Experiencing a Paradox Created Within Ancient Chinese Philosophy: Exploring Thomas Merton and Thomas Cleary
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The purpose of this colloquy is to allow the participants to experience their personal interpretation and meaning discovered within short works by Thomas Merton and Thomas Cleary.
These two scholars of Chinese philosophy explore different aspects of thought which may challenge the reader. Merton, after many years of study, prayer, and meditation, converted the ancient writings of Chuang Tzu into meaningful and readable stories. Each story allows personal interpretation and thoughtful change. Cleary writes of moments in which monks, scholars, and ordinary people achieved enlightenment. These vignettes can provide new perspectives and open the door for changes in self-awareness. This is not material which can be ‘taught’, but rather is to be experienced and discussed.
The vignettes written by Merton and Cleary are short, enjoyable. Although originally written long ago, these vignettes can provide a platform from which we can examine today’s thoughts, reactions, and activities.
Additional exploration of Chinese Philosophy would be left to the individual participants, although their comments upon their explorations are welcome.
Ralph E. Topham is a retired Clinical Professional Counselor and Middle School science teacher. His interest in Thomas Merton and The Way of Chuang Tzu began during his time at the University of Texas. This interest continued and expanded over the years to include some of Thomas Cleary’s works. While not an expert in these topics, he recognizes that each of us has insight into what these authors are teaching us. He has led numerous clinical groups and has the skills to encourage people to express themselves and learn from others.
Syllabus/Reading
The Way of Chuang Tzu, by Thomas Merton, and Zen Antics, by Thomas Cleary.
Session 1: A discussion of Thomas Merton’s biography and a brief discussion of his philosophy as related to Chuang Tzu, followed by a discussion on the introduction to The Way of Chuang Tzu. A variety of the vignettes will be assigned prior to the first meeting. The discussion will then focus upon these vignettes in Merton’s work. We will discuss reactions to them, memories sparked by them, and other thoughts related to the readings.
This will be the general format for the second half of Session 2 and the remaining sessions. Readings will be selected prior to the next meeting using input from the group.
Session 2: This will be started with reactions to the previous week. We will then shift our attention to Thomas Cleary’s biography and a brief discussion of his philosophy as it relates to the Zen Antics.
As discussed above, discussion and reactions will follow. The works of the two men will be compared and contrasted as we go along.
Both books will probably have been completely read by the group prior to sessions 3 & 4.
Sessions 3 & 4 will be similar to Session 2 in that they begin with thoughts and reactions and then continue with discussions of the readings. The works of the two men will be compared and contrasted as we go along.
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