Zen (Chan) Buddhism

Direct meditation tradition emphasizing sudden enlightenment through 'just sitting' and present-moment awareness beyond conceptual thinking. Zen strips away complex philosophies to focus on immediate experience, often using paradoxical koans and master-student dialogue to bypass intellectual understanding. This path points directly to Buddha-nature inherent in all beings through sustained meditation practice, mindful daily activity, and recognition of ordinary mind as enlightened awareness. Modern Zen adapts ancient methods for contemporary practitioners seeking authentic spiritual realization.