One Korean's Approach to Buddhism: The Mom/Momjit Paradigm (S U N Y Series in Korean Studies) [Hardcover]

Sung Bae Park (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This book presents the author's lifelong study and practice of Buddhism from a Korean perspective. With depth, sensitivity, and candor, Sung Bae Park discusses his country's contribution to Mahaµyaµna Buddhism and also shares his personal experience. A monk in the Korean Chogye order during his early twenties, Park is uniquely qualified to offer the reader some valuable insights into the experience and philosophy of the Zen Buddhist.

Focusing on the Korean concepts mom (which refers to the body) and momjit (which refers to its gestures or functions), Park examines their nondual, interdependent nature and their relevance to ordinary human beings who are living in these turbulent times. He also introduces a specialized spiritual practice using the hwadu, which aids the religious practitioner in loosening his conceptual, intellectual grip on his life and the world around him. In addition, the author explores the relevance of his views to other religions and philosophies, including Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Those well acquainted with Buddhism will find much food for thought here, as familiar topics such as emptiness, nonduality, and enlightenment are presented in a refreshingly original way, and those new to Buddhist thought may find themselves stimulated to learn more. A helpful glossary of terms is included.

About the Author

Sung Bae Park is Professor of Asian Philosophy and Religions and Director of the Center for Korean Studies at Stony Brook University, State University of New York. He is the author of Buddhist Faith and Sudden Enlightenment, also published by SUNY Press.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 152 pages
• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr (January 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791476979
• ISBN-13: 978-0791476970
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,069,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Unique Approach to the Study of Buddhism, June 13, 2009

By 

A. C. Muller (Tokyo Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One Korean's Approach to Buddhism: The Mom/Momjit Paradigm (Suny Series, Korean Studies) (Paperback)

This book represents a summary of the study, practice, and religious philosophy of a noted scholar of Buddhism after a long career. Park integrates his scholarly mastery of Buddhism with his own practice through the framework of the essence-function (Korean: Mom/Momjit) paradigm. Thus the discussion is taken up in a very personal manner, interspersed with anecdotes from the author's own experience as a student and teacher of Buddhism.

His views on the meaning and content of Buddhist practice are novel and refreshing, and his discussion of _hwadu_ meditation is a must-read for any serious _koan_ practitioner. Insights on Zen in general are extremely valuable. This book can easily be read and enjoyed by those with even a small amount of background in Buddhism, and would also work well in a college course on Buddhism or Zen.