Belief and Doubt: The Dialectic of Zen

Abstract

Zen is typically a Sinicized Buddhism, which has its own concepts and approaches distinct from those of most other Buddhist sects, and, to a larger degree, from those of Western religions. From the perspective of religious taxonomy, Zen belongs to the category of Practical Religion. It promotes a return to the enlightenment that is inherent in the human nature. Methodologically speaking, this enlightenment begins with the doubt of beliefs. According to Zen, there is a dialectical tension between enlightenment and doubt, and the same is true for the interplay between belief and doubt.