Zen Skin, Zen Marrow

"Zen Skin, Zen Marrow examines the conflict between two competing perspectives on Zen Buddhism. Two warring camps have collided on several major issues. The traditionalists propagate a self-definition based on notions of ineffability, nonduality, and social harmony. Recent reformers, however, undertake historical and cultural criticism that challenges the traditional claims of the meaning of Zen. In Zen Skin, Zen Marrow, Steven Heine argues that a neutral approach is possible and lays the groundwork for a constructive compromise based on balanced, nonevaluative methodology. This approach allows for a juxtaposition of competing views that can contribute to and benefit one another, avoiding the stagnant polarization that characterizes most encounters involving traditionalists and critics."--BOOK JACKET.