Animals do tell tales: Grimm’s Monogatari (物語) and Zen, a polylogue between worlds

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this article we examine the intertwining of Zen Buddhism, Christian Mysticism and Archetypes through traditional Zen contemplative practice and tales collected by the Brothers Grimm. Ana María Schlüter Rodés (1935-1925), philosopher, theologian and Zen master, disciple of Yamada Kōun Roshi (1907-1989), writes and teaches Zen through contemplation, kōans —Zen paradoxes used to awaken practitioners to grasp intuitively the Buddha mind—, parables and tales, pointing to a common spiritual reality. The aim of this article is to explore this rich polylogue and show how a contemplative practice rooted in tales, paradoxes and archetypes appears as fundamental for establishing a spiritual pedagogy forged in dialogue and a common inter-religious recognition through the understanding of different contemplative traditions with the aim to awaken ourselves to a wider dimension of reality, understanding Nature, symbols and every living being as potential masters for the hearts eager to listen.