Zen Pathways: An Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of Zen Buddhism

by Bret W. Davis

Overview

This book offers an in-depth introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen Buddhism. Bret Davis explores the philosophical implications of Zen teachings and koans, comparing and contrasting these with other Asian as well as Western religions and philosophies. He relates traditional Zen teachings and practices to our twenty-first century lives.

In addition to being a scholarly and philosophical introduction to Zen, the book provides concrete instructions for beginning a practice of Zen meditation. Its twenty-four chapters treat such philosophical topics as the self, nature, art, morality, and language, as well as basic Buddhist teachings such as the middle way and karma. Davis introduces the Zen based philosophies of the Kyoto School and also engages in interreligious dialogue with Christianity and other religions, as well as with other schools of Buddhism. The concluding chapter reviews the path of Zen practice and enlightenment by way of commenting on the beloved Zen classic, The Ten Oxherding Pictures. The book can be read in its entirety as a coherently organized introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen, or chapters can be read independently according to the reader's specific interests.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780197573693
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/27/2021
Pages:	480
Sales rank:	597,898
Product dimensions:	9.29(w) x 6.17(h) x 1.27(d)

About the Author

Bret W. Davis is Professor and Thomas J. Higgins, S.J. Chair in Philosophy at Loyola University Maryland, where he teaches classes in Western, Asian, and cross-cultural philosophy, and where he directs The Heart of Zen Meditation Group. In addition to publishing more than seventy-five scholarly articles, he has authored, edited, and translated a number of books, including Japanese Philosophy in the World (in Japanese), Heidegger and the Will: On the Way to Gelassenheit, Martin Heidegger: Key Concepts, Japanese and Continental Philosophy: Conversations with the Kyoto School, Engaging Dogen's Zen: The Philosophy of Practice as Awakening, The Oxford Handbook of Japanese Philosophy, and Bipedal Philosophers (in Japanese). In 2001, he obtained a Ph.D. in philosophy from Vanderbilt University. He lived in Japan for more than a dozen years, during which time he studied Buddhist thought at Otani University, and Japanese philosophy at Kyoto University, while practicing Zen at the monastery of Shokokuji in Kyoto. He is fluent in Japanese, semi-fluent in German, and proficient in reading Classical Chinese. In 2010, he was formally recognized as a Teacher (Sensei) and Director of a Zen Center by Kobayashi Gentoku Roshi, the current abbot of Shokokuji.

Table of Contents

Preface: Why Write or Read this Book?
Chapter 1: What Really is Zen? Recovering the Beginner's Open Mind
Chapter 2: Previewing the Path of Zen: Know Thyself, Forget Thyself, Open Thyself
Chapter 3: Zen Meditation as a Practice of Clearing the Heart-Mind
Chapter 4: How to Practice Zen Meditation: Attending to Place, Body, Breath, and Mind
Chapter 5: The Buddha's First and Last Lesson: The Middle Way of Knowing What Suffices
Chapter 6: The Buddha's Strong Medicine: Embracing Impermanence
Chapter 7: The True Self is Egoless
Chapter 8: We are One: Loving Others as Yourself
Chapter 9: But We Are Not the Same: Taking Turns as the Center of the Universe
Chapter 10: Who or What is the Buddha?
Chapter 11: Mind is Buddha: So, if You Encounter the Buddha, Kill Him!
Chapter 12: Dying to Live: Zen, Pure Land Buddhism, and Christianity
Chapter 13: Zen as Trans-Mysticism: Everyday Even Mind is the Way
Chapter 14: Engaged Zen: From Inner to Outer Peace
Chapter 15: The Dharma of Karma: We Reap What We Sow
Chapter 16: Zen and Morality: Following Rules to Where There Are No Rules
Chapter 17: Being in the Zone of Zen: The Natural Freedom of No-Mind
Chapter 18: Zen Lessons from Nature: Samu and the Giving Leaves
Chapter 19: Zen and Art: Cultivating Naturalness
Chapter 20: Zen and Language: The Middle Way Between Silence and Speech
Chapter 21: Between Zen and Philosophy: Commuting with the Kyoto School
Chapter 22: Sōtō and Rinzai Zen Practice: Just Sitting and Working with Kōans
Chapter 23: Death and Rebirth-Or, Nirvana Here and Now
Chapter 24: Reviewing the Path of Zen: The Ten Oxherding Pictures

Endnotes
Discussion Questions
Index

Editorial Reviews

"The work is a treasure chest of insightful explanations concerning meaningful connections between discursive thought and nondiscursive enlightened awareness." — Lehel Balogh, Religious Studies Review

"Davis (philosophy, Loyola Univ. Maryland) has delivered a much-needed book. Davis does an excellent job of delivering philosophical nuance in explaining the basics of the various Zen pathways. Indeed, though Davis is trained in Rinzai Zen, he adroitly moves between the different Zen schools. Most important, he repeatedly makes clear that the nonduality of form and emptiness, self and other, etc. does not eradicate differences or distinctness." — G. Wrisley, University of North Georgia, CHOICE

