Chinul: The Founder of the Korean Son Tradition

From the publisher’s website:

Chinul (1158-1210) is regarded as one of the greatest Son(Zen) monks in Korea. It was his innovation and reform of the meditation school of Korean Buddhism which determined the development of the monastic tradition of Korea. The present form of Buddhism in his homeland owes much to his endeavors more than seven centuries ago. Included in this volume is a thorough study of the life of Chinul, focusing on the reform movement which he launched in the latter half of the twelfth century. This history of Chinul is followed by an exposition of his philosophy and approach to Son. Finally, the volume deals with the fascinating story of the legacy which Chinul has left for the Buddhist tradition, a legacy that still continues among the large and active group of monastic institutions in Korea.

Contents

CHAPTER I THE LIFE OF CHINUL

1. The First Period: Chinul Leaves the Capital
2. The Second Period: Ripening of Religious Experiences
3. The Third Period: The Society for Samadhi and Praia is Established
4. The Fourth Period: Another Retreat and the Susensa (The Society for the Cultivation of Son)

CHAPTER II CHINUL’S THEORY OF SON

1. The Source of Son: True Mind
2. The Beginning of Sbn: Sudden Enlightenment or the Path of Complete-sudden Faith and Understanding
3. The Process of Son: Gradual Cultivation or the Path of Parallel Keeping of Quiescence and Wakefulness
4. The Perfection of Son: The Path of Direct Cutting

CHAPTER III THE LEGACY OF CHINUL

1. Chinul, the Suseonsa, and the Buddhism of the Yi Dynasty
2. Chinul, Seosan, and the Present Chogye Order

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