Question: What is Chán 禪? (Zen in Japanese)
Key: Chán 禪 is a practice, in and of the mind. The purpose of this practice is to be happy, right here and right now.
Details: The Chinese character, “Chán” 禪, is often translated as “meditation,” and while meditation can be used as a rough outline, the important fact is the character 禪 refers to a very specific mind state. This mind state is the key to living happily, with joy and a measure of peace. Thus the key to Chán 禪 practice, is the nurturing of a mind that remains in Chán 禪.