The Chinese term for Sudden Enlightenment is 頓悟 (Dùn wù).

Breakdown:

• 頓 (Dùn): This character means “sudden” or “immediate.” It indicates something happening instantaneously or without delay. • 悟 (Wù): This character means “enlightenment” or “awakening.” It refers to a profound understanding or realization, often in the context of spiritual insight or awareness.

Together:

頓悟 (Dùn wù) directly translates to “sudden enlightenment” or “immediate awakening.” It conveys the idea of achieving enlightenment in a single, direct moment of realization, without the need for gradual practice or step-by-step progression.

This concept is central in the Linji School of Chán Buddhism and Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism, where it is believed that one can have an instantaneous breakthrough to awakening, recognizing the true nature of reality.

See Sudden Enlightenment…