The Koan: Texts And Contexts In Zen Buddhism

The Koan: Texts And Contexts In Zen Buddhism

Koans are enigmatic spiritual formulas used for religious training in the Zen Buddhist tradition. Arguing that our understanding of the koan tradition has been extremely limited, contributors to this collection examine previously unrecognized factors in the formation of this tradition, and highlight the rich complexity and diversity of koan practice and literature. Review "Anyone who would spend words on koans had best absorb the knowledge demonstrated in this book first."-- Journal of Chinese Religions "Those with a serious interest in the history of Zen Buddhism will find the essays collected here an invaluable resource. The koan, often subject of unwarranted mystification, is examined in a series of eleven substantial essays vy an international group of scholars."-- Religious Studies Review About the Author Steven Heine is at Florida International University. Dale S. Wright is at Occidental College.