The Laughing Buddha

The Laughing Buddha PDF

Author: Conrad Hyers

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2004-01-26

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 1725209373

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This book has been highly acclaimed both as an imaginative way of introducing the Zen tradition to Western readers, and as an important contribution to understanding the fullness of the Zen perspective and way of life.

Zen and the Comic Spirit

Zen and the Comic Spirit PDF

Author: M. Conrad Hyers

Publisher:

Published: 1974

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13:

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In Zen as in no other religious movement are the principal records, the techniques for spiritual realization, the art and aesthetics, and the portrayal of the spirit and style of its masters so intimately intertwined with the comic spirit and perspective. In the sayings of Zen masters one soon discovers that the object of laughter is really oneself, trapped in the predicament and folly of mankind. The purpose of wit, in Zen teachings, is to reveal the rational approach as a false trail. The author of this study surveys Zen literature to reveal the profound perception and direct experience of reality beneath the seeming playfulness and lightheartedness of Zen Buddhist writers and teachers.

The Spirituality of Comedy

The Spirituality of Comedy PDF

Author: Conrad Hyers

Publisher: Transaction Publishers

Published: 2011-12-31

Total Pages: 253

ISBN-13: 1412834988

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To understand comedy is to understand humanity, for the comic sense is central to what it means to be human. Nearly all the major issues with which human beings have exercised themselves are touched upon in some manner by the comic spirit. Yet education in the art of comedy and in comic appreciation is given little attention in most societies. The Spirituality of Comedy explores the wisdom of comedy and the comic answer to tragedy (in both popular and classical senses of the term). Tragedy is seen as a fundamental problem of human existence, while comedy is its counterweight and resolution. Conrad Hyers has taken a fresh look at comedy from the standpoint of comparative mythology and religion, and thus comedy's spiritual significance. In his unique study of the comic tradition, Hyers explains the difficulty in pinning down themes, structures, plots, or characters that are common to all comedy. Instead he argues that there is an essence of comedy in the area of pattern. He draws upon the rich historical ensemble of types of comic figures: the humorist, comedian, comic hero, rogue, trickster, clown, fool, underdog, and simpleton. He shows how each type incarnates a comic heroism in its own unique manner, offering a profound wisdom and philosophy of life. The approach of this book is broadly interdisciplinary, with materials and interpretations introduced from the various fields of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences as they illuminate both the tragic and comic sensibilities. The methodological thread that draws this all together is an analysis of the major types of comic figures in terms of the myths and legends associated with them, the rituals they produce and enact, and the symbolism of the comic figures themselves. Written in a very readable literary style, The Spirituality of Comedy will appeal to psychologists, social scientists, clergy, philosophers, and students of literature.

Zen Comics

Zen Comics PDF

Author:

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 1974

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780804811200

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Comics communicate the Zen spirit perfectly. Laughter deflates pretension and a good rap on the head sometimes transcends so-called logic. In the words of Zen, "Nothing is left for you but to laugh!"

Zen Comics (II)

Zen Comics (II) PDF

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1982

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13: 9780804814454

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Read one or two of the witty and provocative Zen riddles in this book, and you will find, in the words of Zen, that "nothing is left for you but to laugh." In Ioanna Salajan's delightful drawings, the Old Monk and his disciples spread the message of Zen through stories and koan that are as hilarious as they are profound, as meaningful as they are mysterious. This book dips further into the treasures of Zen wisdom that furnished the first volume of Zen Comics, which has enjoyed extraordinary popularity around the world. Due to the concise self-contained nature of the Zen riddle, those who have not read the first volume can start just as well with this second one. The comic strip turns out to be an ideal medium to communicate the Zen spirit, in which laughter deflates pretension, and a good rap on the head may transcend all logic. A koan is a paradox used in Zen Buddhism as an instrument of meditation, a bit of apparent nonsense that forces one to abandon dependence on reason and break through to sudden intuitive understanding. The Old Monk, a wise and whimsical character, dispenses enlightenment to his disciples (and perhaps the reader) through these ironic, rapier-like verbal thrusts ... or sometimes a whack with a stick. Zen teaches that it is not where you are going, but how you are going. Truley there is no better way to go than with these fresh but eternal gems of insight.

The Laughing Buddha

The Laughing Buddha PDF

Author: Conrad Hyers

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2004-01-26

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 1592444954

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This book has been highly acclaimed both as an imaginative way of introducing the Zen tradition to Western readers, and as an important contribution to understanding the fullness of the Zen perspective and way of life.

Zen Pencils-Volume Two

Zen Pencils-Volume Two PDF

Author: Gavin Aung Than

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Published: 2015-10-13

Total Pages: 175

ISBN-13: 1449475132

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The second volume of Zen Pencils comics takes more of your favorite inspirational quotes and poetry and transforms them into heartwarming cartoon stories. Featuring quotes of revered minds including Isaac Asimov, Maya Angelou, Kahlil Gibran, Robert F. Kennedy, and William Shakespeare plus celebrities such as Amy Poehler, Jim Henson, and Kevin Smith, wise words are given a new lease on life through the medium of comics. This collection also includes a pull-out poster and an all-new 16-page story from creator Gavin Aung Than.

Religion and Humour

Religion and Humour PDF

Author: David Feltmate

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-05-08

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 1040012019

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This timely and lively introduction to exploring the intersection of religion and humour evaluates existing scholarship and methodologies within the field, arguing for a culturally critical approach to the study. Hinged on a qualitative sociological framework, this book asks questions about the construction, presentation, and purpose of humour in religious contexts. It is broken down by theoretical approach, with chapters covering: a “comparative religions” approach; a theological approach; how social sciences offer us useful tools for research; and a review of existing theoretical models. As the first volume to introduce the field of religion and humour, this engaging book is essential reading for students approaching the topic for the first time, and for anyone with an interest in related fields such as religion and popular culture and humour studies.