Zen Buddhism Books

Book SynopsisIn his first ever book on intimacy and healthy sexuality, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us how toove our partners and nurture our relationships and how to walk the path ofove past anger and disappointments while practising gratitude and appreciation. Written in aucid style and filled with simple mindfulness exercises, Fidelity: How to Create aoving Relationship thatasts is a manual to finding enduring and healthy intimacy in our relationships.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn indispensable guide to koans, teaching the reader about the importance of lineage, the practice of “just sitting,” and koan practice as paths to awakening.“This marvelous book opens the treasure house of Zen and yet, happily, does not dispel its mystery. James Ford, an excellent storyteller and longtime Zen practitioner, presents a detailed and beautiful description of the craft of zazen, including “just sitting” and various forms of breath meditation—but focuses primarily on koan introspection. The power of koans, these 'public cases' from China, has never ceased to enrich my own experience of Zen. They are a medium of exploration of the history, culture, and view of Zen, but most importantly are a medium of awakening. James Ford is fundamentally a koan person, and for this, the book is particularly rich, opening the practice of koans in a splendid way. I am grateful for his long experience as a teacher and practitioner of this rare and powerful practice. Since the word koan has found its way into popular English usage, I am grateful too for the more nuanced and fertile view of koans that Ford presents. His definition of the word is telling: “a koan points to something of deep importance, and invites us to stand in that place.” He has also has created a wonderful translation of the Heart Sutra, Zen’s central scripture—and carefully opens up the heart of the Heart Sutra through scholarship and practice. Rich in textual sources and woven throughout with the perspectives of contemporary teachers, Introduction to Zen Koans sheds new light on ancient teachings. Through it, the reader will discover the importance of lineage, the traceless traces of the Zen ancestors, and the places of “just sitting” and koan practice as paths to awakening, as the great doorways into Zen.” —from the foreword by Joan Halifax  

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe delightful and often funny poetry of Zen’s quintessential free spirit, Master Ryokan—in a fresh translation by a beloved American Zen figureRyokan Taigu (1758-1831) was a monk in the Soto lineage of Japanese Zen who spent a good part of his life as a hermit, writing poetry, playing with children, and creating simple and exquisitely beautiful calligraphies—sometimes using twigs as his instrument when he couldn''t afford a brush. He was never head of a monastery or temple and as an old man, he fell in love with a young Zen nun who also became his student. His affection for her colors the mature poems of his late period.This loving tribute to the great legendary nonconformist includes more than 140 of his poems, 13 examples of his art, and a selection of laugh-out-loud funny anecdotes about his highly idiosyncratic teaching behavior.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThese are unique stories of timeless wisdom and understanding from the Zen Masters. With rich and fascinating tales of swords, tigers, tea, flowers and dogs, the writings of the Masters challenge every perception - and seek to bring all readers closer to enlightenment.Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Letters of Chan Master Dahui Pujue offers a complete annotated translation, the first into English, of a Chan Buddhist classic, the collected letters of the Southern Song Linji Chan teacher Dahui Zonggao (1089-1163). Addressed to forty scholar-officials, members of the elite class in Chinese society, and to two Chan masters, these letters are dharma talks on how to engage in Buddhist cultivation. Each of the letters to laymen is fascinating as a document directed to a specific scholar-official with his distinctive niche, high or low, in the Song-dynasty social-political landscape, and his idiosyncratic stage of development on the Buddhist path. Dahui is engaging, incisive, and often quite humorous in presenting his teaching of constantly lifting to awareness the phrase (huatou), his favored phrases being No (wu) and dried turd. Throughout one''s busy twenty-four hours, the practitioner is not to perform any mental operation whatsoever on this phrase, and to take awakening as the stTrade Review[T]his book is a wonderful resource to all who would read Dahui's epistles. The inclusion of lucid translations from multiple historical commentariesa rich exegetical apparatusis a great contribution. We are all indebted to the translators' work. * Jason Protass, Reading Religion *Dahui's Letters is an important work of Southern Song Chan that has had profound influence throughout the East Asian Chan, Sŏn, and Zen worlds. This translation by Broughton will become required reading for students and scholars alike, as it illuminates the teachings of one of the Chan tradition's seminal thinkers, Dahui Zonggao. * Albert Welter, Professor of East Asian Studies, University of Arizona *The Letters of Dahui -- essential Chan/Zen reading for centuries now available to us! Written by the greatest Chan master of the Song to prominent lay people rather than to monks, these letters highlight the question of how to live a life of Zen in the midst of a noisy and contentious world -- perfect for our time! An essential text by the master translator of our time for Chan literature. * Dale Wright, David B. and Mary H. Gamble Professor in Religion, Occidental College *Table of ContentsABBREVIATIONS; LETTERS OF CHAN MASTER DAHUI PUJUE VOLUME ONE; CONTINUED [THIRD LETTER IN REPLY TO VICE MINISTER CENG]; LETTERS OF CHAN MASTER DAHUI PUJUE VOLUME TWO; FIVE-MOUNTAINS (GOZAN) EDITION OF LETTERS OF CHAN MASTER DAHUI PUJUE (DAHUI PUJUE CHANSHI SHU/DAIE FUKAKU ZENJI SHO); BIBLIOGRAPHY

