Abstract This paper explores the relationship between the poetic style of haiku and the philosophy of Zen. The paper first discusses the history of Zen and haiku and then develops the relationship between the two.
From the Paper "The art of haiku and the philosophy of Zen both date back centuries into Japan's history. Many haiku poets also practice Zen. The relationship between haiku and Zen lies in the use of meditation and the ability to express or feel one's senses. To truly understand the relationship between haiku writing and Zen philosophy, one must first understand the history and background of each.
The philosophy of Zen originally began in the East in India, but was later mixed with Chinese teachings to form Zen Buddhism- which then became popular in Japan as well. Around 500 B.C. there lived a prince named Siddhartha Gautama who ruled in what is now India. He was very wealthy, but when he was 29 years old he became troubled by the world around him. He decided to give up his privileged lifestyle in search for a deeper meaning of life. He searched for six years until he "achieved Enlightenment" (www. Ibibli.org/zen/faq. Html#1). He then became known as the Buddha, or one who is awake, because he discovered that everything in life can change if one changes their attachments to things in their lives (www. Ibibli.org/zen/faq. Html#1)."
Tags: eastern, buddha, religion, philosophy, chinese
Abstract Haiku is a form of meditation or reflection strongly influenced by Zen tradition that can be used by men to attain enlightenment and simple understanding.This paper examines how Zen traditions influenced early haiku by encouraging the pursuit of natural awareness and simplicity without intervention. It reviews the methods that early haiku poets used to reflect the idea that what occurs in life and within the mind should be presented rather than reflected on. These ideas and emphasis on Zen's influence on haiku in Japan and how connected the tradition of Haiku is with Zen philosophy are also discussed.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis
Zen's Influence on Haiku Conclusions
From the Paper "Zen philosophy focuses on the importance of simple living, solitude and meditation and our impermanence or the lack of permanency in all that exists in the world. Adopting Zen morals one must assume that the simple path in life is the one filled with much reward and prosperity. Zen philosophy concentrates on achieving enlightenment, where one recognizes the Buddha nature and sees that this tendency exists in everyone (Lieberman, 2005). Enlightenment according to Zen tradition is possible by simply acknowledging that which is and recognizing that interpretation or analysis of events is not necessary."
Examines principles, philosophy and practice of Zen and how they are expressed in Far Eastern pottery, painting, haiku, rock gardens, flower arranging and calligraphy.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 15 sources, 1999, $ 119.95
Abstract "This paper explores the connections between the philosophical and religious system of Zen Buddhism and visual and literary arts (especially pottery), examining the intimate and intricate ways in which systems of thought have become married to systems of action.
From the Paper "This paper explores the connections between the philosophical and religious system of Zen Buddhism and visual and literary arts (especially pottery), examining the intimate and intricate ways in which systems of thought have become married to systems of action.
Before beginning the examination of the specific ways in which Zen Buddhism has become linked to various arts and crafts practices, it will be useful to give a brief history and background of the history of Zen and its more purely philosophical and religious elements.
Zen is a variant school of Buddhism that came about as the result of a fusion between the Mahayana form of Buddhism originating in India and the Chinese philosophy of Daoism or Taoism. Zen and Ch'an are, respectively, the Japanese and ..."
Abstract Through the evolution and literary history of haiku, one can witness the trends in Japanese thought and culture. Among all the modern influences about which to write, haiku poets still find new ways to look at the traditional themes of nature and the natural world. Through their work, Japanese culture and thought is recorded. The relationship between haiku and Japanese thought is a long-standing one. The emphasis on giving up the extra, the nonessential, is simple to see in haiku-nonessential words are eliminated through the strict limits on form. Linkages between cultural understandings in everyday Japanese thought with the words and images used in haiku give an excellent starting point for examining the ways in which the two influence one another. In the article, each of these factors are examined.
From the Paper "Japanese culture is known for its ability to make superb use of space. Japanese architecture melds form with function to keep Tokyo and other urban centers populous but workable, Japanese cuisine creatively utilizes spices and textures to stay fresh and interesting, and Japanese poetry exudes feeling and emotion with a minimal number of words. Centuries old, haiku is a structured and sparse form of poetry with strict rules regarding form. However, the form is only sparse in its word structure; the poems themselves portray significantly larger emotions and images than their size would suggest."
This paper discuses Zen Buddhism as a form of Mahayana Buddhism, which is a tradition that has had much appeal to some westerners in the last generations.
Abstract This paper relates the history of Zen Buddhism, explaining that it originated in China and later spread throughout much of Vietnam, Korea and Indo-China. The author points out that Zen Buddhism demands a great deal of the follower but its gift is a pure simplicity that brings the transformation of the person and all awareness. The paper relates that many North Americans, including Heidegger, Erich Fromm, and Aldous Huxley, value the 'in the moment' focus of Zen Buddhism as a solution to fast-paced societies that cause many people to feel overwhelmed by stress. The paper relates that the aesthetics of Zen appeal to Westerners as seen in sand or stone 'Japanese' gardens that reflect the influence of Zen Buddhism.
