Zen Masters are highly respected teachers in the practice of Zen Buddhism. They guide students in meditation and mindfulness, helping them to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the nature of reality. Their teachings often emphasize direct experience over intellectual understanding, encouraging practitioners to find their own insights. These masters typically undergo rigorous training and may spend years in meditation retreats. They often use koans—paradoxical questions or statements—to challenge conventional thinking and provoke deeper contemplation. The role of a Zen Master is not just to teach, but to embody the principles of Zen, serving as a living example for their students.