What is zen meaning?

Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty as Chan Buddhism. The teachings of Zen emphasize the practice of meditation and mindfulness, as well as the cultivation of inner wisdom and insight through direct experience. The word "Zen" is a Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word "Chan," which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhyana," meaning "meditation" or "concentration." In essence, Zen involves striving for direct experiential understanding of reality beyond words and concepts, in pursuit of insight and enlightenment. Zen is often associated with Zen gardens, tea ceremonies, and other art forms in Japan, but the essence of the practice remains the cultivation of inner wisdom through meditative awareness.