Seon, also known as Zen, is a Korean meditative tradition that originated from the teachings of Buddhism. It is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of meditation and the direct experience of enlightenment.

The origins of Seon can be traced back to India, where it was founded by the Buddha himself. However, it was not until the 6th century that Seon was introduced to China by the Indian monk Bodhidharma. From China, Seon spread to Korea in the 7th century, where it became known as Seon.

Seon gained popularity in Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), with the support of the royal court and the aristocracy. During this time, Seon masters such as Jinul and Taego Bou were instrumental in developing the practice of Seon and making it accessible to the general public.

In the 14th century, Seon experienced a decline due to political instability and the influence of Confucianism. However, it was revived in the 16th century by the monk Seosan, who emphasized the use of meditation as a means to attain enlightenment.

In the 20th century, Seon underwent significant changes as it was influenced by modernization and Western philosophy. Seon masters such as Seongcheol and Seungsahn played a crucial role in adapting Seon to the modern world and making it accessible to people from all walks of life.

Today, Seon is one of the most popular forms of Buddhism in Korea, with a strong emphasis on meditation and the direct experience of enlightenment. It has also spread to other countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and the United States, where it continues to evolve and adapt to different cultural contexts.

In conclusion, Seon is a Korean meditative tradition that originated from the teachings of Buddhism and has a rich history dating back to the 6th century. It continues to be a popular practice in Korea and around the world, with its emphasis on meditation and the direct experience of enlightenment.