Chan Insights and Oversights

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Examining Chan/Zen from a postmodern perspective, Bernard Faure critiques traditional Orientalist views that either caricature or idealize Eastern thought, revealing overlooked complexities in Chan traditions. He explores how both Western and Eastern assumptions, including those of D. T. Suzuki, have distorted the understanding of Chan. The book discusses the historical influence of Jesuit missionaries, the interplay between Chan and local religions, and key concepts like temporality and self. It serves as a critical introduction to both Buddhist traditions and contemporary human sciences.