Henry David Thoreau is one of the most famous American writers and it is acknowledged that Walden is one of his masterpieces. Thoreau finishes the most part of this book during his stay by Walden Pond. This book can be regarded the description of Thoreau''s quest for spiritual improvement. My theis aims at the research in Thoreau from the Buddhist standpoint. There are so many similarities and linkages between Thoreau and Buddhism that the former could be viewed as a Buddhist mental cultivator. In search of spiritual elevation Thoreau moves to the wilds for a life as an eremite, and what he accomplishes parellels the Buddhist cultivation in many instances. In short, Thoreau sets himself in a religious array without knowing it. Besides Introduction and Conclusion, the thesis is divided into four parts. The first chapter of this thesis--"Why to Lead a Different Life" brings into investigation Thoreau'' s motive and determination to retreat to Walden Pond. Chapter Two--Living and Practicing in Nature"--dives deeply into nature--the physical and mental heaven in which Thoreau proceeds proceeds on his cultivation. What Thoreau achieves in mental practice will be largely discussed in the third chapter-- Chapter Three--"Zen-suchness and Enlightenment. This chapter shows that Thoreau''s penerating knowledge about things are very like those of Zen masters''. The last chapter--"Actions out of the Light of Buddha Nature"--depicts Thoreau''s merciful behaviours toward the world.
