Buy a Chan2 calligraphy wall scroll here!
Personalize your custom “Chan2” project by clicking the button next to your favorite “Chan2” title below...
2. Inner Bliss and Peace from Meditation
3. Reach Peace and Calm Through Meditation
5. Zen Buddhism
6. Zen Garden
9. Shaolin Chan
...as in Zen Buddhism
First, let's correct something: The Japanese romanization for this character, “Zen” has penetrated the English language. In English, it's almost always incorrectly used for phrases like “That's so zen.” Nobody says, “That's so meditation” - right? As the title of a sect, this would be like saying, “That's so Baptist!"
禪 by itself just means “meditation.” In that context, it should not be confined to use by any one religion or sect.
Regardless of the dictionary definition, more often than not, this character is associated with Buddhism. And here is one of the main reasons:
Zen is used as the title of a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, which strongly emphasizes meditation practice.
However, it should be noted that Buddhism came from India, and “Chan Buddhism” evolved and developed in medieval China. The Chinese character “Chan” was eventually pronounced as “Zen” in Japanese. Chan Buddhists in China have much in common with Zen Buddhists in Japan.
More about the history of Zen Buddhism here.
Please also note that the Japanese Kanji character for Zen has evolved a little in Japan, and the two boxes (kou) that you see at the top of the right side of the character have been replaced by three dots with tails.
The original character would still be generally understood and recognized in Japanese (it's considered an ancient version in Japan) but if you want the specifically modern Japanese version, please click on the zen Kanji to the right. Technically, there is no difference between the Tensho and Reisho versions of Zen since they are ancient character styles that existed long before Japan had a written language.
There is also an alternate/shorthand/simplified Chinese version, which has two dots or tails above the right-side radical. This version is also popular for calligraphy in China. If you want this version, just click the character to the right.
Further notes: Zen is just one of seven sects of Buddhism practiced in Japan. The others are 律 Ritsu (or Risshū), 法相 Hossō, 論 Sanron 華嚴 Kegon, 天台 Tendai, and 眞言 Shingon.
禪悅 is a title that refers to the inner bliss and peace you can achieve from meditation.
This term transcends a few religions, including Taoism and Buddhism. It can also be translated as “joy of the mystic trance” or simply “meditative bliss.”
Amazing that such a complex idea can be expressed in just two Chinese characters. Note that the first character is Chan/Zen (Chinese/Japanese), which means “meditation” in both languages.
安禪 creates a title that means to reach peace and calm through meditation.
安禪 is an excellent wall scroll for your relaxation or meditation room.
This is also a Buddhist-related term that encompasses the idea of entering into dhyana meditation.
This is also used in Japanese, but in modern times, the second character has changed, so it's 安禅 now. If you want the modern Japanese version, just choose a Japanese calligrapher, and let me know when you place your order.
Zazen
坐禪 describes the act of sitting in a state of deep meditation.
You'll notice that the second character is Chan/Zen (often used to title the meditative form of Buddhism).
In Korean Hanja, this means “religious meditation” (roughly the same as the Chinese definition).
Buddhists may define this as sitting in dhyāna, abstract meditation, fixed abstraction, or contemplation.
Japanese note: This will make sense in Japanese but the Kanji shown to the left are partially in ancient/traditional Japanese form. Japanese Buddhists may use 坐禪, 坐禅, 座禪, or 座禅. The most standard/modern Japanese form of this word is shown to the right. Click on the Kanji to the right (instead of the button above) if you want this specifically Japanese version.
禪宗 is one way to title “Zen Buddhism.” Because the original pronunciation of Zen in Chinese is Chan, you'll also see this expressed as Chan Buddhism.
From the Buddhist Dictionary:
The Chan, meditative or intuitional, sect is usually said to have been established in China by Bodhidharma, the twenty-eighth patriarch, who brought the tradition of the Buddha-mind from India. This sect, believing in direct enlightenment, disregarded ritual and sūtras and depended upon the inner light and personal influence for the propagation of its tenets, founding itself on the esoteric tradition supposed to have been imparted to Kāśyapa by the Buddha, who indicated his meaning by plucking a flower without further explanation. Kāśyapa smiled in apprehension and is supposed to have passed on this mystic method to the patriarchs. The successor of Bodhidharma was 慧可 Huike, and he was succeeded by 僧璨 Sengcan, 道信 Daoxin, 弘忍 Hongren, 慧能 Huineng, and 神秀 Shenxiu, the sect dividing under the two latter into the southern and northern schools: the southern school became prominent, producing 南嶽 Nanyue and 靑原 Qingyuan, the former succeeded by 馬祖 Mazu, the latter by 石頭 Shitou. From Mazu's school arose the five later schools.
禪園 literally means “meditation garden.”
The first character happens to be known as Zen in the west (the pronunciation comes from Japanese) but this title is not often used in Japan (won't be recognized as a Japanese title).
The title “Zen Garden” was made up by westerners I'm afraid.
參禪 is a title that speaks of reaching an understanding (of Zen or the world). It also means “to practice meditation.” The two concepts lead you to the idea that meditation leads to understanding. 參禪 is pretty deep, so you can do your research or decide what this means for you.
This can also be defined in a more complex way as “thoroughly penetrating with meditative insight.”
禪心 represents an image of your meditation coming from and filling your heart.
The meaning of the first character is “meditation” and the second character is usually defined as “heart” or sometimes “mind.”
There is a two-fold meaning here, as a good meditation session must start with a centered heart or mind. Yet at the same time, meditation serves to cleanse, focus, and center the heart and mind.
少林禪 translates as “Little Forest Meditation.”
少林禪 is part of a movement to provide spiritual and mental health by integrating the practices of martial arts and meditation.
More information at Shaolin Chan Foundation.
禪道 is a title used in certain contexts but is not widely known by the general population of China or Japan.
In Japanese, you will see this title romanized as “zendo,” which is the brand name of a board game, and also a title used by some martial arts studios and karate dojos. Oddly, many translate this as “zen fist,” although there is no “fist” in the title. If you literally translated this title, it would be “meditation way” or “meditation method.”
In Chinese, this would be “chan dao” with the same literal meaning as the Japanese title. It's used in China by just a handful of martial arts styles/studios.
You should only order this title if you really understand the meaning, and it has some personal connection to you (such as practicing a martial art style that uses this title, or if you love the board game Zendo). Many who see your wall scroll will not be familiar with this title, and you'll have some explaining to do.
The first character can also be written in a more complex traditional way as shown to the right. Let us know in the special instructions for your calligraphy project if you want this style.
If you order this from the Japanese master calligrapher, the first character will automatically be written with an extra dot on top. This is the variant form of the original Chinese character which is commonly used in modern Japan Kanji. See sample to the right.
Below are some entries from our dictionary that may match your chan2 search...
Characters If shown, 2nd row is Simp. Chinese |
Pronunciation Romanization |
Simple Dictionary Definition |
參禪 参禅 see styles |
cān chán can1 chan2 ts`an ch`an tsan chan noshi wo ri |
More info & calligraphy: Zen UnderstandingTo inquire, discuss, seek religious instruction. |
坐禪 坐禅 see styles |
zuò chán zuo4 chan2 tso ch`an tso chan zazen |
More info & calligraphy: Sit in MeditationTo sit in dhyāna, i.e. abstract meditation, fixed abstraction, contemplation; its introduction to China is attributed to Bodhidharma (though it came earlier), and its extension to Tiantai. |
安禪 安禅 see styles |
ān chán an1 chan2 an ch`an an chan anzen |
More info & calligraphy: Reach Peace and Calm Through Meditation |
禪宗 禅宗 see styles |
chán zōng chan2 zong1 ch`an tsung chan tsung Zenshū |
More info & calligraphy: Zen BuddhismThe Chan, meditative or intuitional, sect usually said to have been established in China by Bodhidharma, v. 達, the twenty-eighth patriarch, who brought the tradition of the Buddha-mind from India. Cf. 楞 13 Laṅkāvatāra sūtra. This sect, believing in direct enlightenment, disregarded ritual and sūtras and depended upon the inner light and personal influence for the propagation of its tenets, founding itself on the esoteric tradition supposed to have been imparted to Kāśyapa by the Buddha, who indicated his meaning by plucking a flower without further explanation. Kāśyapa smiled in apprehension and is supposed to have passed on this mystic method to the patriarchs. The successor of Bodhidharma was 慧可 Huike, and he was succeeded by 僧璨 Sengcan; 道信 Daoxin; 弘忍 Hongren; 慧能 Huineng, and 神秀 Shenxiu, the sect dividing under the two latter into the southern and northern schools: the southern school became prominent, producing 南嶽 Nanyue and 靑原 Qingyuan, the former succeeded by 馬祖 Mazu, the latter by 石頭 Shitou. From Mazu's school arose the five later schools, v. 禪門. |
禪心 禅心 see styles |
chán xīn chan2 xin1 ch`an hsin chan hsin zenshin |
More info & calligraphy: Zen Heart / Zen Mind |
禪悅 禅悦 see styles |
chán yuè chan2 yue4 ch`an yüeh chan yüeh zenetsu |
More info & calligraphy: Inner Bliss and Peace from Meditation |
僝 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
to revile; to abuse |
儃 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
indecisive; irresolute |
劖 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
bore; cut; polish |
嬋 婵 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
used in 嬋娟|婵娟[chan2 juan1] and 嬋媛|婵媛[chan2 yuan2] |
孱 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
(bound form) weak; feeble |
巉 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
(literary) steep; rugged; jagged; precipitous |
廛 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
market place |
欃 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
sandalwood (Santalum album), a Nepalese tree producing valuable fragrant oil; comet |
毚 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
cunning; artful |
潺 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
flow; trickle (of water) |
澶 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
still (as of water); still water |
瀍 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
Chanshui river in Henan |
瀺 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
sound of water |
磛 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
cliff; peak |
纏 缠 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan matome まとめ |
to wind around; to wrap round; to coil; tangle; to involve; to bother; to annoy (given name) Matome To bind with cords; bonds; another name for 煩惱 the passions and delusions, etc. |
纒 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan matome まとめ |
old variant of 纏|缠[chan2] (given name) Matome afflictions in an active, manifest state |
艬 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
large ship |
蟬 蝉 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
cicada See: 蝉 |
蟾 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan hiki ひき |
toad (chán represents the sound of its croaking); (mythology) the three-legged toad said to exist in the moon; (metonym) the moon (kana only) toad (esp. the Japanese toad, Bufo japonicus) |
讒 谗 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan zan ざん |
to slander; to defame; to misrepresent; to speak maliciously (See 讒言) false charge; slander; defamation slander |
躔 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
(literary) animal tracks; the course of a celestial body; (of a celestial body) to follow its course |
鑱 镵 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
sharp instrument for digging |
饞 馋 see styles |
chán chan2 ch`an chan |
gluttonous; greedy; to have a craving |
一禪 一禅 see styles |
yī chán yi1 chan2 i ch`an i chan Ichizen |
Ilseon |
The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...
Title | Characters | Romaji (Romanized Japanese) | Various forms of Romanized Chinese | |
Zen Chan Meditation | 禪 禅 | zen | chán / chan2 / chan | ch`an / chan |
Inner Bliss and Peace from Meditation | 禪悅 禅悦 | chán yuè / chan2 yue4 / chan yue / chanyue | ch`an yüeh / chanyüeh / chan yüeh | |
Reach Peace and Calm Through Meditation | 安禪 安禅 | an zen / anzen | ān chán / an1 chan2 / an chan / anchan | an ch`an / anchan / an chan |
Sit in Meditation | 坐禪 坐禅 | za zen / zazen | zuò chán / zuo4 chan2 / zuo chan / zuochan | tso ch`an / tsochan / tso chan |
Zen Buddhism | 禪宗 禅宗 | zen shuu / zenshuu / zen shu | chán zōng chan2 zong1 chan zong chanzong | ch`an tsung chantsung chan tsung |
Zen Garden | 禪園 禅园 | zen sono / zensono | chán yuán chan2 yuan2 chan yuan chanyuan | ch`an yüan chanyüan chan yüan |
Zen Understanding | 參禪 参禅 | cān chán / can1 chan2 / can chan / canchan | ts`an ch`an / tsanchan / tsan chan | |
Zen Heart Zen Mind | 禪心 禅心 | zen shin / zenshin | chán xīn / chan2 xin1 / chan xin / chanxin | ch`an hsin / chanhsin / chan hsin |
Shaolin Chan | 少林禪 少林禅 | sho rin zen shorinzen | shǎo lín chán shao3 lin2 chan2 shao lin chan shaolinchan | shao lin ch`an shaolinchan shao lin chan |
Zendo The Zen Way | 禅道 / 禪道 禅道 | zen dou / zendou / zen do | chán dào / chan2 dao4 / chan dao / chandao | ch`an tao / chantao / chan tao |
In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line. In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese. |
Successful Chinese Character and Japanese Kanji calligraphy searches within the last few hours...
All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.
When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to my art mounting workshop in Beijing where a wall scroll is made by hand from a combination of silk, rice paper, and wood.
After we create your wall scroll, it takes at least two weeks for air mail delivery from Beijing to you.
Allow a few weeks for delivery. Rush service speeds it up by a week or two for $10!
When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.
The wall scroll that Sandy is holding in this picture is a "large size"
single-character wall scroll.
We also offer custom wall scrolls in small, medium, and an even-larger jumbo size.
Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.
There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form
of art alive.
Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.
The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.
Check out my lists of Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Wall Scrolls and Old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scrolls.
Some people may refer to this entry as Chan2 Kanji, Chan2 Characters, Chan2 in Mandarin Chinese, Chan2 Characters, Chan2 in Chinese Writing, Chan2 in Japanese Writing, Chan2 in Asian Writing, Chan2 Ideograms, Chinese Chan2 symbols, Chan2 Hieroglyphics, Chan2 Glyphs, Chan2 in Chinese Letters, Chan2 Hanzi, Chan2 in Japanese Kanji, Chan2 Pictograms, Chan2 in the Chinese Written-Language, or Chan2 in the Japanese Written-Language.