Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience over theoretical knowledge. It originated in China as Chan Buddhism and later spread to Japan, where it became known as Zen. Practitioners focus on mindfulness and the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, to achieve enlightenment and a deeper understanding of reality. The core teachings of Zen Buddhism encourage individuals to let go of attachments and preconceived notions. This path leads to a state of inner peace and clarity, allowing practitioners to experience life fully in the present moment. Key figures in Zen include Bodhidharma and Dogen.