Walden and the Art of Zen. Speaks of Henry David Thoreau
- Date: February 01, 1996
- Level: University, Master's
- Grade: A+
- Length: 8 pages (1900 words)
- Essay rating:
- Keywords:
henry david thoreau, zen buddhist, western zen, zen masters, handwritten copies, insightful essays, ...buddhist beliefs, religion, religious writings, personal writings, first books, literary tradition, religious content, epics, hindus, pamphlets, walden, hesitation, philosopher
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Subject > Literature Research Papers > North American
If I were asked who my favourite Western Zen philosopher was, without any
hesitation, I would declare it to be Henry David Thoreau. Although he knew in translation
the religious writings of the Hindus, it may be unlikely that Henry David Thoreau ever
studied the teachings of the Zen Masters. Even then, the insight within his own personal
writings would irrefutably make him master of his own temple. The wisdom found within
Thoreau's Walden can be clarified through Zen Buddhist beliefs and ideas as the two seem
to typically compliment each other.
Where, you might ask, does religion fit into the travelling adventures of Henry
David Thoreau? Religion has been a part of the literary tradition from the very start.
Some of the first books ...
... the student. He truly believed in
living his life rather than wasting it. I believe that he attained Buddhahood by finding the
nature of his own true being. Using Walden as a vessel for his awakened wisdom,
Thoreau would like everyone to experience Kensho and identify with their own true
nature, 'Let every mind his own business, and endeavour to be what he was made' (821).
In Thoreau's mind, life was not constricted by rules. He boldly states in Walden, 'Here is
life, an experiment' (732). It almost seems as if Thoreau had based his own life on the
teachings of Chinese philosopher Tao-te-Ching:
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict,
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