Zen and western modernity

Abstract

Zen Buddhism has become a subject of fascination in the west in recent years. It is however, still enigmatic to the western mind and often misunderstood. The objective of this paper is to attempt to clarify Zen in its principles, practice and social influence. It is further considered how the Zen perspective might be of value in providing insight into the contemporary western situation. The line of argumentation investigated leads to the conclusion that although possessed of technological tools of immense power, and a vast resource of knowledge of the material world; modern systems of knowledge lack an awareness of the inner aspect of human life. It is suggested that this inadequacy in self knowledge is instrumental in the development of the problems facing our age, and that Zen could contribute in providing insight into them.