Chapter 9 (Zen Buddhism) Exam Study Guide

Zen Buddhism

A tradition that emphasizes meditation and the experience of enlightenment, tracing back to Siddhartha Gautama.

Satori

A temporary state of enlightenment or sudden insight in Zen Buddhism.

Nirvana

A permanent state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth, as opposed to Satori.

Koan

A paradoxical question or statement used in Zen practice to provoke deep thought and insight.

Zazen

Seated meditation in Zen Buddhism, fundamental for attaining insight and enlightenment.

Rinzai

A sect of Zen that emphasizes sudden enlightenment (Satori) and uses koans in its practice.

Soto

A sect of Zen that emphasizes gradual enlightenment and the practice of sitting meditation (zazen).

Hui-neng

A pivotal figure in Chan Buddhism who ended the traditional position of patriarchs.

D.T. Suzuki

A prominent scholar and interpreter of Zen Buddhism in the West.

Roshi

A title for a Zen master.

Ch'an

The Chinese predecessor to Zen Buddhism, focusing on meditation and insight.

Direct experience

The critical means of attaining enlightenment in Zen, emphasizing personal insight over theoretical knowledge.

Haiku

A form of Japanese poetry that reflects Zen's influence on literature.

Sumie

A style of Japanese ink wash painting that is significant in Zen for its use of empty space.

Physical Arts in Zen

Practices like swordplay and archery used to gain insight and foster mindfulness.

Atheistic

Describing Zen Buddhism, which does not focus on the existence of a deity.

Religious Studies

The field within which Zen is more appropriately defined, as it is not concerned with the study of God.

Focus on social justice

An important aspect of Zen Buddhism that emphasizes ethical behavior and societal engagement.