Which practice is central to Zen Buddhism?

Which practice is central to Zen Buddhism?

• A. Zazen (sitting meditation)
• B. Prostrations
• C. Scriptural study
• D. Pilgrimage

Answer: (A)

Zazen, seated meditation, is the defining practice in Zen Buddhism. It trains the mind toward direct, nonjudgmental awareness by sitting with a steady posture, paying attention to the breath, and simply observing whatever arises. This practice aims at experiential realization that isn’t won through study or ritual alone, and it’s typically done daily, sometimes in forms like shikantaza (just sitting) or koan work, but the act of sitting in meditation remains the central method for awakening in Zen. Prostrations are more about devotional or ritual expression found in other Buddhist traditions, not the defining technique of Zen. Scriptural study is likewise more emphasized in schools that focus on textual learning, whereas Zen prioritizes direct experience through meditation. Pilgrimage can occur in various Buddhist contexts but isn’t what Zen centers on.

Zazen, seated meditation, is the defining practice in Zen Buddhism. It trains the mind toward direct, nonjudgmental awareness by sitting with a steady posture, paying attention to the breath, and simply observing whatever arises. This practice aims at experiential realization that isn’t won through study or ritual alone, and it’s typically done daily, sometimes in forms like shikantaza (just sitting) or koan work, but the act of sitting in meditation remains the central method for awakening in Zen.

Prostrations are more about devotional or ritual expression found in other Buddhist traditions, not the defining technique of Zen. Scriptural study is likewise more emphasized in schools that focus on textual learning, whereas Zen prioritizes direct experience through meditation. Pilgrimage can occur in various Buddhist contexts but isn’t what Zen centers on.