鈴木大拙の初期思想形成と心理学

――Ｗ・ジェイムズ『宗教的経験の諸相』の受容前夜

抄録

　　This study examines the relationship between D. T. Suzuki’s thoughts and psychology, focusing on his development prior to the influence of W. James’s The Varieties of Religious Experience. While previous research often emphasizes the impact of James’s work, this study takes a multifaceted approach by focusing on this relationship in the context of his earlier influence.

　　The analysis proceeds as follows: it reviews the ideological currents in Japan before Suzuki’s arrival in the United States, followed by the change in his religious views from his time in Japan to his stay in the United States. It then explores his two Zen experiences and the psychological ideas he engaged with during the early days. Regarding ideological currents in Japan, the study highlights the surge in Zen’s popularity and academic efforts to link Zen with psychology. With regard to changes in his religious perspective, it examines his evolving relationship with Paul Carus and his English translation of “Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana.” As for his two Zen experiences, the second one guided by Zen teachings was examined. The analysis discusses Suzuki’s engagement with psychological thought before his exposure to James’s work, specifically the relationship with Harald Höffding’s Psychology.

　　In addition, the study suggests that Suzuki’s Zen experiences and his engagement with Höffding’s psychology laid the foundational core of his thought. Finally, the study introduces Suzuki’s later reflections about The Varieties of Religious Experience.