Final answer:
In Zen Buddhism, the predominant form of worship is meditation, not chanting. Zen emphasizes the disciplined practice of meditation led by a Chan master to achieve enlightenment and is marked by a monastic and austere character.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Zen Buddhism, chanting is not the predominant form of worship. Instead, Zen Buddhism, which is a form of Mahayana Buddhism known in China as Chan Buddhism, heavily emphasizes meditation as the central practice.
Meditation in Zen Buddhism is considered a disciplined practice that involves following the example of a Chan master, often including performing simple tasks with mindfulness and contemplating paradoxical questions to achieve enlightenment.
This austere and monastic tradition places less emphasis on scriptural study or personal devotion to a savior and more on the practice of meditation, which can be integrated into daily work such as sweeping.
Zen Buddhism is most commonly practiced in Japan but is also spread across East Asia, where it is appreciated for its emphasis on universal compassion, altruism, and selflessness.
The practice does include some forms of chanting, but it is clear that meditation, especially in the form of 'zazen' or seated meditation, remains the cornerstone of Zen practice.
It should be noted that in the broader context of Buddhism, other traditions such as Tibetan Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism may incorporate differing balances of meditation, chanting, and other devotional practices based on their specific teachings and cultural influences.