New Chan Forum 29

Buddhist Enquiries: Science And The Personal

In this edition we look at a number of issues and enquiries basic to the development of Buddhist thinking and feeling in the Western world. Is Buddhism science and if not how does it relate to science? Can one give a scientific account of Emptiness? What have personal feelings to do with Buddhist practice? What does one discover on retreat?

We believe that it is not enough merely to repeat the texts of Buddhist scriptures or the words of traditional teachers. To have value in the modern world they need to be related to our established modes of thinking, be they discursive and academic, experiential or literary. Only through such relating can a debate be joined and the intrinsic value of Buddhism become more clearly seen. This is an important aspect of the policy of this journal.

We respect the varying opinions and exploratory ideas of all our authors while reminding the reader that they do not necessarily express the views of the Fellowship.

Contents

• The Four Proper Exertions, Chan Master Sheng Yen
• Buddhism: A Science Of The Mind?, Jake Lyne
• Song of Old Age, Noragh Jones
• The Raffia Closet, Ken Jones
• Buddhism and Life, Fiona Nuttall
• Thoughts On Silence, Martin Wood
• Notariddle, George Marsh
• Sunyata from a Scientific Viewpoint, C T Song
• Retreat Reports
  • Homecoming, Retreat Report WZR May 29 – June 3 2003
  • Hand Brake Fallen Off, A Three-Month Work Retreat In Gaia House, Summer 2003
  • A Retreat of Moon and Dreams, Retreat Report for Koan Retreat March 2003
• Polish Memories
• Postbag, John Crook
• Buddha’s Head, Eddy Street
• Saturday Morning Outside, John Crook