The Way of ZenStoa explores the compelling parallels between Zen Buddhism and Stoicism, suggesting a possible historical connection via the Silk Road. The document argues that despite cultural differences, both philosophies share core values and practices focused on inner peace, mindfulness, acceptance, virtue, and self-mastery. It proposes “ZenStoa” as a practical, culturally accessible approach for Westerners to integrate these principles into daily life.
Main Themes and Key Ideas:
- Historical Connection (Silk Road): The author posits that Stoicism likely influenced the development of Zen in China via the Silk Road.
- “It is likely that Greek philosophy, art, and culture traveled along the Silk Road giving rise to an Asian Stoicism that we today call Ch’an or Zen.”
- The legendary Bodhidharma may have been a Greek teacher who traveled to China and taught Pankration, a martial art that later developed into Kung-Fu. “Now, is there any doubt that Bodhidharma is likely Greek who taught the Chinese the Pankration, a popular, full-contact combat sport in ancient Greece that combined boxing and wrestling.”
- Shared Philosophical Principles: The document highlights numerous shared values and metaphysical teachings.
- Inner Peace and Equanimity: Both advocate for cultivating inner calm amidst life’s challenges. “Both Zen and Stoicism emphasize the importance of inner calm and peace of mind. They advocate for cultivating a state of equanimity amidst the ups and downs of life.”
- Impermanence: Both acknowledge and accept the transitory nature of all things. “Both philosophies acknowledge the impermanent nature of existence. Zen teaches the concept of impermanence (mujō) as central to understanding reality, while Stoicism teaches the acceptance of the transitory nature of all things.”
- Mindfulness: Both stress being present in the moment, focusing on the “here and now.” “Both Zen and Stoicism stress the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. Practitioners are encouraged to focus on the here and now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.”
- Detachment: Both advocate for detachment from external events and focusing on what’s within our control. “Both philosophies advocate for detachment from external circumstances and events. Stoicism teaches the importance of focusing on what is within our control (our thoughts and actions), while Zen emphasizes letting go of attachments to outcomes and desires.”
- Virtue Ethics: Both emphasize cultivating virtues like wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. “While the terminology may differ, both Zen and Stoicism emphasize the cultivation of virtues such as wisdom, compassion, courage, and temperance. Both philosophies view ethical living as essential for achieving inner harmony and well-being.”
- Transcending Dualism: Both challenge binary thinking, encouraging a holistic understanding of reality. “Zen Buddhism and Stoicism both challenge dualistic thinking and encourage practitioners to transcend binary distinctions such as good/bad, self/other, and success/failure. They promote a more holistic and integrated understanding of reality.”
- Seven Pillars of Stoicism and Zen Reflections: The document directly compares the Seven Pillars of Stoicism with Zen practices:
- Virtue: Both see virtue as the highest good, contributing to social harmony and personal well-being. Zen’s emphasis on avoiding the “Ten Evil Actions” aligns with Stoic views on avoiding passion-driven, irrational actions.
- Indifference to External Events: Stoic “apatheia” and Zen “renunciation” are seen as similar approaches to non-attachment, emphasizing engagement with the present moment without being swayed by desired outcomes. “This ‘Indifference’ can also be called non-attachment or detachment that is a core teaching of Zen also known as ‘renunciation’, a positive and liberating act. Stoicism also reign in the emotions that provide freedom from the passion driven life.”
- Acceptance of Fate: Zen’s concept of “suchness” (accepting reality as it is) is equated with Stoic acceptance of fate. The quote from Epictetus, “Don’t demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them to. Accept events as they actually happen. That way, peace is possible,” encapsulates this idea.
- Rationality: Both value reason, while Zen adds “intuitive knowing” to avoid extremes. Both promote the “Middle Way” as a foundational teaching.
- Mindfulness: Both view mindfulness as essential, involving awareness of one’s mind, actions, and emotions. Stoicism likens it to a “third-party observer,” while Zen emphasizes becoming part of the action, losing distinction between the actor and the act.
- Negative Visualization: Both use negative visualization as a mental exercise. “This is a reason for ensuring that nothing ever takes us by surprise. We should project our thoughts ahead of us at every turn and have in mind every possible eventuality instead of only the usual course of events… — Seneca” The Zen story of Ajahn Chah and the tea cup illustrates acceptance of impermanence. “To me this cup is already broken. Because I know its fate, I can enjoy it fully here and now. And when it’s gone, it’s gone.”
- Self-Discipline: Both see self-discipline as the key to escaping destructive emotions and achieving tranquility.
- ZenStoa: A Western Approach: The document proposes ZenStoa as a culturally relevant path for Westerners.
- It avoids dependence on foreign cultures and religions. “The Way of ZenStoa presents a very practical and culturally accepted way-of-life that does not depend on foreign lands, foreign cultures, and foreign religions, and thus becoming far more accessible.”
- It allows for self-study and independent practice. “In this method, the practitioner can study and learn on their own without needing to formally join any Lineage (Schools) or be inducted in to a club.”
- It addresses Westerners’ discomfort with certain Asian cultural norms and avoids accusations of cultural appropriation. “ZenStoa offers a way for the Western Zen adept to move effortlessly into deep practice in every-day life.”
Conclusion:
The Way of ZenStoa presents a compelling case for the deep philosophical connections between Zen and Stoicism, suggesting a potential historical link. The document provides a framework for integrating these practices into Western daily life through a self-directed and culturally sensitive approach. The term “ZenStoa” serves as a shorthand for this synthesis, emphasizing the practical benefits of combining these wisdom traditions.