Zen Glossary

Dojo : A Zen monastery; a place to clarify the Buddha nature.

Kensho : Enlightenment; the awakening to one's true nature, prior to ego. Ego is like the transient waves on the water's surface; one's Buddha nature is the entire body of water.

Ki : A universal force that constitutes, binds, and moves all things. In the human body it manifests as vitality. This vitality may be enhanced by good nutrition and breath work, through tanden breathing and other exercises.

Osesshin : One week of continuous zazen with breaks only for sutras, eating, and sleeping. Its purpose is to intensely clarify one's true nature.

Sussokan : This excerpt offers a detailed description of this method of zazen of counting one's breath.

Tanden : A point in the body, approximately one and a half inches below the navel and one and a half inches deep, considered the physiological, psychic, and spiritual center. Tanden cultivation is closely related to breath and mind-intent for the development of ki.

Zendo : The meditation hall in which monks live and people practice zazen.

Jiriki : One's own power.

Bodhisattva : Enlightened being.

Mushin : Detachment of mind.

Samadhi : Collected concentration in which subject is no different from object.

Shikantaza : Meditation with no techniques.

Makyo : A mysterious apparition.

Zendo : Meditation hall.

Dokusan : Private meeting between student and master.

Roshi : Venerable teacher.

Mondo : A dialogue about Buddhism.

Inka : A Master`s official confirmation that a student has completed training.