The Zen Master Socrates

Abstract

In intercultural comparative studies there is a tendency to emphasize differences in the development of solutions to similar problems; but in this short article I am trying to present a stand, where the actual pursuit of truth based on the innermost experience of our lives transcends the limitations of a particular culture, and enables us to benefit; not from the alterity of different forms, but the unity of genuine philosophical endeavor. Based on that, we may notice an alternative; such that instead of westernizing Zen, we may as well try to understand and follow Socrates; a great master who we already have in our tradition; to help us appreciate what genuine Zen is about.