禅
ぜん
zen
= zen / Buddhist meditation sect
Zen (禅) is a school of Buddhism emphasizing meditation over scripture. Through disciplined practice, Zen seeks direct experience of enlightenment and truth.
Zen is a Buddhist tradition originating in China, flourishing in Japan. Central practice is zazen (seated meditation). Zen employs koans (paradoxical questions) to transcend logical thinking. Zen aesthetics emphasize simplicity, impermanence, and natural beauty. Zen has influenced Japanese arts, martial arts, and lifestyle. Zen temples are spiritual centers and tourist attractions.
Zen is about direct experience, not intellectual understanding.
禅 (Zen/meditation)
EXAMPLE 1
禅の修行は、瞑想が中心だ。心を清める。
Zen no shugyou wa, meisou ga chuushin da. Kokoro wo kiyomeru.
Zen practice centers on meditation. It purifies the mind.
EXAMPLE 2
禅の影響は、日本文化に深い。
Zen no eikyou wa, Nihon bunka ni fukai.
Zen’s influence on Japanese culture is deep.
EXAMPLE 3
禅寺で瞑想するのは、本当に落ち着く。
Zen-ji de meisou suru no wa, hontou ni ochitsuku.
Meditating at a Zen temple is truly calming.
Zen is foundational to Japanese spiritual and aesthetic traditions.
Influences martial arts, gardens, tea ceremony.
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