Seeing through Zen

Seeing through Zen PDF Author: John R. Mcrae
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520937074
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
The tradition of Chan Buddhism—more popularly known as Zen—has been romanticized throughout its history. In this book, John R. McRae shows how modern critical techniques, supported by recent manuscript discoveries, make possible a more skeptical, accurate, and—ultimately—productive assessment of Chan lineages, teaching, fundraising practices, and social organization. Synthesizing twenty years of scholarship, Seeing through Zen offers new, accessible analytic models for the interpretation of Chan spiritual practices and religious history. Writing in a lucid and engaging style, McRae traces the emergence of this Chinese spiritual tradition and its early figureheads, Bodhidharma and the "sixth patriarch" Huineng, through the development of Zen dialogue and koans. In addition to constructing a central narrative for the doctrinal and social evolution of the school, Seeing through Zen examines the religious dynamics behind Chan’s use of iconoclastic stories and myths of patriarchal succession. McRae argues that Chinese Chan is fundamentally genealogical, both in its self-understanding as a school of Buddhism and in the very design of its practices of spiritual cultivation. Furthermore, by forgoing the standard idealization of Zen spontaneity, we can gain new insight into the religious vitality of the school as it came to dominate the Chinese religious scene, providing a model for all of East Asia—and the modern world. Ultimately, this book aims to change how we think about Chinese Chan by providing new ways of looking at the tradition.

Seeing through Zen

Seeing through Zen PDF Author: John R. Mcrae
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520937074
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 232

Get Book Here

Book Description
The tradition of Chan Buddhism—more popularly known as Zen—has been romanticized throughout its history. In this book, John R. McRae shows how modern critical techniques, supported by recent manuscript discoveries, make possible a more skeptical, accurate, and—ultimately—productive assessment of Chan lineages, teaching, fundraising practices, and social organization. Synthesizing twenty years of scholarship, Seeing through Zen offers new, accessible analytic models for the interpretation of Chan spiritual practices and religious history. Writing in a lucid and engaging style, McRae traces the emergence of this Chinese spiritual tradition and its early figureheads, Bodhidharma and the "sixth patriarch" Huineng, through the development of Zen dialogue and koans. In addition to constructing a central narrative for the doctrinal and social evolution of the school, Seeing through Zen examines the religious dynamics behind Chan’s use of iconoclastic stories and myths of patriarchal succession. McRae argues that Chinese Chan is fundamentally genealogical, both in its self-understanding as a school of Buddhism and in the very design of its practices of spiritual cultivation. Furthermore, by forgoing the standard idealization of Zen spontaneity, we can gain new insight into the religious vitality of the school as it came to dominate the Chinese religious scene, providing a model for all of East Asia—and the modern world. Ultimately, this book aims to change how we think about Chinese Chan by providing new ways of looking at the tradition.

The Zen of Seeing

The Zen of Seeing PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 168

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Book Description
A Dutch artist offers his concept of seeing and drawing as a discipline by which the world may be rediscovered, a way of experiencing Zen.

How Zen Became Zen

How Zen Became Zen PDF Author: Morten Schlutter
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
ISBN: 0824835085
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
How Zen Became Zen takes a novel approach to understanding one of the most crucial developments in Zen Buddhism: the dispute over the nature of enlightenment that erupted within the Chinese Chan (Zen) school in the twelfth century. The famous Linji (Rinzai) Chan master Dahui Zonggao (1089–1163) railed against "heretical silent illumination Chan" and strongly advocated kanhua (koan) meditation as an antidote. In this fascinating study, Morten Schlütter shows that Dahui’s target was the Caodong (Soto) Chan tradition that had been revived and reinvented in the early twelfth century, and that silent meditation was an approach to practice and enlightenment that originated within this "new" Chan tradition. Schlütter has written a refreshingly accessible account of the intricacies of the dispute, which is still reverberating through modern Zen in both Asia and the West. Dahui and his opponents’ arguments for their respective positions come across in this book in as earnest and relevant a manner as they must have seemed almost nine hundred years ago. Although much of the book is devoted to illuminating the doctrinal and soteriological issues behind the enlightenment dispute, Schlütter makes the case that the dispute must be understood in the context of government policies toward Buddhism, economic factors, and social changes. He analyzes the remarkable ascent of Chan during the first centuries of the Song dynasty, when it became the dominant form of elite monastic Buddhism, and demonstrates that secular educated elites came to control the critical transmission from master to disciple ("procreation" as Schlütter terms it) in the Chan School.