Read more less

Book SynopsisDale Wright offers a wide-ranging exploration of issues that have a bearing on the contemporary meaning of enlightenment. He considers the historical meanings of enlightenment within various Buddhist traditions, but does so in order to expand on the larger question that our lives press upon us--what kinds of lives should we aspire to live here, now, and into the future?Trade ReviewWhat is Buddhist Enlightenment? offers a wide-ranging exploration of issues that have a bearing on the contemporary meaning of enlightenment... [T]he book balances deep learning and an accessible style, offering valuable insights for students, scholars, and practitioners alike. * Lixia Dong, Reading Religion *How should we understand enlightenment today? For Buddhism, no question is more important, and Dale Wright's insightful responses are exactly what contemporary Buddhists need to think about—if Buddhism is to become what our globalizing world needs. * David R. Loy, author of A New Buddhist Path *Dale Wright's What is Buddhist Enlightenment? is a deeply humane book, rich with timely and profound reflections on what it might look like to aspire to the fully realized life of someone somehow 'enlightened.' Wright eloquently thinks along with the Buddhist tradition about an idea (enlightenment) that's central...to the modern West, yielding insights into what the Buddhist tradition might have to teach us, right here at the historical moment where we find ourselves, about how to be human. * Dan Arnold, University of Chicago Divinity School *Dale Wright takes on the daunting task of clarifying Buddhist enlightenment, and he skillfully does so in relation to karma, the bodhisattva ideal, meditative reading, and other facets of Buddhism. His critical exploration of Zen enlightenment in relation to morality and language is especially illuminating and will serve as a needed corrective to popular misconceptions. And his ten theses on contemporary enlightenment provide a rich foundation for developing and practicing enlightenment in this historical moment. * Christopher Ives, author of Imperial-Way Zen: Ichikawa Hakugen's Critique and Lingering Questions for Buddhist Ethics *A relevant and informative supplement to the Western practitioner's journey of development. * Sam Mowe, Tricycle *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why Ask What Enlightenment Is? I. Contemporary Images of Enlightenment 1) The Bodhisattva's Practice of Enlightenment 2) The Awakening of Character as an Image of Contemporary Enlightenment 3) Secular Buddhism and the Religious Dimension of Enlightenment II. The Moral Dimension of Enlightenment 4) Enlightenment and the Experience of Karma 5) Enlightenment and the Moral Dimension of Zen Training 6) Enlightenment and the Persistence of Human Fallibility 7) The Thought of Enlightenment and the Dilemma of Human Achievement III. Language and the Experience of Enlightenment 8) Language in Zen Enlightenment 9) Enlightenment and the Practice of Meditative Reading 10) From the Thought of Enlightenment to the Event of Awakening Conclusion: Ten Theses on Contemporary Enlightenment Acknowledgments Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is Buddhism? In Buddhism is Not What You Think Steve Hagen, bestselling author of Buddhism Plain and Simple and a Zen priest, cuts through the many misconceptions surrounding Buddhism, and shows us its true purpose. Drawing on down-to-earth examples from everyday life, this practical and straightforward guide penetrates the most essential and enduring questions at the heart of the Buddha''s teachings: How can we see the world in each moment, rather than merely as what we think, hope, or fear it is? How can we base our actions on reality? How can we live lives that are wise, compassionate, open and honest? What can it bring to our lives? This book offers a profound and clear path to a life of joy and freedom.Trade ReviewA clear and challenging showing of the fundamental truth of our lives. This is an exceptional book. Make good use of it -- Charlotte Joko Beck, author of EVERYDAY ZENCuts to the heart of the matter ... a book that will reward multiple readings over time ... Hagen's writing flows in a tranquil way, like a spring trickling up effortlessly from the earth -- Robert M Pirsig, author of ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis compilation includes "101 Zen Stories", a collection of tales that recount actual experiences of Chinese and Japanese Zen teachers over a period of more that five centuries. B&W illustrations.Trade Review"It has stayed with