Chan Buddhism

Chan Buddhism, originating in China around the 6th century, emphasizes direct experience and meditation as pathways to enlightenment. It values intuition over doctrinal knowledge, encouraging practitioners to attain insight through personal experience rather than reliance on scriptures. Chan teaches the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. The tradition later influenced the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Characteristic practices include seated meditation (zazen) and the use of koans—paradoxical questions or statements meant to provoke deeper thought and understanding. Ultimately, Chan aims for a transformative realization of one's inherent nature and the interconnectedness of all existence.