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...
Similar Posts
Practice radical acceptance
Radical acceptance is about accepting life as it is, without trying to change it or make it different. It means fully acknowled...
The goal of Zen is to attain a state of pure awareness
Zen is often misunderstood as being merely a form of meditation or a philosophical belief system. However, at its core, Zen is ...
Zen Buddhism teaches the practice of mindfulness and meditation
Zen Buddhism emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about...