Zen pathways : an introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen Buddhism / Bret W. Davis.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Davis, Bret W., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Zen Buddhism--Philosophy.

Zen Buddhism.

Zen Buddhism--Doctrines.

Physical Description:

xxiii, 455 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2022]

Summary:

"This book offers an in-depth introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen Buddhism. The author is a philosophy professor who formally practiced Zen in Japan for more than a dozen years, and who is authorized to teach Zen. During his years studying and teaching philosophy in universities in Japan, he worked closely with the leading contemporary representatives of the Kyoto School. The book lucidly explicates the philosophical implications of Zen teachings and kōans, comparing and contrasting these with other Asian as well as Western religions and philosophies. Throughout it relates traditional Zen teachings and practices to our twenty-first century lives. In addition to being a scholarly and philosophical introduction to Zen, the book provides concrete instructions for beginning a practice of Zen meditation. Its twenty-four chapters treat such philosophical topics as the self, nature, art, morality, and language, as well as basic Buddhist teachings such as the middle way and karma. Several chapters engage in interreligious dialogue with Christianity and other religions, as well as with other schools of Buddhism. The Zen based philosophies of the Kyoto School are introduced in one chapter and frequently referenced throughout the book. The concluding chapter reviews the path of Zen practice and enlightenment by way of commenting on the beloved Zen classic, The Ten Oxherding Pictures. The book can be read in its entirety as a coherently organized introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen, or chapters can be read independently according to the reader's specific interests"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1. What Really Is Zen? Recovering the Beginner's Open Mind

2. Previewing the Path of Zen: Know Thyself, Forget Thyself, Open Thyself

3. Zen Meditation as a Practice of Clearing the Heart-Mind

4. How to Practice Zen Meditation: Attending to Place, Body, Breath, and Mind

5. The Buddha's First and Last Lesson: The Middle Way of Knowing What Suffices

6. The Buddha's Strong Medicine: Embracing Impermanence

7. The True Self Is Egoless

8. We Are One: Loving Others as Yourself

9. But We Are Not the Same: Taking Turns as the Center of the Universe

10. Who or What Is the Buddha?

11. Mind Is Buddha: So, If You Encounter the Buddha, Kill Him!

12. Dying to Live: Zen, Pure Land Buddhism, and Christianity

13. Zen as Trans-Mysticism: Everyday Even Mind Is the Way

14. Engaged Zen: From Inner to Outer Peace

15. The Dharma of Karma: We Reap What We Sow

16. Zen and Morality: Following Rules to Where There Are No Rules

17. Being in the Zone of Zen: The Natural Freedom of No-Mind

18. Zen Lessons from Nature: Samu and the Giving Leaves

19. Zen and Art: Cultivating Naturalness

20. Zen and Language: The Middle Way Between Silence and Speech

21. Between Zen and Philosophy: Commuting with the Kyoto School

22. Soto and Rinzai Zen Practice: Just Sitting and Working with Koans

23. Death and Rebirth

Or, Nirvana Here and Now

24. Reviewing the Path of Zen: The Ten Oxherding Pictures.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Davis, Bret W. Zen pathways

ISBN:

9780197573686

0197573681

9780197573693

019757369X

OCLC:

1263022487

Publisher Number:

99989935744