In this episode of Sutra Pills, we dive into the fascinating story of how Zen Buddhism arrived in the United States and took root in the 20th century. From the early influence of Japanese immigrants to the groundbreaking work of D.T. Suzuki, Shunryu Suzuki, and Philip Kapleau, we explore the key figures who introduced Zen to the West. How did American Zen evolve differently from its Asian counterparts? What role did the Beat Generation, counterculture movements, and meditation centers play in shaping its development? Join us as we uncover the journey of Zen’s transformation in the U.S., the differences between American and Asian Zen, and the lasting impact of modern Western practitioners on this ancient tradition.
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