The word “zen” originates from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “chán,” which itself is derived from the Sanskrit word “dhyāna,” meaning meditation. Zen is both a school of Buddhism and a philosophy that emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and the direct experience of enlightenment. In Zen Buddhism, the practice of meditation, or “zazen,” is central. Practitioners sit in silent meditation, focusing on the breath and being fully present in the moment. This practice is not just…
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