What is a zen?

A Zen is a type of Japanese Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and mindfulness as the key to enlightenment. Zen practice focuses on creating a state of deep concentration and awareness through the use of meditation, breathing techniques, and the study of Zen teachings. Zen emphasizes the importance of direct experience over intellectualizing concepts, and encourages practitioners to experience the present moment fully, without judgment or distraction. Zen is often associated with the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, which is performed to cultivate a state of deep concentration and inner peace. Zen Buddhism has many different schools and lineages, including Soto Zen, Rinzai Zen, and Obaku Zen, each with their own unique approach to practice and teachings.