Zen Basics
This country is where Zen Buddhism began.
China
This Indian monk is traditionally credited with bringing Zen to China.
Bodhidharma
Zen teaches that this is the true nature of all things—empty and without self.
emptiness (śūnyatā)
The primary Zen practice involving sitting meditation.
Zazen
This is the most common symbol representing Zen and enlightenment.
Enso (Zen circle)
Zen is a school of this major religion.
Buddhism
This Japanese monk helped popularize Soto Zen in Japan.
Dogen
This sudden flash of enlightenment is central to Rinzai Zen.
satori
A Zen teacher or master is called this.
"Roshi"
This is a sacred text studied in Zen and other forms of Buddhism.
Heart Sutra
Zen emphasizes this type of personal realization.
enlightenment (or satori)
This Chinese Zen master famously said, “If you meet the Buddha, kill him.”
Linji (Rinzai)
This term refers to illusory thinking or ego-centered consciousness.
Delusion (or maya)
This is a Zen dialogue or riddle used to break logical thinking.
koan
Zen monks wear this as a symbol of simplicity and detachment.
a robe (kesa)
Zen spread to Japan and became known by this name.
Zen (Chan in China)
This Buddhist figure reached enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
This koan asks, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”
A paradoxical riddle used in meditation.
Zen practitioners often live and train in one of these places.
monastery?
This classic Zen text means “Treasury of the True Dharma Eye.”
the Shobogenzo
The Sanskrit word “Dhyana,” which means meditation, evolved into this name.
Zen
This Zen poet wrote about nature and simplicity in haiku form.
Bashō
This concept means non-duality or the unity of all things.
oneness (or non-duality)
This practice involves mindfulness in every action, including chores.
mindful living (or samu)
This concept is symbolized by a rock garden in Japanese Zen.
emptiness or simplicity