When books about Zen Buddhism began appearing in Western languages just over a half-century ago; there was no interest whatsoever in the role of ritual in Zen. Indeed; what attracted Western readers' interest was the Zen rejection of ritual. The famous 'Beat Zen' writers were delighted by the Zen emphasis on spontaneity as opposed to planned; repetitious action; and wrote inspirationally about the demythologized; anti-ritualized spirit of Zen. Quotes from the great Zen masters supported this understanding of Zen; and led to the fervor that fueled the opening of Zen centers throughout the West. Once Western practitioners in these centers began to practice Zen seriously; however; they discovered that zazen - Zen meditation - is a ritualized practice supported by centuries-old ritual practices of East Asia. Although initially in tension with the popular anti-ritual image of ancient Zen masters; interest in Zen ritual has increased along with awareness of its fundamental role in the spirit of Zen. Eventually; Zen practitioners would form the idea of no-mind; or the open and awakened state of mind in which ingrained habits of thinking give way to more receptive; direct forms of experience. This notion provides a perspective from which ritual could gain enormous respect as a vehicle to spiritual awakening; and thus this volume seeks to emphasize the significance of ritual in Zen practice. Containing 9 articles by prominent scholars about a variety of topics; including Zen rituals kinhin and zazen; this volume covers rituals from the early Chan period to modern Japan. Each chapter covers key developments that occurred in the Linji/Rinzai and Caodon/ Soto schools of China and Japan; describing how Zen rituals mold the lives and characters of its practitioners; shaping them in accordance with the ideal of Zen awakening. This volume is a significant step towards placing these practices in a larger historical and analytical perspective.
#1516453 in Books Margaret Chowning 2005-11-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.30 x 1.00 x 9.30l; 1.28 #File Name: 0195182219318 pagesRebellious Nuns: The Troubled History of a Mexican Convent; 1752-1863
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting BookBy Melisa W.I read this book as part of the research I have been conducting for a family history question. I found it to be interesting and enlightening. Despite the title; this is not a "sensational" book. It was thought-provoking and well-written.
