Common Meanings
1
chán禅
In Buddhism, it refers to meditation and quiet contemplation, often associated with Zen practices and seeking enlightenment or inner peace.
他每日清晨都会在寺庙里坐禅，寻求内心的平静。
Every morning, he practices sitting meditation at the temple, seeking inner peace.
Refers specifically to Buddhism, often appearing in terms like 'Zen master' (禅师), 'Zen staff' (禅杖), 'Zen monastery' (禅林), or 'Zen hall' (禅堂).
他在禅堂里静坐，寻求内心的平静
He meditated in the Zen hall, seeking inner peace.
2
shàn禅
An ancient imperial ritual, specifically 'fengshan', where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven and earth to announce their achievements and pray for blessings.
在古代，帝王举行封禅，是为了向上天报告功绩并祈求福祉。
In ancient times, emperors performed the Fengshan ceremony to report their achievements to Heaven and pray for blessings.
To abdicate; referring to an emperor or king yielding the throne to another.
古代有明君效仿尧舜，行禅让之举
In ancient times, there were wise rulers who emulated Yao and Shun, performing acts of abdication.
Refers to the alternation or succession of things, often implying a natural change or transition from one state or entity to another.
四季流转，万物新旧禅代。
The four seasons rotate, and all things, new and old, succeed each other.