Overview

Chan Buddhism has become paradigmatic of Buddhist spirituality. Known in Japan as Zen and in Korea as Son, it is one of the most strikingly iconoclastic spiritual traditions in the world. This succinct and lively work clearly expresses the meaning of Chan as it developed in China more than a thousand years ago and provides useful insights into the distinctive aims and forms of practice associated with the tradition, including its emphasis on the unity of wisdom and practice; the reality of ""sudden awakening""; the importance of meditation; the use of ""shock tactics""; the centrality of the teacher-student relationship; and the celebration of enlightenment narratives, or koans. Unlike many scholarly studies, which offer detailed perspectives on historical development, or guides for personal practice written by contemporary Buddhist teachers, this volume takes a middle path between these two approaches, weaving together both history and insight to convey to the general reader the conditions, energy, and creativity that characterize Chan. Following a survey of the birth and development of Chan, its practices and spirituality are fleshed out through stories and teachings drawn from the l

Full Product Details

9780824828356

Table of Contents

Reviews

A superb introduction to a highly influential form of Buddhist spiritual practice. Both highly readable and philosophically rigorous, Hershock's book would make an excellent secondary source in any college-level course on Chinese religion or philosophy, Buddhism, or contemporary religious practice.-- <i>Southeast Review of Asian Studies</i>

A superb introduction to a highly influential form of Buddhist spiritual practice. Both highly readable and philosophically rigorous, Hershock's book would make an excellent secondary source in any college-level course on Chinese religion or philosophy, Buddhism, or contemporary religious practice.-- ""Southeast Review of Asian Studies""

A superb introduction to a highly influential form of Buddhist spiritual practice. Both highly readable and philosophically rigorous, Hershock s book would make an excellent secondary source in any college-level course on Chinese religion or philosophy, Buddhism, or contemporary religious practice.-- <i>Southeast Review of Asian Studies</i>

Author Information

Peter D. Hershock is coordinator of the Asian Studies Development Program at the East-West Center, Honolulu. He has been a practicing Buddhist since 1982.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available