Integrational Reflections On The Role Of Language In Zen Buddhism

Language in Zen Buddhism has long been a disputed topic because of Zen's ambiguous attitude towards "words" which can be translated as "不立文字"(no dependence upon words and letters) and "不离文字" (dependence upon words and letters). The background of these two contradicting views, though explored, will give us some enlightening views upon this paradox. However, in this thesis, I would like to follow another line which diverts from the historical exploration of the background study, instead focuses on a specific language phenomenon "koan" in an attempt to put it in a real-life communication context. By covering the research done by Erich Fromm, Thomas P. Kasulis, Dales Wright and LiuNing Zhou, this thesis on the one hand tries to work out the inner logic embodied in these arguments, on the other hand attempts to extend this line of argument by pushing the logic one step further. Deep probing into these arguments also makes explicit how the interaction between Zen Buddhism and psychoanalysis, between Zen Buddhism and post-modern philosophy is possible. Quoting from the metaphors, it is possible to say that these research moves from "language" as "filter" to "language" as "reservoir"; quoting from the terms, it is possible to claim that these research moves from "language" to "acts", from "koans" to "communicational encounters". This thesis, in its attempt to put "koan" in real-life scenario of communication where Zen master and practitioner are involved, draws on integrational linguistics' research by exploring the possibilities of establishing a dialogue between Zen Buddhism and integrationism. These two resemble each other in challenging fixed categories of language and communication, not to mention their common concern of communicators involved in these encounters. By putting Zen Buddhism and integrationism under one roof and creating the possible context for them to speak to each other, this thesis, in its audacity, expects to add another perspective of viewing the role of language in attaining Zen enlightenment.