The word Zen comes from the Sanskrit term dhyana, which means meditation
. Zen Buddhism emphasises direct experience and intuitive understanding rather than relying solely on scripture or intellectual knowledge. Its practitioners seek to awaken to the true nature of reality through meditation and mindfulness.

Zen teachings often employ paradoxical language and methods to challenge conceptual thinking and invite direct insight into the nature of existence. Zen made significant inroads into Western consciousness in the late 19th and early 20th century, largely due to the work of D.T. Suzuki (18701966), a Japanese author and translator. c Suzuki's writings on Zen Buddhism, as well as his translations of crucial c Zen texts, had a profound influence on Western intellectuals and artists. During the mid20th century, there was an increasing number of Zen teachers arriving in the West from Japan and Korea, contributing to Zen's spread by establishing communities and meditation centres
. This period also witnessed a surge of interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, partly because of countercultural movements such as the Beat Generation. Zen Buddhism's influences can be seen across many facets of Western culture, from psychology and mindfulness practices to arts and literature.
But … What is Zen? How is it practised? cAnd, what exactly is the enlightened state that it is said that it leads to?

#zen #buddhism

Script: Matt Mackane

Voiceover: Andrea Giordani

Edit: Vaibhav

Original Score: Epidemic music & Original score

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