Data Architecture

Preface

First, note that I have used Zen in the title of this book. I have been asked many times why I used such an esoteric term. After all, what is the meaning of Zen? To clarify the meaning of Zen, we must examine the philosophical environment that gave rise to Zen: Indian and Chinese philosophies. In India, Buddhism arose out of a Hindu environment, and later one form called Mahayana evolved. Taoism, a philosophy that also contributed much to Zen, was developed in China.

It was in China where imported Mahayana Buddhist ideas fused with existing Taoist ideas to form what was later called Zen. Concepts that are typically attributed to Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism are integral parts of Zen thought. These concepts helped me in my choice for the ...