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Let's Talk Religion

What is Zen Buddhism?

Ep. 94

In this episode, we continue exploring the rich spiritual tradition of Buddhism through one of its most profound and important schools - Chan/Zen. We dive into the history and development of the school, as well as its characteristic teachings about meditation, koans, liberation and Buddha-nature.


Sources/Suggested Reading:

  • Chuang Zhi (2019). "Exploring Chán: An Introduction to the Religious and Mystical Tradition of Chinese Buddhism". Songlark Publishing.
  • Hershock, Peter D. (2004). "Chan Buddhism". University of Hawaii Press.
  • Red Pine (translated by) (1989). "The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma". North Point Press.
  • Red Pine (translated by) (2002). "The Diamond Sutra". Counterpoint.
  • Red Pine (translated by) (2008). "The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng". Counterpoint.
  • Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press.
  • Ziporyn, Brook (2016). "Emptiness and Omnipresence: An essential introduction to Tiantai Buddhism". Indiana University Press.

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