Table of Content:
Introduction
The Buddha's Emissaries
Zen's Appeal and its Spread
Zen's Appeal to Non-Asian Persons
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper "Those leaving India for East Asia in the 6th century AD believed they carried a simple but very powerful message. The smile of the Buddha was a symbol that had spread through India by those known as the 28 Patriarchs, the symbol brought to China by Bodhidharma and later taken on to Japan. Part of the appeal of Zen Buddhism perhaps was its accessibility in societies where only the elite, indeed, only the philosophical or priestly classes, were literate. Zen's emphasis on personal consciousness, as aided by a learned teacher, appealed to people who were given simple - but extremely difficult meditative exercises to master."
Abstract This paper attempts to offer an explanation of what Zen is. It explores the history of Zen and the effects that Zen has on people. It begins by describing the relationship between zen and Shakyamuni Buddha and its relationship to Buddhism. The paper also looks at what Zen helps people to achieve and the importance of this understanding of how to live and die without anxiety and fear.
From the Paper "Thus we see that Zen can be defined in historical terms, and it can be defined in terms of practice. Yet it is clear that the most important approach to what Zen is, is to see that Zen achieves for human beings. As we have seen, Zen enlightenment appears to hold the key to the two most important problems of life: how shall we live, and how shall we die. Zen enlightenment offers us nirvana, a place in which we can live and die without suffering. This seems to be a key way to understand what Zen is - to see what it can make possible for us. Thus, though it is hard to precisely define Zen, just as it must once have been hard for people to define the Sun, we can come towards an understanding of what Zen is, by understanding what it can achieve. If it can help us to achieve an understanding of how to live and die without anxiety and fear, then clearly it is a very important, powerful and wonderful thing - even if we cannot precisely define what it is."
Abstract This paper looks at how Zen Buddhism is a hugely complex and sprawling philosophical/intellectual construct that cannot be easily expressed. The paper attempts to outline what Zen Buddhism is by looking at what sort of mind-set it teaches and what it demands of its followers. Furthermore, the paper relates how, at its core, Zen Buddhism demands that people let go of the attachments and curious affectations which contribute to unhappiness insofar as these things offer a distorted view of what constitutes a good life. Additionally, the paper considers how Zen Buddhism argues against blindly accepting traditional knowledge and how it takes what could even be called a relativistic or post-modern approach to studying language and the written word. Lastly, the paper looks at the chief "truths", of which there are four, that informs Zen Buddhist thought. In the final analysis, the paper suggests that Buddhism is fundamentally about valuing experience and feeling over formal cosmologies and epistemologies.
From the Paper "For one thing, Zen Buddhism (Buddhism in general, really) teaches people to accept pain as the price one pays for growth. This pain is not a bad thing: on the contrary, pain deepens character and a deep character allows an individual to probe more deeply into the secrets of life. It is through pain that one embraces revelation - and Buddhism teaches people to accept discomfort as part of the learning process. In a closely-related vein, Zen Buddhism is a philosophy which encourages people to become less ego-centered. By effacing (in part) or by denying the ego, the individual takes the first step towards understanding the infinite, the metaphysical, and to developing a sincere religious consciousness (Suzuki, Essays in Zen Buddhism, 15-17). All of this, of course, is predicated upon personal self-inquiry and introspection."
Abstract This paper discusses Watts' introduction of the philosophical foundations of Zen, which lie in the world of Hinduism. The paper author believes that Watts wanted to interest the readers to the point where they would begin to practice Zen. The paper states this book is a classic because of its scholarly sweep, easy readability and the delicate balance it successfully creates between the "emptiness" and "no mind" of Zen and the need for the Westerner to be given a solid explanation of anything.
From the Paper "Watts explores one of the most famous aspects of Zen, the Zen koan, the riddle that cannot be solved. As he explores koans used by the Rinzai School of Zen, he makes clear that a koan is meant to put doubt into the mind of the young student?doubt that he knows anything at all. From that position, where his ego is then broken down, real learning and wisdom can beginning. Watts tells the story of an encounter between Tao-hsin and the sage Fa-yung, who lived in a temple so holy that birds brought him offerings of flowers."
Abstract The paper discusses how the author presents Zen Buddhism in a Western language - English - while acknowledging that languages, especially Western languages, are completely inadequate to defining Zen Buddhism. The paper describes how the word "Zen" may translate reasonably well as "enlightenment," yet it is not the kind of enlightenment Westerners usually think of. The paper shows how the author's style of writing is effective for his purpose. The paper concludes that the reader is left with the feeling that perhaps Westerners really can't comprehend Zen Buddhism, but attempting to understand this book would be a good exercise for students of Japanese and Chinese culture.
