`”There are numerous other examples of this kind of point-counterpoint teaching, both on major and minor scales; it is, in fact, a standard device in Chan commentary method. When viewpoint switching has been taken as representative of differences of opinion or doctrine, the effect of this method has been lost. Literalistic interpretation, coupled with primitive concepts of right/wrong, superior/inferior, win/lose, either/or, which Chan commentary specifically says cannot be applied to such cases, is often seen in external doctrinal/intellectual history treatments of the materials, as well as in sectarian movements, which may virtually freeze for centuries around some of the formulations of one or two “patriarchs.” Hence Chan literature repeatedly emphasizes the need to suspend emotional and intellectual judgements and particularly to suspend the impulse to grasp and reject, in order to derive the intended benefit from Chan stories.” T. Cleary, Book of Serenity, p. xxx.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 00:55:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015