Rinzai

Rinzai is a major school of Zen Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience and insight through meditation (zazen) and kōans—riddling questions or statements used to provoke deep contemplation. Originating in China and brought to Japan, Rinzai aims to help practitioners realize their inherent buddha-nature by breaking free from ordinary thinking. It often involves intense, disciplined meditation sessions, often guided by a teacher, and aims for sudden enlightenment. The approach is characterized by its focus on active, experiential practices to cultivate awareness and insight into the true nature of reality.