Breaking away from discussions on archaeology as intellectual exercise,
Eastern philosophical traditions may provide a useful framework for
interpreting both site and individual patterns. Specifically, I'm thinking
that Confucianism, a comparatively more social and political philosophy, could
provide insights about social norms, priorities and goals of practitioners.
More esoteric and individually focused world views like that of Zen and Tao
would clearly be more elusive.
The big question for the "Archaeology of Zen" would then become: How does a
world view emphasizing experience, circularity, cross categorization and
inherent contradictions influence cultural and archaeological patterns? Any
takers?
David Moyer
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