Great Doubt

Practicing Zen in the World

Boshan, Jeff Shore

• Publisher: Wisdom Publications
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781614292302
• eBook ISBN: 9781614292456
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Buddhism

Thegreater the doubt, the greater the awakening. "In this brief but remarkably thorough book, Boshan puts into words what it means to truly doubt. Not just to be skeptical—but to push all the way to the very foundations. Anyone interested in Zen can learn a whole lot from this little book."
—from the foreword by Brad Warner, author of Hardcore Zen "Great doubt and great faith are foundations of Zen practice. This great gift of a book provides essential checkpoints along the path." —Grace Schireson, author of Zen Women "Upbeat, insightful, and inspiring teachings—a rich resource for all Buddhist practitioners."—Richard M. Jaffe, Duke University, author of Neither Monk nor Layman "Boshan addresses the reader directly with vivid metaphors and stern (sometimes humorous) admonishments. He pulls no punches… These concise texts, not previously available in their entirety in English, offer classic wisdom for those exploring the Zen paths."— Publishers Weekly "A classic Chinese text with clear—andinspiring—commentaries"—Thomas Yuho Kirchner, translator of Entangling Vines

Index

A

acceptance, 35–36, 77

acting out, 27, 68–70

actors on stage analogy, 58

arrogance, 20, 34

asceticism, 29–30, 70–71

attachment

to Dharma, 29–30

to false emptiness, 21

lingering, 51–52, 91–92

to quiet meditation, 17–18, 60–62

to sense of self, 87

to speculation, 23, 66–67

to states and experiences, 37, 84

See also clinging

awakening

as body-mind fallen off, 62

doubt, role in, 2, 4, 5

immediate, 67

mistaken, 77

obstacles to, 20

symbol of, 84

B

Bankei Yōtaku, 5–6, 71

blind spot, 77, 79

Bo, Mount, 2, 3

body

as conditional, 25, 69

as hindrance, 39, 76–77

lightness of, 53

as universe/world, 45, 49

Book of Serenity, The, 82

Boshan, 2–4, 11

bucket of lacquer image, 44, 85

Buddha, 2, 29, 30

Buddhadharma, 26, 27

See also Dharma

Buddha mind, 71

C

calm and clear states, 6–7

See also serene clarity, states of

Caodong. See Sōtō Zen

carp image, 41, 83, 90

Chan, 65

See also Zen

“chewing gum Zen,” 66

Chinese traditions, 1–3, 10–11, 65, 73, 79–80, 82–83

Chinul, 10

clear and simple words, 23

clin...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Table of Contents
• Foreword by Brad Warner
• Introduction
• TRANSLATION
• COMMENTARY
• Acknowledgments
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index
• About the Author
• Also Available from Wisdom Publications
• About Wisdom Publications
• Copyright