Animals do tell tales: Grimm’s Monogatari (物語) and Zen, a polylogue between worlds
Inter Asia papers June 2, 2026 Thibault Arthur Tien
Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism, and archetypes from the Brothers Grimm tales can be interwoven through contemplative practice, as shown in the work of Ana María Schlüter Rodés. She used kōans, parables, and tales to point toward a shared spiritual reality. Such a contemplative pedagogy, rooted in stories and paradoxes, fosters inter-religious dialogue and mutual recognition. It aims to awaken practitioners to a broader dimension of reality, where nature, symbols, and all living beings become teachers for those willing to listen.