meaning
- A school of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by sudden enlightenment achieved by indirect means and principally associated with China and Japan.
- Alternative letter-case form of zen: (religion) enlightenment and (informal) mindful action, instruction, or behavior considered similar to Zen.
- Of or related to Zen Buddhism.
- Alternative letter-case form of zen.
- Synonym of enlightenment, particularly the kind acquired through Zen meditation.
- An approach to instruction, understanding, or an activity similarly emphasizing simplicity and intuition rather than conventional thinking or fixation on goals.
- Alternative letter-case form of Zen: of or related to Zen Buddhism, particularly its focus on indirect teaching of wisdom through riddles and stories.
- Wise, displaying enlightenment or similar wisdom, insightful, unburdened and free of worries, extremely relaxed and capable.
Etymology / origin
From Japanese 禅(ぜん) (zen), from Middle Chinese 禪 (MC dzyen), an abbreviation of 禪那 (MC dzyen na), from Sanskrit ध्यान (dhyāna, “a type of meditation”). Doublet of dhyana and Chan.
- ध्यान(Sanskrit)→
- -(ltc)→
- -(Japanese)→
- Zen (English)
- Relations: bor, der, der
Related words
Sources
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