Unit Plan
TED Talks

Ted: Ted Ed: Zen Koans: Unsolvable Enigmas Designed to Break Your Brain

For Students 9th - 10th
Puqun Li details the bewildering and ambiguous philosophical thought experiments these Buddhists called Zen koans.
Handout
Other

Architechtonic Research: The Head Temples of Zen Buddhism

For Students 9th - 10th
A page describing the importance and history of a number of Zen temples in Japan. Includes pictures of the temples as well as details of the temple construction and history.
Unit Plan
Shmoop University

Shmoop: Franny and Zooey

For Students 9th - 10th
Published as a short story in 1955, Franny and Zooey represents J. D. Salinger's interest in Zen Buddhism and other spiritual themes.
Website
Columbia University

Asia for Educators: Medieval Japan Multimedia Unit

For Students 9th - 10th
This unit from the extensive Asia for Educator's site provides audio, video and lecture materials from well-credentialed Asian studies professors to explore Japan's medieval period, from 1000-1500 A.D. Topics include the Samurai,...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon Temple)

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the cultural and historical significance of Ryoanji and its rock garden in Japan.
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Poetry of Liberation: Gary Snyder

For Students 9th - 10th
Gary Snyder is the focus of this biography, identifying his contributions to literature through poetry. Click on "Gary Snyder Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
Graphic
Curated OER

Heilbrunn Zen Buddhism: Landscape of the Four Seasons

For Students 9th - 10th
Japanese ink-and-wash landscape.
Graphic
Curated OER

Heilbrunn Zen Buddhism: Hanging Scroll of Orchids and Rocks

For Students 9th - 10th
Ink drawing of orchids and rocks, hanging scroll,