5 Zen Buddhist Words for Life

There are a number of terms in Japanese that are only used in the tradition of Zen Buddhism . Many have to do with its practice, others with states of mind or energy, or others that indicate the materials or tools that are used to practice it. Here we present a select list of some of the terms that can mean the most in your daily life:

Ango 安居

It literally means “ dwell in peace ” or “ peaceful home .” It is a Japanese term for a three-month period of intense training for students of Zen Buddhism, lasting between 90 and 100 days. The practice during ango consists of meditation, study and work.

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Ensō 円相

It symbolizes a moment when the mind is free to simply let the body or spirit create.

This symbol refers to the beginning and the end of all things, the circle of life and the connection of existence. It can symbolize emptiness or fullness, presence or absence. All things can be contained or, on the contrary, excluded by their limits.

Kōan 公案

This is a fundamental practice in Zen training , challenging the student through a question, or a phrase or answer to a question, that presents a paradox or puzzle. A kōan cannot be understood or answered in conventional terms: it requires the student to abandon reliance on ordinary forms of understanding to move toward enlightenment.

It is used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and bring about enlightenment.

Kenshō 見性

It is a Japanese term from the Zen tradition. Ken means “see”, shō means “nature, essence”. It is usually translated as “seeing one’s (true) nature”, that is, Buddha nature or the nature of mind.

Kenshō is an initial insight or awakening, not complete Buddhahood. It must be followed by additional training to deepen this insight and learn to express it in daily life.

Satori 悟り

It means “awakening” or “understanding or understanding.”

In the Zen Buddhist tradition, satori refers to a profound experience of kenshō, of “seeing one’s true nature.” Ken means “see”, shō means “nature” or “essence”

Satori and Kenshō are commonly translated as enlightenment, although strictly speaking they are two different moments of “enlightenment.”