禅宗, or Zen Buddhism, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience over theoretical knowledge. Originating in China during the Tang dynasty, it focuses on achieving enlightenment through practices like zazen (sitting meditation) and mindfulness. The teachings of 禅宗 stress the importance of living in the present moment and understanding one's true nature. It often uses paradoxical statements called koans to challenge conventional thinking and provoke deeper insight. This approach has influenced various aspects of Japanese culture, including tea ceremonies and martial arts.