Knowing/Seeing Truth

This book is a philosophical investigation of Kierkegaard s approach to truth and subjectivity in relation to Chinese Chan Buddhist thought represented by Huineng (638 713). A problem that seems to surface for the close reader with some familiarity with both thinkers is whether Kierkegaard s Truth Is Subjectivity is indeed the same as Huineng s Dharma (truth or Buddha-law) Is Nonduality , as lacking a subject and object distinction between the knower and what is to know (the referent). Adopting a comparative method based on the Conceptual Metaphor Theory in cognitive linguistics, this volume embraces an investigation that is in effect an argument favoring a similarity between truth as subjectivity and dharma as nonduality. Through the lens of Huineng, Kierkegaard s truth as subjectivity is of how I (i.e., the knowing subject) live truthfully without attachment. Its core concern is to emphasize how a person relates oneself to the truth by inwardly achieving self-understanding through actively being involved in one s daily life rather than being attached to objective things or abstract ideas. By borrowing terms or categories such as nonduality from Chan s philosophical discourses, this research implies that Chinese Chan offers the resources for a contemporary inquiry into the relevant issue in Kierkegaard s thought. This book appeals to students and researchers. It contributes to work within interreligious dialogue and comparative philosophy or theology, deepening the dialogue between the two faith traditions or cultures.