Zen Fundamentals
This page serves as an index to the fundamental concepts that form the backbone of Zen practice and philosophy.
The principles outlined here reflect centuries of wisdom — the ultimate goal of which, if there ever was one, is to help us experience reality directly, beyond the constraints of conceptual thinking.
Values like radical simplicity, clarity of thought, compassion, and non-attachment are all interconnected in Zen practice.
Over the coming months (years?) I'll be exploring each of these principles in greater depth. I’ll update this index with links to the full post as they’re available.
Check back regularly as this index expands with new content.
Zen Principles
Advaya (Non-Duality)
Anatta (No-self)
Beginner’s Mind
Fudōshin (Immovable Mind or Spirit)
Furyu (Poetic Sensibility)
Impermanence
Kensho (Initial Awakening)
Kinhin (Walking Meditation)
Mu
Mushin (No-mind)
Nen
Pratītyasamutpāda (Dependent Origination)
Samadhi (Deep Meditative Concentration)
Satori (Awakening)
Seijaku (Stillness)
Shibumi
Sunyata (Emptiness)
Tathata (Suchness)
Tendō (Natural Order)
The Wisdom of Zen Koans
Unmon’s Oak Tree
Wu Wei
Zanshin (Remaining Mind)
Zen Schools & Lineages
Obaku Zen
Rinzai Zen
Soto Zen
Zen Masters Throughout History
Hakuin Ekaku
Huineng
Linji
Obaku Zen
Thich Nhat Hanh