Zen

[ zen ]

noun

1. Chinese Ch'an [chahn]. 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. Compare koan, mondo ¹.
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.

Notes

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?”

Derived Forms

• ˈZenist, noun
• ˈZenic, adjective

Other Words From

• Zenic 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 think a lot of gamers paused the water stage just to Zen out,” said David Lloyd, the founder of the video game music community OC ReMix.

From New York Times

He was deeply impacted by Japanese Zen philosophy and this meditative mindset was often reflected in his paintings.

From BBC

The ancient Persian paisley motif has long been a symbol for strength and fertility, and a brushed Zen circle filling one panel represents inner peace while doubling as a planetary emblem.

From Los Angeles Times

I spent a few years trying all sorts of things like mindfulness work, meditation, reading Zen Buddhism stuff, did some yoga, listening to tapes or things like that.

From Salon

Drawing from Zen Buddhism, Eckhart Tolle teaches that angry and violent people are addicted to their thoughts.

From Salon