ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some of lay Zen’s primary agendas as advocated by Ningen Zen during the second half of the twentieth century. It commences by introducing lay Zen as a reformed movement fueled by the change in clerical status and embedded in modern anti-Buddhist rhetoric. Next, we examine lay Zen contemporary spirituality, which relies on the notion of rational religion and particularly science to establish its legitimacy. Like other advocates of modern Buddhism, Ningen Zen associates self-cultivation and social progress. Accordingly, we will examine how the organization promotes Zen practice as an educational device to provide moral training for its members and benefit society. Last, we consider the role of lay Zen as part of Japanese cultural identity, particularly its relation to theories of Japanese uniqueness. The chapter will demonstrate how changes in Japanese society during the last century are reflected in the development of lay Zen ideology and the rhetoric used to convey it. Addressing lay Zen as a concrete religious doctrine is highly problematic. We should remember that different people have distinct views of tradition, which vary according to age, educational background, level of commitment, etc. Thus, more than a coherent ideology, this chapter presents the reader with practitioners’ worldviews and paradigms.
