zen

n. A branch of Buddhism from Japan and China that uses meditation to reach a deep understanding of life.

n. A school of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by the use of meditation and intuition rather than ritual or study to achieve enlightenment.

“He spent three months at a temple in Japan studying Zen.”

“The principles of Zen have significantly influenced Japanese aesthetics, particularly in the minimalist design of traditional rock gardens.”

n. A feeling of being completely peaceful, relaxed, and not worried about anything.

n. A state of meditative calm or focused mindfulness, often achieved through simplicity or detachment from stress.

“I need to find my zen before I start this difficult project.”

“After a chaotic week at the office, she sought to reclaim her zen by spending a quiet weekend in the mountains without her phone.”

Informal

adj. Describing someone who is very calm and relaxed, or a place that feels peaceful.

adj. Displaying a relaxed, enlightened, or unburdened attitude; often used to describe a person's temperament or the atmosphere of a space.

“She stayed totally zen even when the flight was cancelled.”

“The minimalist decor gives the apartment a very zen feeling, making it the perfect escape from the noisy city streets.”

Informal