From Dzogchen to Chán via Zen (and Beyond): a Fictional Controversy on Buddhist Meditation in a Post-war Tibetan Novel in French

Abstract This article explores the intersection of fiction and spiritual practice by analysing a French novel from the 1950s that stages a journey along the border between north-western China and north-eastern Tibet. In doing so, it shows how literature not only represents but performs meditation, thereby challenging the traditional role of spiritual teachers and offering new perspectives on the non-linear history of Asian religious studies. Lama Yongden (1899–1955) was likely the first Tibetan author to write fiction for Western readers, using his stories to challenge misconceptions about Tibetan culture. His final novel, published in 1954, stands out for its setting along the Sino-Tibetan border and its exploration of comparative religion. Drawing on an analysis of existing manuscripts, the article shows that while Alexandra David-Neel (1868–1969) is credited as the French translator, she also played a significant role in reshaping Yongden’s philosophical tale into a more elaborate narrative, blending adventure, detective elements, and moments of reflection. Some of the additional material woven into the story appears to reflect episodes from their own joint journeys – details not found in David-Neel’s travelogues – alongside her ongoing spiritual quest and study of body-mind trainings across Asia. At the heart of the novel are meditation techniques and conceptions that combine David-Neel’s and Yongden’s extensive knowledge of Tibetan traditions, especially Dzogchen, with her growing understanding of Zen, Sŏn, and Chán, stemming from her 1917 visit to Japan and subsequent interest in Korean and Chinese traditions. Through its rich array of encounters – featuring Tibetan hermits and monks, Chinese masters, Taoist priests, and lay practitioners – the novel serves as a unique expression of Yongden and David-Neel’s collaborative view of Buddhist practice. It illustrates their understanding of meditation and its cross-cultural exchanges, making the novel a remarkable blend of fiction, philosophical inquiry, and spiritual dialogue.