Zen Buddhism
Images: (1) Kanji for »Zen« (2) ensō »circular form« (Source: Wikipedia)
1. Schemata
Although Zen Buddhism is intrinsically skeptical of language and systematization, many concepts can be presented systematically. Even if this is not meant to claim that these concepts can be adequately comprehended, schemata help the verbalizing understanding of the underlying principles. In addition, schemata on historical developments can be found below, albeit partly as elements of the traditional Zen narrative and less as results of historical-critical research.
1.1. Overview of important Ch’an/Zen Lineages
This Schema presents an overview of important Ch’an/Zen Lineages in China and Japan throughout history, starting with Śākyamuni Buddha and ending with Hakuin Ekaku. The focus lies on masters that are important for the Japanese branches of Cáodòng zōng / Ts’ao-tung-tsung (Sōtō-shū) and Línjì zōng / Lin-chi-tsung (Rinzai-shū).
1.2. Zen sects and persons especially relevant for non-Japanese (esp. German) Zen
This Schema provides, on the one hand, a very brief overview of the two main Zen sects in Japan with their main temples and, on the other hand, and overview of Zen lineages and influences which are important for non-Japanese (especially German) Zen. Additional one can find some persons who are important for translating and commenting the works of 13th century Zen master Eihei Dōgen, the founder of the Sōtō sect of Japanese Zen.
1.3. Method towards the hishiryō mindset (according to Deshimaru Taisen)
This Schema depicts the methodology of Zazen’s (shikantaza) hishiryō mind set according to Deshimaru Taisen. Here the two methods of observation of the mind and concentration are essential and ultimately lead to a state of »real samadhi« (jo-e) which Deshimaru describes as the harmonic combination of samadhi (jo) and the holistic wisdom (e) of ultimate kū (emptiness) and musō (formlessness).
3. Media
3. Bibliography
3.1. Primary Literature: Texts from tradition and Zen masters
- Suzuki, Shunryu: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, Shambala: Boulder (Colorado) 2020 [978-1611808414].
- Uchiyama, Kosho: Opening the Hand of Thought, Wisdom Publications: Somerville (MA) 2004 [978-0861713578].
- Uchiyama, Kosho: Weg zum Selbst. Zen-Wirklichkeit, Otto Wilhelm Barth Verlag: Weilheim (Oberbayern) 1973 [3-87041-265-8].
- Kapleau, Philip: Die drei Pfeiler des Zen. Lehre, Übung, Erleuchtung [1965], O.W. Barth: München 2012 [9783426291282].
- Loori, John Daido (Hg.): The Art of Just Sitting. Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza [2002], Wisdom Publications: Boston, 2. Auflage 2004 [0-86171-327-3].
- Loori, John Daido (Hg.): Sitting with Koans. Essential Writings on Zen Koan Introspection [2006], Wisdom Publications: Boston, 5. Auflage 2009 [0-86171-369-9].
3.2. Secondary Literature: (Scientific) Texts about Zen
- Brück, Michael von: Zen. Geschichte und Praxis [2004] (= C.H. Beck Wissen 2344), Beck: München, 3. Auflage 2016 [9783406508448].
- Pye, Michael: Entwicklung und Vielfalt des japanischen Buddhismus, in: Hutter, Manfred (Hg.): Der Buddhismus, Bd. 3: Ostasiatischer Buddhismus und Buddhismus im Westen (= Die Religionen der Menschheit 24.3), Kohlhammer: Stuttgart 2018 [978-3-17-028364-0], 229–375.
- Zen Studies Podcast