A Zen master is a teacher of Zen Buddhism, a spiritual practice that emphasizes meditation and mindfulness. These masters guide students in understanding the nature of reality and the self through direct experience rather than intellectual study. They often use simple, everyday language and paradoxical statements, known as koans, to provoke deeper thinking and insight. Zen masters typically have undergone rigorous training and have attained a high level of enlightenment. They play a crucial role in Zen communities, leading meditation sessions and offering teachings that help practitioners, or Zen students, cultivate awareness and inner peace.