ZEN

Dhyana, Ch'an, Zen

 

ZEN BUDDHISM

 

The word zen, which literally means to meditate, has become the definition for one of the main and most influential religious schools of the Japanese Buddhism.

 

The practice of Zen meditation called zazen was taught more than 2,600 years ago by the historical Buddha himself to his followers. Thus, this meditation technique was passed on from generation to generation from India to China, from China to Japan, and from there to the rest of the world.

 

Zen, which in its essence cherishes ​​renounce, simplicity and harmony with nature, has profoundly influenced the Japanese culture from the 12th century to the present day. We can find it from haiku poetry and sumi-ê painting to the tea ceremony, chadô, the construction of gardens, etc.