User talk:Joshua Jonathan/Zen Narratives

Hi Joshua, the page looks great. I think at some point we need to add that there are significant discrepancies between these different 'forms' or cultural images of Zen that have been constructed over time in different places and what these discrepancies are and why they are important for anyone trying to get a clear grasp of the subject. What do you think? You could also build into it some quotes from the sources you have given and indicate page numbers in the references, but I imagine you already intend to do that anyway? many thanks Peter morrell 07:50, 6 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Please don't forget to add the works and influences of Reginald Horace Blyth and Alan Watts at some point...? many thanks Peter morrell 18:39, 7 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

To be honest, I know very little about them. But, since Wikipedia is an open project, feel free to add information - though note that a short version is available, which would fit in nicely in the Zen-article. And I'm also considering to propose an article on Japanese Zen, which would be a better place for the Narratives Section. See my user page. You're challenge did provoce quite something, didn't it? :)Joshua Jonathan (talk) 19:13, 7 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I guess you're right although it wasn't really a challenge, it originated, as I saw it, as an attempt to get Ewkpates back on board rather than as a rogue editor who occasionally just did weird fly-by stuff that was quickly reverted, which wasn't a very satisfactory situation. So my comments were designed to form a bridge between his stuff and yours and so try to find a way to get you both working together. However, that didn't happen! I will dig out some stuff on Blyth and Watts at some point when I get time, cheers Peter morrell 19:21, 7 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

'Challenge' is meant friendly; I like it that other Wikipedians can respond and ask questions. It challenges me to give best I can, which is nice. And no, it isn't exactly 'working together', altough Ewkpates did trigger me to dig deeper. The connection between various kinds of teachers, McRae's remark of Chán as an inseparatable part of Chinese buddhism, and the picture of Bodhidharma as a meditation-teacher was surprising, and insightfull. So, keep up the 'challenges'! Joshua Jonathan (talk) 19:46, 7 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, it's all friendly, no worries. I have wikified their names above so you can read about them: Watts was clearly a key figure to your story about the popularisation narrative. Blyth also. Please check them out and see where it runs. thanks Peter morrell 08:49, 8 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]