Chan Buddhism

Chan Buddhism is a Chinese school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation, direct insight into reality, and transmission from teacher to student.

Mahayana: A major Buddhist tradition centered on the bodhisattva path and the liberation of all beings. Chan developed within this tradition and inherited its bodhisattva ideal.
Zazen: A Japanese Zen practice of seated meditation, especially associated with the Sōtō school. Its formalized practice offers a useful comparison with varied Chan meditation traditions.
Bodhidharma: A semi-legendary monk traditionally regarded as the founder of Chan in China. Chan lineage histories place him at the beginning of their teacher succession.
Tiantai Buddhism: A Chinese Buddhist school known for its comprehensive interpretation of the Lotus Sutra and staged practices. Its systematic doctrinal synthesis contrasts with Chan's emphasis on direct realization.
Zen: The Japanese Buddhist tradition descended from Chinese Chan and developed distinct schools and practices. Zen carries Chan's name and inheritance into Japanese religious history.
Dhyana: A family of meditative practices and states of concentration in Indian Buddhism. The name Chan derives from the Chinese rendering of this Sanskrit term.
Koan: A short dialogue, question, or episode used in Chan and Zen training to disrupt habitual reasoning. Chan teachers used such cases to provoke insight and assess students' understanding.
Daoxin: A seventh-century Chinese Buddhist monk counted as the fourth patriarch in Chan lineage traditions. His community helped establish durable forms of early Chan practice.
Pure Land Buddhism: A Mahayana tradition centered on devotion to Amitābha Buddha and rebirth in the Pure Land. Its devotional practices offer a different emphasis from Chan's meditation-centered identity.
Seon Buddhism: The Korean form of meditation Buddhism historically connected to Chinese Chan. Seon adapted Chan lineages and practices within Korean Buddhism.

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