me for the last 30 years, a classic portraying Zen mind to our linear thinking." --Phil Jackson, Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls and author of Sacred Hoops"This book was my introduction to Buddhism nearly thirty years ago. I am delighted to see this new edition of this wonderful classic." --Sylvia Boorstein, author of It's Easier Than You Think"This book has been a steadfast portal through which millions in the West have peered to catch at the very least a glimpse of Zen mind at play in all its thought-shattering dialogue, humor, joy, and wisdom." --Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis collection of genuine teachings resonates with an authenticity that comes from Yoshin''s many years of practice. It is both profound and practical.A Temporary Affair is a collection of talks given at Sunday morning sittings at the Ithaca Zen Center by Yoshin David Radin, abbot and founder of the Ithaca Zen Center for the past 40 years. The talks contained here were given at a time when Yoshin’s health was severely compromised by end stage renal failure. In February 2019, he received a kidney transplant from a member of Ithaca Zen Center, to whom the publication is dedicated.The collection of 31 talks contains the insight of the individual dharma talks themselves, as well as the underlying story of how the dharma teachings helped the author cope, and even thrive, with his continuing loss of kidney function. The talks go right up to the days before he was admitted to the hospital. The comfort and guidance he received from the dharma during the times when he was most ill have been a great inspiration to all who know him, as they will to readers. In his own words, “How extraordinary, how blessed, how wonderful, to have met the teachings that free us from suffering when in difficult places.” Through these talks the reader can clearly see how he put that wisdom to use in his own life situation, and how they can do so as well.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA collection that offers selections from the foundational texts of the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Zen traditions. Through representative selections from their poetry, letters, sermons, and visual arts, it provides students with an introduction to the first 1200 years of this rich - and often misunderstood - tradition.Trade Review"[T]he Zen Sourcebook [is] an excellent cross-section of some of the most important texts in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Zen. The translations [are] well chosen from among the best available. . . . This is an excellent sourcebook for both beginners and serious practitioners." —John Daido Loori, Abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery"This is an excellent book . . . to be commended for its wide coverage; the Korean material is especially hard to find. . . . The short introductions to the selections are lucid, informative and focused, providing a good framework through which to understand the readings. Anyone who wants to work directly with translations of the primary texts, rather than textbook summaries, will find this book the most convenient available." —Brook Ziporyn, Northwestern University"The timeless words of Zen masters running the gamut from the well-known (Dogen and Bodhidharma) to the more obscure (miscellaneous Chinese nuns) can be found in [this book]. . . The teachings, which come in many forms—poetry, letters, and artwork among them—serve as primary texts, while pithy introductions provide historical background on topics ranging from the declining influence of Zen masters in seventeenth-century Japan to Korean master So Sahn's famous army of five thousand monks. This collection of Zen delights offers plenty of teachings to sink your teeth into, including this Blue Cliff Record koan: "A monk asked Yun-men, 'What is the teaching that goes beyond Buddhas and Patriarchs?' Yun-men said, 'A sesame bun.'" Bon appetit." —Tricycle"[A]n invaluable collection of teachings from China, Korea, and Japan, revealing Zen's brilliant use of language to evoke the Buddha's realization." —Buddhadharma"This sourcebook seem to me to be a uniquely rich and valuable treasure trove."—Rachel Hadas, Department of English, Rutgers University"I find that students from all academic backgrounds are able to access the material, yet it is scholarly and rigorous. I particularly appreciate the inclusion of the nuns' poetry, which other collections (such as The Roaring Stream) tend to ignore." —Alison Jameson, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Arizona

