Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism[note 1] that developed in China during the 6th century as Chn. From China, Zen spread south to Vietnam, northeast to Korea and east to Japan.

The word Zen is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the Middle Chinese word (djen) (pinyin: Chn), which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word dhyna, which can be approximately translated as "absorption" or "meditative state".

Zen emphasizes insight into Buddha-nature and the personal expression of this insight in daily life, especially for the benefit of others. As such, it de-emphasizes mere knowledge of sutras and doctrine and favors direct understanding through zazen and interaction with an accomplished teacher.

The teachings of Zen include various sources of Mahyna thought, especially Yogcra, the Tathgatagarbha Sutras and Huayan, with their emphasis on Buddha-nature, totality, and the Bodhisattva-ideal. The Prajpramit literature and, to a lesser extent, Madhyamaka have also been influential.

The history of Chn in China can be divided in several periods. Zen as we know it today is the result of a long history, with many changes and contingent factors. Each period had different types of Zen, some of which remained influential while others vanished.

Ferguson distinguishes three periods from the 5th century into the 13th century:

Although McRae has reservations about the division of Chn-history in phases or periods, he nevertheless distinguishes four phases in the history of Chn:

Neither Ferguson nor McRae give a periodisation for Chinese Chn following the Song-dynasty, though McRae mentions

When Buddhism came to China from India, it was initially adapted to the Chinese culture and understanding. Buddhism was exposed to Confucianist and Taoist influences. Goddard quotes D.T. Suzuki,[note 4] calling Chn a "natural evolution of Buddhism under Taoist conditions." Buddhism was first identified to be "a barbarian variant of Taoism":

Judging from the reception by the Han of the Hinayana works and from the early commentaries, it appears that Buddhism was being perceived and digested through the medium of religious Daoism (Taoism). Buddha was seen as a foreign immortal who had achieved some form of Daoist nondeath. The Buddhists mindfulness of the breath was regarded as an extension of Daoist breathing exercises.

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