Zen

Pronunciation

Origin

Japanese 禅, from (禅那 zenna; Mandarin: chánnà), a derivation from the Sanskrit term ध्यान (dhyāna; Pāli: jhāna), which refers to a specific type or aspect of meditation.

Alternative forms

• Zen

Usage notes

Often capitalized, similar to a proper noun, when talking about the denomination proper (compare Catholicism),

rather than the philosophy or calm: “That’s very zen.” versus “She studies Zen Buddhism.”

Full definition of zen

Noun

1. (religion) A denomination of Buddhism

Adjective

1. (religion) Pertaining to this denomination of Buddhism
2. (colloquial) extremely relaxed and collected

Anagrams

• NZE