Zen, a word derived from the Middle Chinese word Chan, means "meditative state."

Those who follow Zen, which is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, meditate as a way to gain insight into daily life.Meditation is central to Zen practice. The essence of Zen Buddhism is that all human beings are Buddha by nature. Zen emphasizes insight into one's personal nature, and the personal expression of this insight in daily life, especially for the benefit of others.Zen Buddhism began in China in the Sixth Century, spreading to Korea and Japan. Since the mid-20th century, it has become very popular in the West.