Sŏn (Zen)

Sŏn, or Zen, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing direct experience and meditation to attain enlightenment. It teaches that true understanding comes through personal insight rather than intellectual study or rituals. Practitioners often engage in seated meditation (zazen) to cultivate mindfulness, clarity, and inner peace. Zen encourages perceiving reality directly, free from conceptual filters, fostering a deep, intuitive awareness. Its focus is on demonstrating enlightenment in everyday life, highlighting simplicity, discipline, and living fully in the present moment. This approach aims to help individuals realize their true nature and develop compassionate wisdom.