Americanization of Zen Chanting

Zen Buddhist practice in North America has its own indigenous music, which has undergone adaptations to fit changing contemporary contexts. These adaptations have been characterized by two opposing tendencies: the conservative desire to keep practices pure and unadulterated versus the urge to individualize and innovate. This book studies how this tension plays out in different aspects of chanting, as Zen practice in America is highly decentralized.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2021
Publisher: Pendragon Press

Zen Buddhist practice boasts its unique indigenous music, characterized by ritual chanting that accompanies bells and percussion instruments in virtually every Zen ceremony and formal event, whether conducted in monastic or lay contexts. Like other facets of Zen teaching and practice, the chanting of sutras, dharanis, gathas, dedications, and readings has undergone a diverse range of adaptations as it has migrated to and continued to develop in the North American context. These adaptations have been marked by two opposing tendencies: the conservative desire to preserve practices pure and unadulterated, sometimes idealizing and simplifying them to reflect a pure vision (in some cases, an unrealistic projection); and the urge to individualize and innovate to adapt to changing contemporary North American contexts.

The purpose of this book is to delve into the intricate dynamics of this tension in various aspects of chanting. Due to the highly decentralized nature of Zen practice in America, even within the same teaching lines, there exists a significant variation in the degree of standardization observed in chanting practice. This diversity has led to a wide array of solutions to the challenge of adapting a traditional Japanese religious musical practice to American contexts.

In exploring these adaptations, the book will examine the ways in which chanting practices have been modified, adapted, and integrated into the broader cultural and religious landscape of North America. It will explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from the interplay between tradition and innovation, and how practitioners navigate the delicate balance between preserving the essence of Zen chanting while adapting it to the unique needs and perspectives of their American communities.

Through a comprehensive analysis of chanting practices, the book aims to provide insights into the dynamic and evolving nature of Zen Buddhism in the United States and Canada. It will shed light on the ways in which chanting serves as a tool for spiritual growth, community building, and cultural transmission, and how it contributes to the rich tapestry of religious and cultural practices in the region.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781576472507