The Zen Experience

The Zen Experience PDF Author: Thomas Hoover
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 672

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Book Description
The Zen Experience: Know the Real Meaning by Thomas Hoover is a profound exploration of Zen philosophy and practice, providing readers with an insightful journey into the essence of Zen. Drawing from both ancient wisdom and contemporary insights, Hoover delves into the profound teachings of Zen Buddhism, unraveling its mysteries and revealing its transformative power. Key aspects of The Zen Experience: Know the Real Meaning: Deep Understanding of Zen: Thomas Hoover delves into the heart of Zen, offering readers a deep understanding of its principles, practices, and underlying philosophy. Through clear explanations and personal anecdotes, he demystifies Zen, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Spiritual Enlightenment: The book explores the transformative nature of Zen, guiding readers towards spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. Hoover emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, meditation, and self-inquiry, providing practical guidance for incorporating Zen principles into daily life. Harmonizing Mind and Body: Hoover highlights the significance of harmonizing mind and body in the pursuit of Zen. He explores the role of physical practices, such as meditation, breathwork, and movement, in cultivating a deeper awareness and connection to the present moment. The Zen Experience: Know the Real Meaning is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that offers readers a profound understanding of Zen and its application in daily life. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking spiritual growth, inner harmony, and a deeper connection with the present moment. Thomas Hoover: Thomas Hoover, an American author, is known for his historical fiction and suspense novels. His works, such as Caribbee and Tokyo Station, blend meticulous research with compelling storytelling, transporting readers to different times and places. Hoover's ability to weave intricate plots and develop multidimensional characters has earned him a dedicated readership. His writings, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of historical events, provide readers with immersive and thought-provoking reading experiences.

Zen Seeing, Zen Drawing

Zen Seeing, Zen Drawing PDF Author: Frederick Franck
Publisher: Bantam
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description
Franck, the author of Zen of Seeing, the classic guide, returns with more teachings and instructions.

Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate

Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate PDF Author: Brad Warner
Publisher: New World Library
ISBN: 1577318439
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description
How does a real-life Zen master — not the preternaturally calm, cartoonish Zen masters depicted by mainstream culture — help others through hard times when he’s dealing with pain of his own? How does he meditate when the world is crumbling around him? Is meditation a valid response or just another form of escapism? These are the questions Brad Warner ponders in Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate. During a year that Warner spent giving talks and leading retreats across North America, his mother and grandmother died, he lost his dream job, and his marriage fell apart. In writing about how he applied the Buddha’s teachings to his own real-life suffering, Warner shatters expectations, revealing that Buddhism isn’t some esoteric pie-in-the-sky ultimate solution but an exceptionally practical way to deal with whatever life dishes out.

Essential Chan Buddhism

Essential Chan Buddhism PDF Author: Guo Jun
Publisher: Monkfish Book Publishing
ISBN: 0983358915
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
An inspiring introduction to Chan Buddhism in a value-priced hardcover edition. Perfect for daily spiritual guidance and gifts.

Afterzen

Afterzen PDF Author: Janwillem van de Wetering
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9780312272616
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 212

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Book Description
In Afterzen, van de Wetering provides unorthodox solutions to a collection of classical koans found in Walter Nowick's The Wisteria Triangle. Van de Wetering gives them his own distinctive touch of humor, down to earth reality, and tough spirituality in the context of meeting and adventures with personalities "collaged from bits and pieces of teachers and fellow students who kindly came my way." In this third book of the trilogy, van de Wetering is at his accessible, honest, funny, and genuinely spiritual best.

Seeing Through Zen

Seeing Through Zen PDF Author: John R. McRae
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520237986
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
Table of contents

Essential Zen

Essential Zen PDF Author: Kazuaki Tanahashi
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0062510460
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 196

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Book Description
The best collection of Zen wisdom and wit since Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, this lively introduction to Zen Buddhism has it all. Koans, sayings, poems, and stories by Eastern and American Zen teachers and students capture the delightful, challenging, mystifying, mind-stopping, outrageous, and scandalous heart of Zen. 6 illustrations.