Seeing through Zen

Encounter, Transformation, and Genealogy in Chinese Chan Buddhism

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism
Cover of the book Seeing through Zen by John R. Mcrae, University of California Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John R. Mcrae ISBN: 9780520937079
Publisher: University of California Press Publication: January 19, 2004
Imprint: University of California Press Language: English
Author: John R. Mcrae
ISBN: 9780520937079
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication: January 19, 2004
Imprint: University of California Press
Language: English

The tradition of Chan Buddhism—more popularly known as Zen—has been romanticized throughout its history. In this book, John R. McRae shows how modern critical techniques, supported by recent manuscript discoveries, make possible a more skeptical, accurate, and—ultimately—productive assessment of Chan lineages, teaching, fundraising practices, and social organization. Synthesizing twenty years of scholarship, Seeing through Zen offers new, accessible analytic models for the interpretation of Chan spiritual practices and religious history.

Writing in a lucid and engaging style, McRae traces the emergence of this Chinese spiritual tradition and its early figureheads, Bodhidharma and the "sixth patriarch" Huineng, through the development of Zen dialogue and koans. In addition to constructing a central narrative for the doctrinal and social evolution of the school, Seeing through Zen examines the religious dynamics behind Chan’s use of iconoclastic stories and myths of patriarchal succession. McRae argues that Chinese Chan is fundamentally genealogical, both in its self-understanding as a school of Buddhism and in the very design of its practices of spiritual cultivation. Furthermore, by forgoing the standard idealization of Zen spontaneity, we can gain new insight into the religious vitality of the school as it came to dominate the Chinese religious scene, providing a model for all of East Asia—and the modern world. Ultimately, this book aims to change how we think about Chinese Chan by providing new ways of looking at the tradition.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The tradition of Chan Buddhism—more popularly known as Zen—has been romanticized throughout its history. In this book, John R. McRae shows how modern critical techniques, supported by recent manuscript discoveries, make possible a more skeptical, accurate, and—ultimately—productive assessment of Chan lineages, teaching, fundraising practices, and social organization. Synthesizing twenty years of scholarship, Seeing through Zen offers new, accessible analytic models for the interpretation of Chan spiritual practices and religious history.

Writing in a lucid and engaging style, McRae traces the emergence of this Chinese spiritual tradition and its early figureheads, Bodhidharma and the "sixth patriarch" Huineng, through the development of Zen dialogue and koans. In addition to constructing a central narrative for the doctrinal and social evolution of the school, Seeing through Zen examines the religious dynamics behind Chan’s use of iconoclastic stories and myths of patriarchal succession. McRae argues that Chinese Chan is fundamentally genealogical, both in its self-understanding as a school of Buddhism and in the very design of its practices of spiritual cultivation. Furthermore, by forgoing the standard idealization of Zen spontaneity, we can gain new insight into the religious vitality of the school as it came to dominate the Chinese religious scene, providing a model for all of East Asia—and the modern world. Ultimately, this book aims to change how we think about Chinese Chan by providing new ways of looking at the tradition.

More books from University of California Press

Cover of the book The Dinosauria, Second Edition by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Theodoret's People by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book When Abortion Was a Crime by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Love, Money, and HIV by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book A War on People by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Maneuvers by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Fit to Be Citizens? by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Everyday Writing in the Graeco-Roman East by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Downcast Eyes by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book The Twilight of Cutting by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Society of the Dead by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book The Iliad by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book California by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Reflections of Amma by John R. Mcrae
Cover of the book Native Wine Grapes of Italy by John R. Mcrae
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy