What is Kensho? The Zen Practice of Seeing Your True Nature

Do you ever feel like you just need your world shaken up a bit? 

Sometimes, this can indicate you need some kind of realization or enlightenment in your life. Maybe things have been kind of dull and mundane, or you generally feel “stuck.”

Or perhaps you’ve recently undergone a big life change, or maybe you’ve been on your own personal development journey for quite some time. 

In Buddhism, the first Zen experience of enlightenment is called “kensho.”

Kensho literally translates to “seeing nature.” In other words, it’s about seeing one’s true nature.

• So, what does this mean exactly?
• And how can you obtain it?

What is a Kensho Experience?

We often view ourselves as “I,” and as a being separate from everything else. 

Here’s the thing: A kensho experience involves the realization there there is no “I,” but instead, that the process of thinking brings forth the idea or so-called illusion of “I.” “I” derives from our perceptions, feelings, and memories. 

Technically, a kensho experience is defined as, “the Zen experience or enlightenment when one’s own nature is seen for what it is.”

Once you’ve experienced it, you can further expand and grow upon it, leading to further enlightenment or “awakenings.”

Usually, this experience arises after intensive meditation or introspective practices. However, some have said to have quick moments of realization, leading to this enlightenment.

For instance, there are first-hand accounts of individuals experiencing moments of kensho after a big life transition or after being alone for several days in a natural setting.

What Are the Three Main Components of Zen Practice?

At the end of the day, enlightenment leads to “Zen,” which is actually often used synonymously with kensho. With Zen, there are three major components including:

1. Teaching.

This involves the teachings of practices and enlightenment. For instance, Buddha himself taught various practices that can help lead individuals to enlightenment. Surprisingly, much of Buddhism is rooted in one’s enlightenment journey.

2. Practice.

One of the most common practices on the path toward enlightenment or kensho is meditation. However, according to Buddhism, there are also other ways to pave your way toward this, such as spiritual and physical labor and general good behavior. 

3. Enlightenment.

This is when kensho happens; You see your true nature, who you really are. For most, this involves recognizing that we are all connected and that “I” is merely a concept created by the mind. Yes, it’s all very philosophical, and yes, it can be kind of confusing (although, often, that is kind of the point!). 

What is the Difference Between Satori and Kensho?

Satori embodies the fully enlightened experience, such as the one Buddha underwent. Meanwhile, kensho refers to the first experience of enlightenment. Kensho can be expanded upon to achieve satori. Yet, it does take deep work to get there.

How to Seek Kensho

Interestingly, true kensho is achieved by seeking out practice and building a teacher-student relationship where you begin to learn basic skills of meditation and introspection. A lot of this comes down to awareness. And you can seek bits of kensho within your own life. Here’s how!

1. Begin a regular meditation practice.

This starts with learning about meditation, what it means to meditate, and starting small. There are actually various types of meditation. Thus, this practice begins with a teacher (which can sometimes mean the internet! We’ve got to be resourceful here!). 

From there, you can begin a daily practice, even if it’s only for a minute or two each day. The idea is to begin practicing. In turn, you can expand on this. You can try different types of meditation or meditate for longer durations.

Related Article: 8 Meditation Tips for Beginners: Quiet That Mind

2. Take time to pause.

Awareness is key on your journey toward kensho. But in order for us to be aware, we have to make space. This may mean taking a deep breath before you react in that next heated discussion. Or perhaps taking time to consider another before jumping in with your solution.

Even just pausing in your daily life by not using your phone or turning to your digital devices during moments of reprieve. For example, when eating a meal, solely focus on eating that meal as opposed to watching TV or reading while doing so.

Take in each and every bite and all the flavors. Moments like this are important to be present for!

Related Article: How Self-Aware Are You? The 2 Types of Self-Awareness & How to Improve Yours

3. Aim to be a better person each day.

Inevitably, we all want to be better every day. However, in order to actually do so, you have to set that intention each day with reminders or affirmations. Start your day by reaffirming that you strive to be better, kinder, and more open today.

It can further help to return to this intention throughout your day to truly drive you closer to kensho.

4. Look at “bad” situations in your life objectively and allow them to propel you toward where you’re meant to be.

Life is a cycle of ups and downs (whether we like it or not). Part of cultivating awareness is being able to look at the “bad” in your life objectively.

• What could you have done better?
• How did you contribute to this situation?
• What can you change?

This can help redirect your path, guiding you toward where you want (and are meant!) to be.

Start Paving Your Way Toward Kensho Today!

Doing so will expand not only your mind but also your life. It will break down limits or perceived limits in your life and open the doors to more opportunities and even more growth. At the end of the day, this is where true happiness and contentment derive from. And isn’t that what we’re all after?

Read Next: 5 Best Guided Journals To Help You Grow Personally & Emotionally

Editor's note: This article was originally published Jun 2, 2024 and has been updated to improve reader experience.

Photo by Min An