Jianwu

jianwu (J. zengo; K. chŏmo 漸悟) is a Chinese term that is translated as “gradual awakening,” “gradual enlightenment,” etc. This term is contrasted to “sudden awakening” (dunwu).

Gradual awakening refers to the view that enlightenment is the result of a process of the purification of the mind over the course of a number of stages, which may occur over many lifetimes. Sudden enlightenment, in contrast, refers to the view that the mind is naturally pure (viz., “buddha-nature,” or foxing) and that enlightenment entails an instantaneous re-cognition of this purity.

See also: wu

Sources

• Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University