This paper explores the values, techniques, and philosophy of the eastern religion of Zen Buddhism. Like other therapeutic systems, Zen techniques are based upon both personality theory (conception of man) and therapeutic goals (conception of who man can become.) The paper first gives a brief overview of Zen's personality theory: who man is; who man can become. The second section of the paper investigates Zen's conception of disease etiology and therapeutic goals. The third section discusses techniques of meeting therapeutic goals. The final section explores ways in which the western counselor and psychotherapist can apply Zen values and techniqes to contemporary problems.
