Satori (悟り ) (Chinese: 悟; pinyin: wù; Korean 오; Vietnamese ngộ) is a Japanese Buddhist term for enlightenment, meaning "understanding". In the Zen Buddhist tradition, satori refers to the experience of kensho.[1] Kensho (Japanese) is a term used in Zen traditions meaning "seeing into one's true nature." Ken means "seeing," sho means "nature" or "essence."[1] Satori and kensho are commonly translated as enlightenment, a word that is also used to translate bodhi, prajna and buddhahood.
Satori is often used interchangeably with kensho.[1]
Kensho refers to the perception of the Buddha-Nature or emptiness. According to some authors,
kensho is a brief glimpse, while satori is considered to be a deeper spiritual experience.[citation needed]
Distinct from this first insight, daigo tettei , or daigo, is used to refer to a "deep" or lasting realization of the nature of existence.[1]