What is a characteristic of Zen Buddhism?

Zen Buddhism is characterized by its emphasis on direct experience and meditation as pathways to enlightenment. This approach prioritizes personal insight and realization over intellectual understanding or ritualistic practices. In Zen, practitioners engage in zazen, or seated meditation, which allows them to experience reality more directly, cutting through the distractions of thought and external circumstances. This focus on experiential learning distinguishes Zen from other forms of Buddhism that may place heavier importance on scriptures, doctrines, or rituals.

The other options reflect aspects that are less relevant to the core principles of Zen Buddhism. While some Buddhist traditions may include elaborate rituals or strict adherence to doctrinal systems, Zen tends to strip away these complexities in favor of a more individualized and immediate approach to spiritual awakening. Additionally, Zen does not emphasize the worship of multiple deities, as it is more aligned with the idea of enlightenment as a self-discovery process rather than involving divine interventions.