The Zen Experience by Thomas Hoover
"The Zen Experience" by Thomas Hoover is a historical account written in the late 20th century. The text explores the evolution of Zen Buddhism, tracing its origins from Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism through several key figures such as Bodhidharma and Hui-neng, culminating in its development and impact in Japan. Hoover aims to illuminate Zen as a practical philosophy shaped by the experiences of its masters rather than dwelled upon through theoretical
teachings. At the start of the work, Hoover introduces the foundational concepts of Zen, emphasizing its reliance on personal experience over mere intellectual abstraction. The opening portion delves into the historical roots of Zen, highlighting the influence of noted figures like Lao Tzu and the Buddha, while setting the stage for the arrival of Bodhidharma in China—deemed the First Patriarch of Zen. Through anecdotes and principles, the text suggests a dichotomy between rational and intuitive thought, presenting Zen not only as a philosophy but as a means of experiencing a deeper existence beyond conventional perception. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Hoover, Thomas, 1941- |
|---|---|
| LoC No. | 79024119 |
| Title | The Zen Experience |
| Credits | Produced by Al Haines |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 61.0 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | BQ: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Buddhism |
| Subject | Zen Buddhism -- History |
| Subject | Zen priests -- Biography |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 34325 |
| Release Date | Nov 14, 2010 |
| Copyright | Copyrighted. Read the copyright notice inside this book for details. |
| Downloads | 1198 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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