the basic Buddhist concept that life is suffering

The Chinese sect of Buddhism that focuses on the experience of enlightenment.

A verbal puzzle designed to short-circuit the rational, logical mind.

The teachings of Buddha

Life is suffering, suffering is caused by desire, suffering can be stopped, the solution is to follow the 8-fold path.

those who have experienced enlightenment but stop short of nirvana to help others achieve it.

The school of sudden awakening

black ink painting

Teaching that rejects both extreme pleasures and self-denial (asceticism) but focuses on a practical approach to spiritual attainment

One of the Four Noble Truths that defines the practices of Buddhism that lead to nirvana.

impermanence; the Buddhist concept that all things are constantly changing.

Zen masters who are deemed competent to teach others.

Landscape architecture based on principles of simplicity and affinity with nature. Usually contains rocks, water, pruned shrubs or trees.

The largest of Buddhism's three division; emphasizes prayer and bodhisattvas.

The Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha

The ultimate goal of all Buddhist: the extinction of desire. "blowing out"

The school of gradual awakening.

Consisting of 17 syllables following a 5-7-5 pattern

The "lesser"way, focuses on early texts and Buddhist teachings and meditation.

Old man, sick man, dead man, ascetic

The Buddhist doctrine of no permanent self

The basic method of Zen meditation, seated in lotus position

Japanese circle; symbol for Zen. It is a common subject for Japanese painting.

Head of clergy and spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism

no-self (anatta), impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha)