Zen is a gender-neutral name of Japanese origin, meaning "Type Of Buddhism." It originates from the Japanese pronunciation of the Middle Chinese word "禪" (Chán), which is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhyāna" meaning "contemplation" or "meditative state." Zen is associated with a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation practice, direct insight into one's own Buddha nature, and the personal expression of this insight in daily life for the benefit of others. It was influenced by Taoism and developed as a distinguished school of Chinese Buddhism, later spreading to Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Zen practitioners often engage in various meditation practices, including silent illumination, mindfulness of breathing, and kōan contemplation, as well as incorporating bodhisattva virtues and vows, monasticism, intensive group practice, chanting and rituals, and esoteric practices into their spiritual journey.