This dissertation investigates the question: "How do Zen Priests and Priestesses perceive and describe their experiences of Meditation in Zen Buddhism?" A comprehensive review of Japanese literature disclosed only two pertinent studies, both by Tamaki, "Meditation and Experience" (1973) and "Meditation and Thought" (1984). A qualitative research design was utilized to obtain data--vivid descriptions of the textures and structures of the experience. From these, the meanings and essences of Meditation in Zen were derived. Data were gathered from eight co-researchers in open-ended interviews. The phenomenological research design included: epoche, phenomenological reduction, eidetic variation, and synthesis. Phenomenological theory and methods were delineated, and from the analysis of data outcomes and conclusions were presented. The data revealed six core themes: (1) Life is Zen; (2) Search For Oneself; (3) Meditation and Silence in Zen; (4) Discovery and Enlightenment in Zen; (5) Time in Zen; and (6) Essence of Zen. These themes were supported and explicated by verbatim descriptions from the data.
Psychological, educational, and societal implications, as well as suggestions, for future research were addressed.
