Between Form and Emptiness: An Exploration of Buddhist Theme in the Novel The Book of Form and Emptiness
Yuemin He
Subhasita: Journal of Buddhist and Religious Studies June 29, 2024 DOI: 10.53417/subhasita.107 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Keywords | Emptiness Theme computing Epistemology Theology World wide web |
| Key findings | Ozeki's novel integrates Buddhist teachings through narrative and character dynamics, using multiple voices to illustrate spiritual complexity and the application of Buddhist practices in modern life. |
Abstract
This article examines the role of Buddhist ideas in Ruth Ozeki's The Book of Form and Emptiness, with an emphasis on the central concepts of form and emptiness. Using qualitative methods, this study involves an in-depth analysis of the novel's text to explore how Ozeki integrates Buddhist teachings in the narrative and characters. In the novel, the concept of “form is emptiness, and emptiness is form” is not only a philosophy, but also reflects the dynamics of the characters' lives. Through the depiction of experiences and internal conflicts, the author highlights how Buddhist practices serve as tools to deal with personal and social challenges. This study found that Ozeki effectively utilizes multiple narrative voices to illustrate the complexity of spiritual beliefs, while creating space for readers to reflect on the application of the teachings in a modern context. Moreover, Buddhism has broader potential than just a spiritual dimension, it also enriches the literary experience by providing emotional depth and philosophical reflection. This article emphasizes that fiction serves not only as a form of entertainment, but also as a powerful medium for Buddhists to share wisdom and address contemporary issues, such as identity crisis, loss, and social uncertainty. As such, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between literature and spirituality, as well as opening a dialogue on how literature can be a means to understand and deal with the complexities of life in a modern context.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... | 2017 | Qualitative study with mixed-methods | |
| A phenomenology of meditation-induced light experiences: traditional buddhist and neurobiological perspectives American Buddhist practitioners | 2014 | Qualitative study | |
| Common Core Thesis and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Mysticism in Chinese Buddhist Monks and Nuns Chinese Pure Land and Chan Buddhist monks and nuns | 2011 | Mixed-methods study | n = 139 |
| Anger regulation in traumatized Cambodian refugees: the perspectives of Buddhist monks. Buddhist Cambodian monks in Massachusetts | 2011 | Qualitative study | n = 6 |
| The Lived Experiences of Experienced Vipassana Mahasi Meditators: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Experienced Vipassana Mahasi meditators | 2018 | Qualitative study |