Why Zen is Not Irrational

In his book An Introduction to Zen Buddhism, D. T. Suzuki explores the concept of “Illogical Zen,” referencing a poem by Shan-hui that seems to defy logic. The poem begins with “Empty-handed go, and behold the spade is in my hands” and concludes with “Lo, the water floweth not, but the bridge doth flow.” Suzuki argues that critics may label Zen as absurd or confusing, but he contends that such common-sense interpretations are insufficient. He asserts that to truly understand life, we must abandon our rigid logical frameworks and cultivate a new way of observation, one that frees us from the limitations of conventional reasoning. Suzuki emphasizes that paradoxes in Zen — like holding a spade with empty hands or recognizing the flowing bridge — invite us to look beyond surface logic.

As a key figure in bringing Zen to the Western world, Suzuki’s influence is significant. His teachings at Columbia University (1951–1957) impacted many scholars, artists, and writers, including Erich Fromm, Alan Watts, Thomas Merton, John Cage, and Gary Snyder.

The perception of Zen as irrational often arises from misunderstandings and oversimplifications of its principles. While Suzuki suggests that we must abandon our cherished syllogisms, it’s important to clarify that his critique targets the “common-sense” approach rather than logic itself. The distinction between rejecting common-sense…