In Zen, the role of scripture is often seen as secondary to direct experience and meditation. This is because Zen emphasizes the idea of "sudden enlightenment" or a direct realization of one's true nature, rather than relying on external teachings or scriptures.

However, this does not mean that scripture has no place in Zen. In fact, many Zen practitioners do study and refer to scriptures, such as the teachings of the Buddha or the writings of Zen masters. These scriptures can serve as a guide or inspiration for one's practice, but they are not meant to be taken as absolute truths.

Instead, the role of scripture in Zen is to point towards the ultimate truth, rather than being the truth itself. Zen master D.T. Suzuki famously said, "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought." This means that instead of blindly following scriptures or teachings, one should use them as a tool to deepen their own understanding and experience.

Furthermore, Zen also emphasizes the importance of direct experience and personal insight over intellectual understanding. This is why meditation is such a crucial aspect of Zen practice. Through meditation, one can directly experience their true nature and gain insights that cannot be found in scriptures.

In Zen, there is also a strong emphasis on the idea of "no-mind" or "beginner's mind." This means approaching each moment with a fresh, open mind, free from preconceived notions or attachments. This attitude is also reflected in the approach to scripture in Zen. Instead of clinging to a particular interpretation or understanding, practitioners are encouraged to approach scriptures with a sense of curiosity and openness, ready to let go of any fixed ideas.

In conclusion, while scripture does have a role in Zen, it is not the central focus. Zen emphasizes the importance of direct experience and meditation, and scripture is seen as a helpful tool rather than the ultimate truth. Ultimately, the goal of Zen is to go beyond words and concepts and directly experience the truth for oneself.