From the Paper "The sources the author uses are quite remarkable. They include the "Flower Sermon" given by Buddha, when he held up a flower but said nothing, ancient writings from China and India, and numerous writings from around the world including Japan and Germany. He also quotes the critics of Zen Buddhist, giving considerable attention to harsh comments such as "Zen Buddhism is mind-murder," perhaps alluding to the idea that logic is of no use on this path to enlightenment and in fact gets in the way: people cannot get to a state of Nirvana through reason. The author's anger regarding some of the criticisms made about Zen Buddhism comes through at these points in the text."
Abstract This paper takes a look at Zen (Chan) Buddhism and Daoism (Taoism). The paper reviews these respective philosophies and draws attention to the differences and similarities between the two. The paper further explores how Zen Buddhism differs from Taoism in the focus and trajectory of its emphasis on radical non-dualism.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion: emptiness in Taoism and Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism, non-dualism and Satori
From the Paper "However, while there are more similarities than dissimilarities in the foundational views of Taoism and Zen, yet there is a difference in emphasis. On the one hand, as can be seen in the first Taoist painting, the human figure still exists in nature and the world of opposites. Another aspect of Taoism is the theory of continual change and non - stasis. The opposites of the Yin and Yang remain as an important part of the ethos of Taoism. These opposites are completely and more radically denied in Zen Buddhism."
"Nevertheless it is equally important to realize that both philosophies are based on the basic principle that true reality cannot be grasped or 'pinned down' by human conceptuality and rational thought. The second Zen painting makes this point sharply clear in that there is only the circle - a symbol itself of the denial of opposites - depicted against a an essentially blank background which represents the true nature of reality. Here there is no reference at all to nature or man and the origin of the Origin is suggested in its obvious and non-dual entirety. "
Abstract This paper examines Zen Buddhism. It describes the background of Zen Buddhism, its practices and the significance of its rituals. The paper discusses facts and historical proof of Zen Buddhism that is spread around the world and presents evidence of significant personalities. The paper briefly looks at how Zen Buddhism differs from other religions that are found today.
Table of Contents:
Background Information
Characteristics
Practices
Rituals
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Zen Buddhism could be described as personal enlightenment, the individual's advance through knowledge and meditation. There are some clear differences as compared to other religions and beliefs, since the Zen Buddhism does not imply the idea of divinity. It is up to the individual to evolve both from the cultural and spiritual points of view. By bonding with a teacher, the disciple learns to meditate, conduct a proper life - in accordance with the morality, kindness and openness principles. In time, the disciple will become a teacher himself, and in this way the cultural and spiritual heritage will be transmitted. A trend observed in the present days is that the Zen belief captures new followers even from the Western societies, meaning that people are able to cross over structural differences and get to the hidden and profound fundament."
Abstract The paper sets out to show how certain philosophic truths about Zen are revealed in the form of a novel, and how it attempts to explicate Zen Buddhism for an American audience through the use of a narrative and a subject matter that is understandable to an American audience. The plot is outlined and the author's Zen philosophy is discussed.
From the Paper "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig is perhaps one of the most unusually named works of contemporary philosophical narrative. The book takes the form of a novel in which certain philosophic truths about Zen are revealed. The book attempts to explicate Zen Buddhism for an American audience through the use of a narrative and a subject matter that will be understandable to an American audience."
Abstract In "An Introduction to Zen Buddhism", one of his most popular and respected works, Suzuki explains concepts and terminology such as satori, zazen, and koans, as well as the various elements of this philosophy. But while Mr. Suzuki takes nothing for granted concerning the reader's understanding of the fundamentals, he does not give a merely rudimentary overview. All of his insights, particularly regarding the elements of the unconscious mind and the relation of Zen philosophy to traditional Western philosophy, go far beyond other philosophical and religious sources for their penetrating clarity and timeless wisdom. What is most important about D.T. Suzuki's work, however and what comes across so powerfully in this book, is his unparalleled ability to communicate the experiential aspect of Zen.
Abstract This paper explores the teachings of Zen and how the Zen philosophy influenced the Japanese samurai. A brief history of the Zen philosophy and the samurai is included.
Abstract This paper examines whether the sage, Socrates, agrees or disagrees with the Way of the Zen masters. The paper was prompted by Dan Millman's semi-autobiographical tale, "Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives". The paper examines the Four Noble Truths of Zen philosophy and concludes that Socrates, indeed, agrees with the ways of the Zen teachers.
From the Paper "Where I thought Millmen abandoned the more peaceful philosophies and adopted a more rigid code of a warrior was when he and Socrates discussed death. Having read the "Code of Bushido", the ancient Japanese philosophy of the Samaria, I feel Dan Millman is trying to piece together many philosophies through Socrates teachings. When the topic of death is broached for example, then a more austere philosophy of something that could be compared to Ninjitsu or the Samaria seemed to have come into play."
