What did the zen master do?

The Zen master often guided students through meditation and mindfulness practices, emphasizing the importance of direct experience over intellectual understanding. They might use koans—paradoxical questions or statements—to provoke deep thought and insight. By embodying principles of simplicity and presence, the Zen master helped students cultivate awareness and a deeper connection to their true selves. Ultimately, their role was to facilitate personal awakening and enlightenment.