Zen Pathways: An Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of Zen Buddhism

Description

This book offers an in-depth introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen Buddhism. Bret Davis explores the philosophical implications of Zen teachings and koans, comparing and contrasting these with other Asian as well as Western religions and philosophies. He 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. Davis introduces the Zen based philosophies of the Kyoto School and also engages in interreligious dialogue with Christianity and other religions, as well as with other schools of Buddhism. 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. Dedication Epigraph Contents Preface: Why Write or Read This Book? Acknowledgments 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. Sōtō and Rinzai Zen Practice: Just Sitting and Working with Kōans 23. Death and Rebirth—Or, Nirvana Here and Now 24. Reviewing the Path of Zen: The Ten Oxherding Pictures Discussion Questions Notes Index