Logical and Spiritual Reflectionsis now available in print (404p. A4) in hardcover ($40) and paperback ($25) editions (plus shipping expenses),
and as an eBook ($5).
Zen Judaism
is also separately available as a paperback (212p. A5, $10 plus shipping expenses), and as an eBook ($1.50).
To order online click on the following hyperlink:Books by Avi Sion in The Logician Bookstore

Logical and Spiritual REFLECTIONS

Book 5

Zen Judaism

This essay is a frank reflection on the tensions between reason and faith in today’s context of knowledge, and on the need to inject Zen-like meditation into Judaism.It also treats some issues in ethics and theodicy.

Wise men think out their thoughts; fools proclaim them(H. Heine[1]). I have no desire or intent to weaken or destroy Judaism; if anything, quite the contrary, I wish to strengthen and save it. But I regard that objective facts and rigorous logic must imperatively be taken into consideration; they cannot just be ignored, as some try to do. Some retreat is often necessary; but retreat is not defeat. There is much to be gained by adopting a “Zen attitude” in the face of this necessary adaptation to reality. That is to say, by looking on unpleasant truths in the way a meditator looks upon change and disturbance. Unperturbed, cool, without resistance, with equanimity.

Chapters:

1. God and Creation

2. Torah and faith

3. Bible text and commentary

4. Tradition vs. innovation

5. The rabbinical estate

6. Judaic illogic

7. Jewish meditation

8. Enlightenment without idolatry

9. Good people

10. A world of mercy

11. Understanding injustice

12. Forgiveness

13. Actions and reactions

Appendix 1. Round numbers in Torah statistics

Appendix 2. Prayer in uncertainty

Addenda toZen Judaism

incl.Logic in Defense of Zionism

andThe Chanukah Lights Miracle

Order the Slatkine Edition ofJudaic Logic



[1]FromGendanken und Einfalle(quotation found in the Internet at Beliefnet.com). I insert this quotation in anticipation of criticism that may justly be leveled against me for writing this piece, which is a mixture of logic, science, Judaism and Buddhism. I should perhaps add these personal confessions: admit my lack of position of authority in some university, yeshiva or Zen monastery; my lack of broad fame and acceptance as an academic or writer; my lack of scholarship, Talmudic knowledge or meditative height. I am just a sincere seeker honestly sharing his thoughts.