Exploring Chán: An Introduction to the Religious and Mystical Tradition of Chinese Buddhism - Hardcover

Zhi, Chuan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1733314318 ISBN 13: 9781733314312

Publisher: Songlark Publishing, 2019

Synopsis

Drawing on over three decades of study and practice, Chuan Zhi, an ordained monk in the Chinese Linji tradition, takes us on a fascinating journey to uncover the causes and conditions that led to Chan's formation as a unique expression of Chinese Buddhism. Along the way, he explores some complex topics: How and why did the Chan institution invent its characteristic lineage system and what is its significance? How has state sponsorship shaped the presentation of Chan and Zen throughout the Orient? How might there be a disparity between the mystical practice of Chan and its religious expression? How does one "do" Chan as a mystical practice, and why would someone want to? And how might a practitioner of Chan best engage with its institutional form to ensure healthy spiritual growth?

Offering his own insights along with those of past meditation masters, historians, scholars, and canonical texts, Chuan Zhi takes us on a captivating journey that challenges many long-held assumptions. Throughout the narrative, he argues that Chan's mystical practices are as valuable for life today as they have been for centuries.

About this title

About the Author

A native of the United States, in 1998 Chuan Zhi received full ordination in China to become a monk (bhikṣu) and was assigned the abbacy of the Zen Buddhist Order of Hsu Yun, an online resource for Chán study and practice.

From the Back Cover

Zen has influenced Western culture today in waysunimaginable when it was first introduced by Soen Shaku in 1893 at the World'sParliament of Religions in Chicago. Insights from Zen's extensive literaryarchives have benefited health care, psychology, psychiatry, and philosophy,while its trendiness has inspired countless discussions on social media forumsand living room couches.

But how does our everyday understanding of Zenalign with the religious and ascetic practices which began some fifteen hundredyears ago in China as Chán? How might we understand its genesis and purpose insociological and spiritual contexts? Is it appropriate to differentiateJapanese Zen from Chinese Chán even though they share the same origins? Andwhat does Chán training in contemporary life look like?

Seeking answers to these questions, Chuan Zhiinvites us to explore Chán's origins and development through canonical texts,monastic traditions, and spiritual practices that span over five millennia.With the help of insights culled from contemporary scholars and historians,Chuan Zhi further examines how Chán's development was influenced by social andpolitical forces during the Tang and Song dynasties, and how it was modifiedfurther by Koreans and Japanese to accommodate their own indigenous folkreligions, social customs, and political agendas. Finally, he describescontemporary approaches to Chán training and challenges sometimes encounteredwith its practice.

Drawing on over three decades of study andpractice, Chuan Zhi takes us on a fascinating journey to uncover the complexcharacter of Chán. Throughout the narrative, he argues that Chán's mysticalpractices are as valuable for life today as they have been for centuries.

Edition details

• Publisher: Songlark Publishing
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1733314318
• ISBN 13: 9781733314312
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 496