The truth as non-foundational according to Zen Buddhism

In this paper I will discuss the truth as non-foundational through the perspective of Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism in particular criticizes foundational truth as it interprets the doctrine of dependent co-arising, accepted as the Buddha's core teaching, in a radically non-dualistic way. In addressing the truth as non-foundational according to Zen Buddhist thought I will first introduce the doctrine of dependent co-arising and emptiness. I will then discuss the way in which the concept of emptiness lead to the split between the gradual and sudden schools of Zen Buddhism and I will focus on the function of encounter dialogue as it evolved from the legitimization of the sudden tradition. I will conclude this paper by addressing the non-teleological aspects of Zen and point out that the truth asserted as non-foundational maintains that what we take to be truth is a ceaseless creative process.Advisers: Amy A. Oliver; Jin Y. Park.