According to Zen, nirvana comes through instantaneous enlightenment or through a long process of meditation.

Answer 1

Oop, so close! Let me break it down a little as someone with a background in Buddhist studies! 😊

In Zen Buddhism, enlightenment is often associated with the idea of sudden awakening, but that doesn't necessarily mean it happens without years of practice or meditation. Different Zen traditions approach this relationship differently. For example, Rinzai Zen places particular emphasis on experiences of sudden insight (satori), while Sōtō Zen emphasizes zazen, or seated meditation, and the understanding that practice and realization are deeply connected.

What I think is especially interesting is that sudden enlightenment and gradual practice aren't necessarily opposites! Someone might experience a moment of profound insight after years of meditation, and that awakening doesn't mean their practice suddenly ends...

Sooo, the distinction is a little more nuanced than simply choosing between instantaneous enlightenment and a long process of meditation. Hope this helps! and Happy meditating!