What Does ZenVen Mean?

To truly understand ZenVen, we first need to look at the two words that form its foundation: Zen and Heaven.

At first glance, you might have your own interpretation of what these words mean; and that’s the beauty of them. Everyone’s understanding of Zen and Heaven varies, and there is no singular definition.

The Technical Definitions

Zen is often described as "entering an enlightened state of Nirvana,releasing attachments to the physical world and being guided by intuition rather than conscious thought."

Heaven, traditionally, is "a place beyond the sky, where God, angels, and good spirits reside for eternity after death."

My Personal Interpretation

For me, Zen means being deeply connected...with myself and the world around me—while maintaining a sense of calm, regardless of what’s happening externally.

Heaven, however, was something I understood differently growing up. Raised in a Pentecostal Christian household, I was taught that Heaven is a reward—a place we reach only after enduring life’s hardships. It was described as a realm of peace, joy, and fulfillment, waiting for us after death.

But as I matured, I began to question this idea:

Why should happiness be something we only experience after life?

Can’t our deepest desires and inner peace be realized here and now?

Creating Heaven on Earth

What if, at the end of your life, you discovered that... this your time on Earth—was your eternal resting place?

Would you wish you had created your own version of Heaven instead of waiting for it?

Life is meant to be joyful, euphoric, and fulfilling. We don’t have to wait to experience peace. As my pastor used to say, "The kingdom of Heaven is within."

That idea planted a seed in me, a realization that Heaven isn’t far away. It’s already inside of us, accessible when we allow ourselves to live in a state of Zen.

The Birth of ZenVen

It was through this revelation that ZenVen was born—a fusion of Zen and Heaven.