Zen — English Dictionary

Proper noun

1. A school of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by sudden enlightenment achieved by indirect means and principally associated with China and Japan.

   Related words

   Zenjizazen

   Examples

   More examples (3)

   For Orientals these mysterious formulae are clear and familiar truths, but for us they are completely bewildering... Dhyana Buddhism, which is known in Japan as "Zen"... is not speculation at all but immediate experience of what, as the bottomless ground of Being, cannot be apprehended by intellectual means, and cannot be conceived or interpreted even after the most unequivocal and incontestable experiences: one knows it by not knowing it.

   Philosophical mysticism, the idea that truth is indefinable and can be apprehended only by nonrational means, has been with us since the beginning of history. It's the basis of Zen practice.

   While Christianity teaches that man was expelled from the Garden of Eden, Zen teaches that we are living in paradise right now, even amid all the shit that's going down. This world is the Pure Land. This world is paradise. In fact, this world is better than paradise—but all we can do is piss and moan, and look around for something better.

Adjective

1. Of or related to Zen Buddhism.

   Related words

   Chan

   Examples

   Zen meditation

   Zen monk

   More examples (1)

   Zen master

Noun

1. school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; China and Japan

   Synonyms

   Zen Buddhism

   Broader terms

   Buddhism

2. a Buddhist doctrine that enlightenment can be attained through direct intuitive insight

   Synonyms

   Zen Buddhism

   Broader terms

   Buddhism

3. street name for lysergic acid diethylamide

   Synonyms

   acidback breakerbattery-aciddosedotElvisloony toonsLucy in the sky with diamondspanesupermanwindow pane

   Broader terms

   lysergic acid diethylamideLSD