Northern School of Chan

The Northern School of Chan is a tradition within Chinese Chan Buddhism, emphasizing meditation practice and direct insight into one's true nature. It originated in northern China and is known for its pragmatic approach, focusing on sudden enlightenment and the use of personal experience over scholarly study. Practitioners often engage in seated meditation (zazen) and dialogues with teachers to achieve spiritual awakening. This school values straightforward methods to cultivate awareness, aiming to help individuals realize their inherent Buddhahood in everyday life. It is one of several Chan lineages that have influenced Zen practices in China and beyond.