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Zen teachings often use paradoxical language to point to deeper truths from "summary" of The Way of Zen by Alan Watts

One of the distinctive features of Zen teachings is the use of paradoxical language. This unique characteristic can be seen as a deliberate strategy to point towards deeper truths that are beyond the grasp of ordinary conceptual thinking. By presenting ideas in a way that seems illogical or contradictory, Zen masters aim to jolt their students out of their habitual patterns of thought and perception. Paradoxical statements force the listener to question their assumptions and look at things from a different perspective. In the realm of Zen, truth is not something that can be easily captured in words or concepts. Instead, it is something to be experienced directly through intuition and insight. Paradoxical language is a way of pointing to this deeper truth that lies beyond the limitations of language and logic. For example, when a Zen master says, "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him," they are not advocating violence but rather inviting the listener to let go of their preconceived notions about enlightenment and spiritual attainment. The paradoxical nature of the statement is meant to shock the listener into a new way of seeing things, one that transcends ordinary dualistic thinking. In Zen, paradox is not seen as a problem to be resolved but as a gateway to a deeper understanding of reality. By embracing paradox and sitting with the discomfort it brings, practitioners can open themselves up to new possibilities and insights. The goal is not to eliminate paradox but to use it as a tool for breaking free from the constraints of ordinary thought and perception.
  1. The use of paradoxical language in Zen teachings is a reflection of the ineffable nature of reality itself. By pointing to truths that cannot be captured in words, Zen masters challenge their students to go beyond the limitations of language and logic in their search for enlightenment. It is through this process of questioning and inquiry that practitioners can come to a direct experience of the profound truths that lie at the heart of Zen teachings.
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The Way of Zen

Alan Watts

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