Well, it is the way to that ultimate state, and this intermediate state is very useful. btw, it is not about words or terminology, it is about what those words

Well, it is the way to that ultimate state, and this intermediate state is very useful. btw, it is not about words or terminology, it is about what those words supposed to refer to.) edit: lets make it clear. Buddha taught the cause of suffering (four noble truths) and the way out (eight-fold path) which could be considered as an ultimate CBT.) It is very important that Buddha taught the way, not the goal. He just claimed that he have reached the that ultimate state. Zen as a teaching is based on Buddha's (which in turn were based on Upanishads and his own personal insights, obtained through deliberate practice). So, Zen is also teaching of the way, not of the goal. It is even debatable if the goal is reachable by ordinary person, but it is obvious, at least for educated people, that the way is the right one. There are countless examples in all imaginable cultures. Famous "Know thyself, conquer thyself" is the same idea.