What is what does zen mean?

Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, originating in China during the Tang dynasty and later developing into various schools. It emphasizes the practice of meditation and direct insight into one's true nature, emphasizing teachings on the impermanence of body and mind, mindfulness of the breath, and the emptiness of self. Zen emphasizes personal experience over intellectual discourse and encourages an intuitive understanding of the world in order to reach enlightenment. The ultimate goal of Zen practice is to achieve a state of deep inner peace and clarity known as "enlightenment" or "awakening." Zen can also refer to a way of living or approaching life with simplicity, mindfulness, and openness to experiencing every moment fully.