Toward a Philosophy of Zen Buddhism

by Toshihiko Izutsu

Book Overview

Zen experience defies all thinking and linguistic description and simply affirms what is evidently real. "The ordinary way -- that precisely is the Way". After questioning the nature of reality, the Zen student discovers that what remains is what is. Although it seems that Zen would not lend itself to philosophical discussion, that all conceptualization would dissolve in light of this empiricism, in this volume, the author demonstrates that the "silence"...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570626987
• ISBN13: 9781570626982
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Philosophy of Zen Buddhism

An extremely well written and well organized explanation in Western terms of the processes of the Zen Buddhism experience. I highly recommend this book to further your understanding of Zen.

Authoritative, clear account of central philosophical issues

Based on the author's presentations at Eranos conferences, these essay positively sparkle with unique insight into the Japanese Zen traditions. Izutsu was raised within a traditional Japanese Zen milieu and so he brings an exceptional authority and clarity to his musings upon some of the central issues of Zen such as the nature of satori and Zen's influence upon aesthetics. Anyone interested in a philosophical appreciation of Zen will find his remarks suggestive.