Christian and Zen Contemplative Practices: The “Mysticism” of Evelyn Underhill and D. T. Suzuki
Taehoon Kim
Journal of Ecumenical Studies 2023 DOI: 10.1353/ecu.2023.0005 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation Mysticism |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that the mysticism of Underhill and Suzuki provides multidimensional and interreligious paths to spiritual transformation, contributing positively to creative exercises in comparative theology. |
Abstract
Abstract (Lang: English):This essay aims to analyze comparatively similarities and differences found in Christian and Zen Buddhist forms of “mysticism.” Drawing on the works of Evelyn Underhill and D. T. Suzuki, it explores how the Christian prayers of Recollection, Quiet, and Contemplation can be paralleled by various aspects of Zen meditation, such as koan and zazen. The main comparative analytical tool critically adapts two connected but distinct methodologies from Donald Mitchell and Michael Washburn. It also draws on aspects of New Comparative Theology. While maintaining a critical stance toward syncretism, it argues that the mysticism of Underhill and Suzuki provides multidimensional and interreligious paths to spiritual transformation, contributing positively to creative exercises in comparative theology.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on buddhism, most cited first.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Mental balance and well-being: Building bridges between Buddhism and Western psychology. | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Buddhist Modernism and the Rhetoric of Meditative Experience | 1995 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Buddhist and Psychological Perspectives on Emotions and Well-Being | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Too Early to Tell: The Potential Impact and Challenges—Ethical and Otherwise—Inherent in the Mainstreaming of Dharma in an Increasingly Dystopian World | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From self to nonself: The Nonself Theory | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |