Ch'an is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China around the 6th century. It emphasizes direct experience and meditation over theoretical knowledge. Practitioners seek to attain enlightenment through mindfulness and the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, often focusing on the present moment. The term "Ch'an" is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhyāna," which means meditation. This tradition later spread to other countries, evolving into Zen in Japan. Ch'an teachings often include the use of paradoxical anecdotes or koans to challenge conventional thinking and encourage deeper insight.