A comparison of attitudes in Zen and existentially based counseling
Date
1975
Authors
Eyles, David Norman
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Abstract
This thesis compares selected attitudes of existentially based counseling with selected attitudes of Zen and considers what implications this relationship has for counselors.
The attitudes examined are ones that might be encountered by a counselor in his readings of readily available literature. These attitudes are not considered in the context of formal philosophy or the possibility of their absolute truth, rather, they are viewed in the context of how they may relate to the counselor and his practice.
The attitudes examined in this thesis are those held in regard to view of man, his ideal state and conditions for achieving an ideal state. Primary sources for attitudes of existentially based counseling are the writings of two recognized existential counselors, May and Van Kaam. The attitudes of Zen considered are primarily those written by Watts and Suzuki, both prominent authors in the area of Zen and Eastern philosophy.
The attitudes compared in regard to view of man are considered in light of an ontology pertaining to what is viewed and a phenomenology pertaining to how it is viewed. The unified na ture of man, his relationship to the world, and his possible ~anxiety are also considered.
The comparison made between existentially based counseling and Zen results in a finding of some basic similarities between their attitudes. Both systems are concerned with man and his attainment of freedom. Also, both Zen and existentially based counseling emphasize the wholeness of man and his interdependent relationship with the world.
The correspondence found between existentially based counseling and Zen attitudes has implications for the theory and practice of counseling. The unification of man and his world found in Zen may serve to balance objectivity and compartmentalization found in traditional Western psychological theory. For counseling practice Zen attitudes such as those held in regard to unity and experience may help a counselor accept and understand his client.