Abstract

This dissertation investigates the question: "How do Zen Priests and Priestesses perceive and describe their experiences of Meditation in Zen Buddhism?" A comprehensive review of Japanese literature disclosed only two pertinent studies, both by Tamaki, "Meditation and Experience" and "Meditation and Thought" . A qualitative research design was utilized to obtain data--vivid descriptions of the textures and structures of the experience. From these, the meanings and essences of Meditation in Zen were derived. Data were gathered from eight co-researchers in open-ended interviews. The phenomenological research design included: epoche, phenomenological reduction, eidetic variation, and synthesis. Phenomenological theory and methods were delineated, and from the analysis of data outcomes and conclusions were presented. The data revealed six core themes: Life is Zen; Search For Oneself; Meditation and Silence in Zen; Discovery and Enlightenment in Zen; Time in Zen; and Essence of Zen. These themes were supported and explicated by verbatim descriptions from the data. ;Psychological, educational, and societal implications, as well as suggestions, for future research were addressed