The Three Pillars of Zen

The Three Pillars of Zen—practice (zazen), behavior (precepts), and insight (wisdom)—form the foundation of Zen Buddhism. Practice involves seated meditation to cultivate awareness and presence. Behavior follows ethical guidelines promoting compassion, humility, and harmony. Insight emerges through sustained practice and ethical living, leading to a direct understanding of reality beyond conceptual thinking. Together, these pillars support personal growth, inner peace, and a deeper connection with life. They emphasize experiential realization over theoretical knowledge, encouraging practitioners to live mindfully and authentically in each moment.