Ch'an

Description:

This is the doctrine of ultimate or Buddha mind which, on reaching Japan from China, was altered to become Zen. The essence is meditation - [dhyana] - from which the words "ch'an" and ultimately "zen" derive. This is any conscious, prolonged and persistent effort towards direct awareness of the source of that inner consciousness that is the source of striving to live and live more fully. The basis is uninterrupted attention to the object of meditation leading to stillness of mind and elevated states of awareness. The movement started as individuals in isolation leading a life of harmony and meditating to attain tranquillity and intuitiveness. Although some such individuals acquired followers, and monasteries and temples were set up, the emphasis was still on the individual and also on physical work as well as meditation.

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Ch'an

About the Encyclopedia

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