Zen emphasizes the attainment of
enlightenment and the personal expression of direct insight in the Buddhist
teachings. As such, it de-emphasizes mere knowledge of sutras and doctrine and
favors direct understanding through zazen and interaction with an accomplished
teacher. The teachings of Zen include
various sources of Mahāyāna thought, especially Yogācāra, the Tathāgatagarbha
Sutras and Huayan. The Prajñāpāramitā literature and, to a lesser extent,
Madhyamaka have also been influential.
