The monk Pŏmnyun (b. 1953) of Korea applies Zen rhetoric and Buddhist teaching to relieve people’s afflictions. He practices it through his Zen style dialogues called ‘Conversation with Pŏmnyun.’ In the conversations, Pŏmnyun is asked questions from audiences on everyday issues, for example, solving conflicts with other people, avoiding stress or obtaining a job. He responds to those questions using Zen rhetoric, through provocative responses, non-dualistic logic and redefinition. With a provocative response, he shakes people’s preconceived thought. With non-dualistic logic, he suggests a new way of thinking. Through redefinition, he lets people see their issues from a different perspective. He also utilizes Buddhist teachings such as karma, emptiness, and mind-only in his approach to daily issues. Through conversations with Pŏmnyun, the questioners can heal their traumas and be freed from their suffering. Pŏmnyun’s dialogues disclose the curative power of Zen when applied to daily problems.
目次
ABSTRACT 236 1. The monk Pŏmnyun and ‘Conversations with Pŏmnyun’ 237 2. Zen style rhetoric in Pŏmnyun’s conversations 239 (1) Provocative response 239 (2) Non-dualistic logic 241 (3) Redefinition of Buddhist concepts 242 3. Conversations with Pŏmnyun as a curative art and epistemic means 245 4. Conclusion 247 Disclosure statement 250 Notes on contributor 250