Definition:
Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China about 500 CE. "Zen" is a Japanese name derived from the Chinese "Ch'an." Ch'an is the Chinese rendering of the Sanskrit word dhyana, which refers to a mind absorbed in meditation.
Zen is called "Thien" in Vietnam and "Seon" in Korea. In any language, the name could be translated "Meditation Buddhism." The most significant practice of Zen is zazen.
See also: "Zen 101: An Introduction to Zen Buddhism."Also Known As: Ch'an, Chan, Thien, Seon
