A perceived relationship between the teaching methods of traditional Zen Buddhism and those of process-based English composition is explored. It is noted that the four main processes of Zen teaching (meditation, physical work, personal interviews, and group lectures) focus on process, not product, as in process writing. Characteristics that Zen Buddhism instruction and writing instruction are found to have in common include knowing what not to say and when not to say it, and using correction only for those who are ready. It is also suggested that both Zen and writing are practiced not only for the self but for all. Meditation and physical work are compared to prewriting and writing. The writing conference is compared to the Zen conference, requiring preparation and careful listening to oneself. The group lecture, rarely used in Zen or in process-writing, is found in both disciplines to be reserved for occasions requiring the teacher to address a common problem. (MSE)