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

  • Kanso (Simplicity)

  • 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

  • Dogen

  • Hakuin Ekaku

  • Huineng

  • Linji

  • Obaku Zen

  • Thich Nhat Hanh