Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Genre: Philosophy, Buddhism, Zen, Mysticism, Religion

Book Review:
Surekha V. Limaye's ''Zen (Buddhism) and Mysticism'' is a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of one of the most fascinating and influential schools of Buddhist thought. This book delves deep into the philosophical foundations of Zen, tracing its roots in Indian Buddhism and its flowering in the fertile soil of Chinese Taoism, before examining its unique teachings and its profound connection to the universal phenomenon of mysticism.

The book is meticulously structured, beginning with a thorough overview of the philosophical background of Zen. Limaye skillfully navigates the complexities of early Buddhist philosophy, the development of key Mahayana schools like Madhyamika and Yogacara, and the influence of seminal texts like the Lankavatara Sutra and thinkers like Asvaghosha. She then turns to the crucial influence of Taoism, particularly the writings of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, and the role of Yoga, showing how these elements coalesced to form the distinctive character of Zen.

The core of the book is dedicated to explaining Zen itself. Limaye provides clear and insightful explanations of the division into Soto and Rinzai schools, the practices of meditation and discipline in a Zen monastery, and the enigmatic Koan system. She explores the Zen concept of the Self and offers a particularly valuable analysis of Satori—the experience of sudden enlightenment that is the heart of Zen. The final sections broaden the scope, placing Zen in dialogue with mysticism and existentialism, and exploring the concept of ''Zen Existentialism.''

''Zen (Buddhism) and Mysticism'' is an excellent resource for students and scholars of Buddhism, comparative philosophy, and religious studies. It is a serious, well-researched, and clearly written work that illuminates a rich and complex tradition. For anyone seeking a deeper, more intellectual understanding of Zen, this book is a valuable guide.