Zen encourages a nondualistic view of the world from "summary" of The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
Zen points to a way of looking at the world that transcends the usual categories of thought. It invites its followers to see beyond the conventional distinctions of good and bad, right and wrong, self and other. This perspective is known as a nondualistic view, where the boundaries that separate one thing from another begin to dissolve. In Zen practice, one learns to experience reality directly, without the filter of concepts and judgments. This direct experience reveals the interconnectedness of all things, showing that what we perceive as separate entities are actually part of a single, unified whole. This understanding is at the heart of Zen philosophy, and it has profound implications for how we relate to the world around us. By embracing a nondualistic view, we can let go of the need to constantly categorize and evaluate everything we encounter. Instead of seeing the world in terms of opposites and contradictions, we can appreciate the underlying harmony and interconnectedness of all phenomena. This shift in perspective can lead to a deep sense of peace and acceptance, as we come to see that everything is as it should be. In Zen teachings, this nondualistic view is often illustrated through paradoxical statements known as koans. These enigmatic phrases are designed to disrupt the logical mind and open the practitioner to a more intuitive understanding of reality. By grappling with these koans, students are encouraged to let go of their usual way of thinking and embrace a more holistic perspective.- Zen invites us to let go of our attachment to fixed ideas and concepts, and to experience the world directly, as it is. This shift in perception can be liberating, allowing us to see beyond the limitations of our own minds and connect more deeply with the world around us. In this way, Zen offers a path to a more profound and meaningful way of being in the world.
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