禅
Zen · silent meditation
Details
Description
Zen - meditation, enlightenment, Buddhist philosophy.
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
Spirit + simple
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of altar and single. Meditating with single mind.
Symbolism
Meditation, enlightenment, tranquility. Represents core of Zen Buddhism and inner peace.
Spiritual Meaning
Represents spiritual unity and path to enlightenment through seated meditation. Core concept of training toward selflessness.
Anime & Manga
Games
風ノ旅ビト
Journey
Art game providing Zen-like experience through wordless journey
View on Amazon →塊魂
Katamari Damacy
Unique game experience that clears the mind. Zen-like immersion
View on Amazon →Flower
Flower
Meditative game experience becoming a petal riding the wind
View on Amazon →Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
以心伝心
いしんでんしん
Mind to mind transmission; Wordless communication of truth - core of Zen teaching
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 禅 mean in Japanese?
禅 means Zen, silent meditation. Zen - meditation, enlightenment, Buddhist philosophy.
How do you read 禅?
On'yomi: ゼン、セン (ZEN, SEN). Kun'yomi: しずか、ゆず.る (shizuka, yuzuru).
How many strokes does 禅 have?
禅 has 13 strokes. Its radical is 示 (show).
Is 禅 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 禅 (Zen, silent meditation) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.