Chan Buddhism, also known as Zen Buddhism in Japan, is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty. It emphasizes meditation and direct experience of enlightenment over reliance on scriptures and rituals. Chan practitioners seek to awaken to their own true nature and attain liberation from suffering through the practice of meditation, mindfulness, and self-inquiry. Chan teachings are often expressed through paradoxical statements, stories, and dialogues between teachers and students. The tradition has had a significant influence on the development of Buddhism in East Asia and has inspired practices such as tea ceremony, martial arts, and calligraphy.