Korean Seon, also known as Korean Zen, is a form of Buddhist practice that originated in China and was later brought to Korea in the 7th century. It is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the direct experience of enlightenment through meditation and mindfulness.

The word "Seon" is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhyana," which means meditation. In Korean, it is pronounced as "zen," which is the Japanese pronunciation of the same word. Seon is often referred to as the "meditation school" of Buddhism, as the primary method of practice is seated meditation, known as "gong-an" in Korean or "koan" in Japanese.

One of the key aspects of Korean Seon is the emphasis on the role of a teacher, known as a "Zen master." The teacher-student relationship is considered essential in the Seon tradition, as the teacher guides the student in their practice and helps them to attain enlightenment. This relationship is often described as a mirror, where the teacher reflects the student's true nature and helps them to see it for themselves.

Korean Seon also places great importance on the integration of meditation into daily life. Practitioners are encouraged to maintain mindfulness and awareness in all activities, whether it be eating, walking, or working. This helps to cultivate a sense of presence and clarity in one's daily life, rather than viewing meditation as a separate practice.

Another significant aspect of Korean Seon is the use of "hwadu," which translates to "critical phrase" or "essential question." These are short phrases or questions that are used as objects of meditation to help practitioners break through their conceptual thinking and reach a state of enlightenment. The most famous hwadu in Korean Seon is "What is this?" which is used to encourage practitioners to question the nature of reality and their own existence.

Korean Seon also incorporates various rituals and ceremonies into its practice, such as chanting, bowing, and prostrations. These rituals are seen as a way to cultivate humility, gratitude, and devotion towards the Buddha and one's own practice.

Today, Korean Seon is still a prevalent form of practice in Korea, with many temples and monasteries dedicated to its teachings. It has also spread to other parts of the world, with many Westerners now practicing Korean Seon and integrating its teachings into their daily lives.

In conclusion, Korean Seon is a form of Zen practice that emphasizes the direct experience of enlightenment through meditation, the importance of the teacher-student relationship, the integration of mindfulness into daily life, and the use of critical phrases as objects of meditation. Its rich history and teachings continue to inspire and guide practitioners towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.