Zen

Literally meaning meditation, Zen is the Japanese expression of the Chinese Chan tradition. Transmitted to Japan in the 12th century, Zen developed into several lineages, most notably Rinzai, Soto, and Obaku. Zen practice emphasizes direct realization through seated meditation (zazen), including koan practice in Rinzai and just sitting (shikantaza) in Soto. However, the term zen is now often used broadly to refer to East Asian meditation traditions.