"In Zen Pathways, Bret W. Davis pours several decades of personal experience, cultivated expertise, and diverse teaching skills that reflect his astute enthusiasm into a fascinating investigation of many different aspects of Zen theory and practice that are covered in two dozen concise chapters. The topics range from providing instructions and guidelines for concrete behavior to philosophical reflections on wide-ranging metaphysical and ethical issues informed by traditional sources and applied to contemporary situations in Japan and the West. Davis consistently enhances discussions with references to other spiritual traditions as well as various relevant cultural and intellectual resources." — Steven Heine, Professor of Asian Studies at Florida International University, author of From Chinese Chan to Japanese Zen and Dogen: Japan's Original Zen Teacher

"This refreshing book brings together authentic insight, reliable scholarship, and much-needed clarity about the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism. Based on the decades-long engagement of a practicing philosopher and authorized meditation teacher, this work not only elucidates classical themes like koans and the ten oxherding pictures; it also shows what Zen has to teach—and how it teaches—about matters of ethics and art, individuality and social responsibility, and our everyday living and learning to die." — John C. Maraldo, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at University of North Florida, author of The Saga of Zen History and the Power of Legend

"This is a comprehensive introduction to Zen teachings and practice by someone who is both an academic scholar of Zen and a long-term Zen practitioner. It is a personable and engaging overview of the tradition, and I'm pleased to recommend it highly." — David Loy, Professor of Buddhist and comparative philosophy, Zen teacher, and author of A New Buddhist Path and Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis

"Bret W. Davis combines a rare expertise in both the theory and practice of Zen Buddhism. He brings together the skillful wisdom of the Kyoto school with the best spiritual insights of both eastern and western philosophy and religion. The book is keenly intercultural in its scope and reads like a river of deep thought. Pensive, passionate and persuasive, it invites us to change not only our minds but our lives." — Richard Kearney, Charles B. Seelig Chair in Philosophy at Boston College, author of Anatheism: Returning to God After God and Reimagining the Sacred

"This remarkable book succeeds in making Zen practice, Zen teaching, and Zen's vast cultural heritage accessible to audiences of diverse backgrounds today. But that's not all. It is no exaggeration to say that Zen Pathways marks a turn in comparative philosophy. With the nuance of a scholar-practitioner and the warmth of a good friend, Bret W. Davis makes the last hundred years of cross-cultural philosophy inside and outside of Japan relevant to our personal lives, our meditation practices, our spiritual striving and our public discourse." — Leah Kalmanson, Associate Professor of Philosophy at University of North Texas, author of Cross-Cultural Existentialism

"Bret W. Davis has crafted a rich and engaging introduction to Zen. Drawing from his scholarly expertise and many years of Zen practice, Davis strikes, as he puts it, "a middle way between Orientalist fantasy and ruthless debunking." Students and practitioners have needed this book for a long time, and they will benefit from his skillful presentation of complex Zen teachings and his situating Zen within the larger Buddhist tradition and in conversation with Western philosophy." — Christopher Ives, Professor of Religious Studies at Stonehill College, author of Zen on the Trail and Imperial-Way Zen: Ichikawa Hakugen's Critique and Lingering Questions for Buddhist Ethics

"Davis provides much more than a typical introductory work. Through a multifaceted treatment of theoretical and practical themes, he provides an overview of what a Zen life entails, drawing on the breadth of his historical understanding, depth of philosophical acumen, and rich personal experience. Davis brings to life the overall framework of Zen philosophy and a concrete sense of Buddhist practice in a manner that speaks to the engaged student in the West. He brings into relief what is invaluable yet often overlooked of Asian tradition, what can or needs to be adapted to the West, as well as innovations that continue to evolve the tradition. Highly recommended." — Mark Unno, University of Oregon, author of Shingon Refraction

"Equally skilled as a teacher about Zen and a teacher of Zen, Bret W. Davis introduces readers to Zen and its Buddhist origins with artisanal thoroughness and disarming directness. Turning skillfully away from the admitted pleasures of spiritual tourism and academic archeology, Zen Pathways draws readers into sharing conversations of sincerely liberating intent, orchestrating topical encounters with Zen exemplars—often in the company of Western philosophers and religious traditions—that reward readers with much more than a "glimpse" of Zen. Like the best intercultural cuisine, Zen Pathways offers a "taste" of Zen that brings out enlivening depths of flavor in the ever-evolving ordinariness of sentient presence." — Peter Hershock, Director of the Asian Studies Development Program at the East-West Center, author of Public Zen, Personal Zen and Buddhism and Intelligent Technology

"A rarity among those who write on Zen, Bret Davis is qualified to authoritatively explain the practice and philosophy as well as the history and culture of Zen. His insights draw on his deep roots in both Zen practice and academic erudition, nourished by the rich soil of both the Japanese and Western heritage. Yet, he focuses steadily on our concerns in the here and now. Remarkably accessible and captivating, while remaining uncompromisingly accurate, Zen Pathways sets a 21st-century standard for what a serious introductory text on Zen should be." — Thomas P. Kasulis, Ohio State University, author of Zen Action/Zen Person and Engaging Japanese Philosophy

"Davis has the knack and competence to write in a way that remains cool on the surface but intimates a deeply passionate engagement to Zen practice, the experience of reading it is as rewarding as it is intellectually stimulating." — Lehel Balogh, Religious Studies Review Vol 48.4

From the Publisher