Zazen

Pronunciation

• IPA: /zɑːˈzÉ›n/

Origin

From Japanese 座禅, from 座 ‘sitting’ + 禅 ‘meditation’.

Full definition of zazen

Noun

1. A form of seated meditation in Zen Buddhism.
• 1985, Lawrence Durrell, Quinx, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 1226:They had sent out scouts to try and locate the original cave where the practice of Zazen was first initiated.
• 1992, Donna Tartt, The Secret History, In the practice of Zen there is an exercise called zazen – similar, I think, to the Theravedic practice of vipassana. One sits facing a blank wall. No matter the emotion one feels, no matter how strong or violent, one remains motionless. Facing the wall. The discipline, of course, is in continuing to sit.