Ishin-denshin
Silent understanding is recognized as a universal human phenomenon; however, some Japanese believe it to be a unique characteristic of Japanese culture. Whereas the Japanese concept of denotes a deliberate form of nonverbal communication, refers to a passive form of shared understanding. is traditionally perceived by the Japanese as sincere, silent communication via the heart or belly (i.e. symbolically from the inside, ), as distinct from overt communication via the face and mouth (the outside, ), which is seen as being more susceptible to insincerities. The introduction of this concept to Japan (via China) is related to the traditions of  Zen Buddhism, where the term refers to direct mind transmission. Zen Buddhism tradition, in turn, draws the concept of from the first Dharma transmission between Gautama Buddha and Mahākāśyapa in the Flower Sermon. , or non-verbal communication, continues to influence aspects of contemporary Japanese culture and ethics, ranging from business practices to end-of-life care.