Chan Buddhism, also known as Original Chinese Zen, has a unique perspective on the concept of enlightenment. In this school of Buddhism, enlightenment is not seen as a distant goal to be achieved, but rather as a continuous process that can be experienced in the present moment.

According to Chan teachings, enlightenment is not something that can be attained through intellectual understanding or through following a set of rules or rituals. Instead, it is a direct experience of one's true nature, which is already present within each individual. This true nature is often referred to as "Buddha-nature" or "original mind."

In Chan Buddhism, the path to enlightenment involves letting go of attachments and illusions that obscure one's true nature. This is achieved through the practice of meditation, which allows one to quiet the mind and see things as they truly are. By letting go of distractions and delusions, one can experience a state of pure awareness, free from the limitations of the ego.

The concept of enlightenment in Chan Buddhism is also closely linked to the idea of emptiness. Emptiness does not refer to a void or nothingness, but rather to the understanding that all things are impermanent and interconnected. By realizing the emptiness of all phenomena, one can break free from the cycle of suffering and attain enlightenment.

In Chan teachings, enlightenment is not seen as a permanent state, but rather as a continuous process. This means that even after attaining enlightenment, one must continue to cultivate and deepen their understanding through ongoing practice and self-reflection.

One of the key practices in Chan Buddhism is the use of koans, which are paradoxical statements or questions meant to disrupt the logical thinking mind and allow for a direct experience of enlightenment. These koans are not meant to be solved intellectually, but rather to be experienced and understood on a deeper level.

In summary, Chan Buddhism views enlightenment as a continuous process of letting go of attachments and illusions, experiencing one's true nature, and understanding the interconnectedness and impermanence of all things. Through meditation, self-reflection, and the use of koans, one can cultivate a deeper understanding and experience of enlightenment in the present moment.