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Zen and the Art of Storytelling

Resource type
Date created
2014
Authors/Contributors
Author: Bai, Heesoon
Abstract
This paper explores the contribution of Zen storytelling to moral education. First, an understanding of Zen practice, what it is and how it is achieved, is established. Second, the connection between Zen practice and ethics is shown in terms of the former’s ability to cultivate moral emotions and actions. It is shown that Zen practice works at the roots of consciousness where, according to the fundamental tenets of Buddhism, the possibility of human goodness, known as bodhicitta (awakened heartmind), lies. Third, it is suggested that storytelling is a viable and desirable means of moral education. Two examples of Zen stories are introduced, and interpretive commentaries are offered in the service of illustrating the major points made in this article.
Document
Published as
Bai, H. & Cohen, A. (2014). Zen and the art of storytelling. Studies in Philosophy and Education. Springer, 33(3). DOI: 10.1007/s11217-014-9413-8
Publication title
Studies in Philosophy and Education
Document title
Zen and the art of storytelling
Editor
Springer
Volume
33
Issue
3
Publisher DOI
10.1007/s11217-014-9413-8
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author(s).
Permissions
You are free to copy, distribute and transmit this work under the following conditions: You must give attribution to the work (but not in any way that suggests that the author endorses you or your use of the work); You may not use this work for commercial purposes.
Scholarly level
Peer reviewed?
Yes
Language
English
Member of collection

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