Zen Buddhism is only one of the many branches of Buddhism in the world, yet it is one of the best known, especially in the West. It is a very simple practice, which is based primarily on meditation techniques. However, there are other Zen Buddhism practices as well.

The main sects of Zen Buddhism are Soto and Rinzai, with Soto being the best known outside of Japan. As with all Zen, their main focus is on meditation. In fact, the word Zen comes from the Sanskrit word meaning meditation. In Zen philosophy, enlightenment is reached by looking inward, and meditation is believed to be the best way to do this.

In the Soto school of meditation, you face the wall and just sit, being aware of thoughts coming and letting them go. In Rinzai, you face towards the center of the room and focus on your breath.

Actually, Zen Buddhist meditation techniques, called zazen, can be done anywhere. If you focus your attention on only one activity at a time, everything you do during the day can become zazen. However, time should be put aside every day for meditation, even if only five minutes. What is important is that a regular practice is established.

Practicing monks, of course, will sit in meditation for much longer periods of time. These periods of sitting can be interspersed with periods of walking meditation which will help to relieve the legs. Lay students will often attend sesshins which can last anywhere from one to seven days or more. During these sesshins, meditation will be practiced for hours each day, along with talks and periods of working.

Although Zen is not as well known for chanting as some other sects, it is part of the practice at many temples. Sutras which are often included in this practice are the Heart Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, among other sutras and mantras. There are also altars with figures of Buddhas. Home altars are often used to honor ancestors.

One of the most well known practices of Zen is that of meditation on Koans. These are like mental puzzles, stories or phrases, that are meant to engage the mind of the practitioner on another level. If the meditator does not progress in his or her practice, there is no way to understand the Koan. Koans are more commonly used in the Rinzai sect of Buddhism.

The goal of all Zen Buddhism practices, as with all other branches, is to reach enlightenment or Satori. The belief is that, when one reaches this stage, one no longer needs to be reborn into the suffering of this world. Sometimes, using a variety of techniques can be helpful in that goal.