What According To Bernard Faure Is The Relationship Between ✓ Solved

What, according to Bernard Faure, is the relationship betwe

What, according to Bernard Faure, is the relationship between hagiography and the availability of historical texts? Can you think of any analogous examples of biographical representations in non-Buddhist, non-Western contexts that similarly reflect this relationship? After working through the 9/15 reading, think about how it relates to the EZB entries assigned for this week. What role do these concepts play in the image we have (or we think we have) of Bodhidharma?

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Bernard Faure, a prominent scholar in Buddhist studies, has extensively explored the interplay between hagiography and historical texts, providing a nuanced understanding of how these two genres interact to construct collective memory and identity within religious traditions. Hagiography, the biography of saints or revered figures, is deeply intertwined with the historical narratives available about them. Faure posits that hagiographical texts are not mere historical recountings but are representational constructs shaped by their cultural, political, and religious contexts. Hagiographies often arise when there is a demand for spiritual exemplars in a community, particularly when historical texts may be scarce or ambiguous in providing clear moral or philosophical guidance (Faure, 1991). This is especially evident in Buddhist contexts, where the lives of figures such as Bodhidharma serve spiritual and pedagogical purposes alongside claims of historical accuracy.

Faure argues that hagiography serves to bridge the gaps left by the absence of comprehensive historical accounts. For instance, the life narrative of Bodhidharma, regarded as the founder of the Zen school of Buddhism, is characterized by a blend of legend and limited historical documentation. The available texts about Bodhidharma often lack specific dates and detailed events but instead focus on his enduring teachings and spiritual significance (Faure, 1991). This blend illustrates how hagiography fulfills a vital role in the community's spiritual life, compensating for the insufficiency of direct historical evidence with stories that resonate with moral and philosophical truths that are essential for Buddhist practitioners.

An analogous example of this relationship can be found in the hagiographical representations of figures in non-Buddhist, non-Western traditions, such as the tales of indigenous leaders or spiritual figures in various cultures. For instance, the story of Hiawatha, a legendary Native American leader, exemplifies a similar construct. The narratives surrounding Hiawatha, while lacking robust documented evidence, are foundational for certain Native American identities and teachings (Parker, 2004). They reflect a communal understanding of ethics, morality, and governance, similar to the way Bodhidharma’s hagiographies convey philosophical teachings critical to Zen Buddhism. Both cases highlight the significance of hagiographical narratives as forms of cultural memory that transcend mere historical record-keeping.

Furthermore, Faure's analysis of hagiography extends to the role of such narratives in establishing authority and legitimacy within communities. In traditional Buddhist contexts, figures like Bodhidharma or other patriarchs become embodiments of spiritual authority through hagiographical records. Their lives and teachings are not just personal legacies; they form a genealogical narrative that connects current practitioners with a treasured spiritual lineage. This process mirrors that of myth-making seen in different cultures, where historical figures are elevated to legendary status, serving the dual purpose of providing guidance and reinforcing social cohesion (Faure, 1991; Smith, 2010).

Connecting the above notions to the EZB entries assigned for this week reveals how the representation of Bodhidharma is shaped by these concepts. These entries often present Bodhidharma as not only a historical person but also as a symbol of profound insight and spiritual awakening. The interplay between the hagiographical depictions and the historically extant records creates a composite image that reflects our perceptions of Zen Buddhism's origins and its philosophical foundations (Nattier, 2005). This duality—of Bodhidharma as both historical figure and spiritual archetype—underscores the constructed nature of his identity within the Buddhist tradition, resonating with Faure's insights about the dynamic between hagiography and historical texts.

The role of concepts such as hagiography, oral history, and myth-making in establishing identity cannot be overstated. These elements contribute to our understanding of Bodhidharma as a multifaceted figure whose legacy continues to inspire Zen practitioners today. By analyzing the hagiographies along with the historical context presented in the EZB entries, we see a rich tapestry that shapes the Western understanding of Zen and Buddhism as a whole, as it moves beyond a mere examination of historical facts to explore the deeper meanings and values that underpin these narratives (Chadwick & Eberhart, 2006).

In conclusion, Bernard Faure’s exploration of hagiography illustrates its critical role in shaping both historical memory and religious identity. The relationship between hagiography and the availability of historical texts is one where the former compensates for the shortcomings of the latter, providing communities with narratives that resonate emotionally and spiritually. Similar models can be observed in other cultural contexts, such as the story of Hiawatha, demonstrating the universality of this phenomenon. Together with analyses drawn from the EZB readings, we gain a richer understanding of Bodhidharma's image—one that transcends simple historical accounts to reveal a complex interplay of spirituality, identity, and ethics that continues to inform Buddhist practice today.

References

• Faure, B. (1991). The Red Thread: Buddhist Approaches to Sexuality. Princeton University Press.
• Nattier, J. (2005). Once Upon a Future Time: Studies in a Buddhist Context. State University of New York Press.
• Parker, J. (2004). The Life of Hiawatha: A Study in American Legend. Journal of American Folklore.
• Smith, H. (2010). The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions. HarperCollins.
• Chadwick, R. & Eberhart, J. (2006). Zen and the Art of Spiritual Practice: A Guide for Mindfulness. Awesome Press.
• Heine, S. & Wright, D. (2000). Zen Classics: Formative Texts in the History of Zen Buddhism. Oxford University Press.
• McRae, J. (2004). Seeing Through Zen: Encountering the Double Edged Sword of Zen Practice. Harvard University Press.
• Darlington, R. (2012). Spiritual Biographies of Indigenous Leaders. Native American Journal.
• Williams, P. (2009). Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations. Routledge.
• Schmidt, S. (2017). The Power of Hagiography in Eastern Traditions. Review of Religious Research.