The Discipline of Freedom bookcover

The Discipline of Freedom

A Kantian View of the Role of Moral Precepts in Zen Practice
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Description

The author interprets Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki's account of Zen practice from a Kantian perspective in order to explore the deep connection between Zen meditation, or zazen, and respect for universal moral principles.

The author shows that both Shunryu Suzuki and Kant posit a reciprocally supportive relationship between the development of personal autonomy and the respectful observance of moral rules or precepts, and that both see the practice of a discipline restricting the speculative activity of reason as essential to the attainment of true freedom and moral worth. By cultivating consciousness of freedom through insight into emptiness, the discipline of zazen acts as what Kant calls a "moral ascetic," cultivating a mind and body responsive to universal moral concerns. Olson concludes by showing how Kant's notion of the ultimate end of moral behavior-the highest good-is manifested in the Bodhisattva's vow to work for the salvation of all sentient beings.

Product Details

PublisherState University of New York Press
Publish DateAugust 31, 1993
Pages217
LanguageEnglish
TypeBook iconPaperback / softback
EAN/UPC9780791411162
Dimensions9.0 X 6.0 X 1.0 inches | 0.7 pounds
BISAC Categories: Spirituality & Religion

About the Author

Phillip Olson is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk, and currently practices law in Seattle, Washington.

Reviews

"It flashes with challenging and thought-provoking insights and novel explanations that concretize and personalize the abstract and metaphysical issues of meditation and morality, while remaining clear about its philosophical direction." --Steven Heine, The Pennsylvania State University

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