Koans, Creativity and Consciousness

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Zen
Cover of the book Koans, Creativity and Consciousness by Albert Low, Albert Low
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Albert Low ISBN: 9781301530328
Publisher: Albert Low Publication: September 22, 2012
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Albert Low
ISBN: 9781301530328
Publisher: Albert Low
Publication: September 22, 2012
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

Science has consistently rejected subjective data in science. Undoubtedly the main reason for this is that most scientists consider it to be unreliable and difficult to verify. Our immediate experience is, indeed, often incomplete, distorted, or simply false. Another important reason for rejecting subjective data is the scientist’s unconditional commitment to materialism and this automatically precludes the possibility of a consciousness distinct from matter. Most scientists, therefore, believe that third person, objective data, available to all is the only reliable source of data. Inner observation of our own experience is unacceptable because it cannot be subjected to similar public scrutiny and manipulation.
Yet, what is most important, but invariably overlooked, is not what I am conscious of, but that I am conscious. The only way this can be verified or even considered is by “first person” enquiry. A way by which first person enquiry can be established is by koan practice developed by Ch’an Buddhists in China during the T’ang dynasty (600-900 CE.)
In what follows, I explore ways to allay scientific suspicion towards subjective accounts, and show how koan study is used as first person scientific inquiry.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Science has consistently rejected subjective data in science. Undoubtedly the main reason for this is that most scientists consider it to be unreliable and difficult to verify. Our immediate experience is, indeed, often incomplete, distorted, or simply false. Another important reason for rejecting subjective data is the scientist’s unconditional commitment to materialism and this automatically precludes the possibility of a consciousness distinct from matter. Most scientists, therefore, believe that third person, objective data, available to all is the only reliable source of data. Inner observation of our own experience is unacceptable because it cannot be subjected to similar public scrutiny and manipulation.
Yet, what is most important, but invariably overlooked, is not what I am conscious of, but that I am conscious. The only way this can be verified or even considered is by “first person” enquiry. A way by which first person enquiry can be established is by koan practice developed by Ch’an Buddhists in China during the T’ang dynasty (600-900 CE.)
In what follows, I explore ways to allay scientific suspicion towards subjective accounts, and show how koan study is used as first person scientific inquiry.

More books from Zen

Cover of the book Zen and the Art of De-programming (Vol.1, Lipstick and War Crimes Series) by Albert Low
Cover of the book Cyber Zen by Albert Low
Cover of the book Thomas Hoover's Collection: The Zen Experience (Illustrated) by Albert Low
Cover of the book The Zen of Heraclitus by Albert Low
Cover of the book Zen in Plain English by Albert Low
Cover of the book Whole World is a Single FLower by Albert Low
Cover of the book A Question of Dharma by Albert Low
Cover of the book Tao Te King by Albert Low
Cover of the book Zen Body-Being by Albert Low
Cover of the book The Way of the Clouds by Albert Low
Cover of the book ZEN IN THE ART OF DARTS by Albert Low
Cover of the book Zen Battles by Albert Low
Cover of the book Eihei Dogen: Mystical Realist by Albert Low
Cover of the book The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Eightfold Path by Albert Low
Cover of the book Ancient Music in the Pines by Albert Low
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy