This article examines how the Zen Buddhist tradition has conceived of the relation between intellectual knowledge and holistic wisdom. It begins with some reflections on Aristotle and the history of Western philosophy in order to pose the metaphilosophical question of whether, in modern times, philo-sophia has become more narrowly philo-epistēmē. With this critical question in mind, and in...
Abstract This chapter explains the importance of meditation for Zen in terms of what the Buddhist tradition calls the three levels of wisdom: received, intellectual, and experiential wisdom. As important as memorizing teachings and intellectually reflecting on them are, liberating wisdom can only be obtained experientially through holistic practice. Zen meditation is a non-discursive practice...
Abstract This chapter provides instructions for practicing Zen meditation, zazen. It explains how to attend to place, body, breath, and mind. First, it explains how to set up a good space for meditation, and it discusses when, how often, and for how long one should meditate. Next, it explains in detail how the body should be positioned, either on a chair, in a cross-legged (Burmese, half-lotus,...