Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty (618 – 907), then known as the Chan School. It was strongly influenced by Taoist philosophy, and developed as a distinct school of Chinese Buddhism, later branching out into new schools in Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. The term Zen is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the Middle Chinese word Chan, which traces its roots to the Indian practice of meditation. Although it emphasizes meditation, and direct insight into the true nature of things through spiritual practice, Zen training is also supported by the study of Buddhist texts and interaction with a teacher.

Zen sayings…