Zen is an East Asian form of Buddhism. Zen Buddhism was originated in China, where it was called "Chan." it is practiced mainly in Japan, but has recently gained many followers in the U.S.

There are two main schools of Zen: Rinzai and Soto. 300-500 million people practice Buddhism in schools, and millions more follow by themselves.

The word Buddha means "Enlightened One." Buddhism now has two main divisions: Theravada, the Southern School, in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Mahayana; and the Southern School, in Nepal, Korea, China, and Japan.