Read more less

Book SynopsisWHEN NOTHING IS SPECIAL, EVERYTHING CAN BEThe best-selling author of ''Everyday Zen'' shows how to awaken to daily life and discover the ideal in the everyday, finding riches in our feelings, relationships, and work. ''Nothing Special'' offers the rare and delightful experience of learning in the authentic Buddhist tradition with a wonderfully contemporary Western master.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBest known for his Buddhist teachings, Thich Nhat Hanh has lived in exile from his native Vietnam since 1966. These remarkable early journals reveal not only an exquisite portrait of the Zen master as a young man, but the emergence of a great poet and literary voice of Vietnam. From his years as a student and teaching assistant at Princeton and Columbia, to his efforts to negotiate peace and a better life for the Vietnamese, Fragrant Palm Leaves offers an elegant and profound glimpse into the heart and mind of one of the world's most beloved spiritual teachers.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis pioneering guide to zazen—Zen-style seated meditation—provides practical instructions on how to begin or elevate your practice and progress along the Zen path Zen Training is a comprehensive handbook for zazen, seated meditation practice, and an authoritative presentation of the Zen path. The book marked a turning point in Zen literature in its critical reevaluation of the enlightenment experience, which the author believes has often been emphasized at the expense of other important aspects of Zen training. In addition, Zen Training goes beyond the first flashes of enlightenment to explore how one lives as well as trains in Zen. The author also draws many significant parallels between Zen and Western philosophy and psychology, comparing traditional Zen concepts with the theories of being and cognition of such thinkers as Heidegger and Husserl.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe joy of intimacy—with yourself, with others, and with the whole universe. The long-awaited first book from a prominent modern American Zen teacher.For Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, intimacy is what Zen practice is all about: the realization of the essential lack of distinction between self and other that inevitably leads to wisdom and compassionate action. She approaches the practice of intimacy beginning at its most basic level—the intimacy with ourselves that is the essential first step.She then shows how to bring intimacy into our relationships with others, starting with those dearest to us and moving on to those who don’t seem dear at all. She shows how to grow in intimacy so that we include everyone around us, all of society, the whole world and all the beings it contains. Each chapter is accompanied by practices she uses with her students at the Village Zendo for manifesting intimacy in our lives.

Read more less

Book SynopsisInformed by almost two decades of dialogue, research and teaching, this book refutes the mistaken premise that Zen Buddhism is more suited to people who lived all those years ago, or at least live all those miles away. Pivotal to this work is recognition that Buddhism is a mind culture. To appreciate that one is not in control of one's own mind is alarming indeed, but it is our perceptions of real and imagined threats that generate our anxieties, not an objective appraisal of the situation. Beginning with the annotated 'ox path' pictures, the gradual development of the wayward mind away from aimless wandering and towards Buddhahood is depicted and examined. Ever mindful of the legacy of India, the life and teaching of Sakyamuni Buddha are revisited as are the scriptures themselves. At every point, this book presents Zen Buddhism, not as some esoteric mystery cult, accessible only to the eastern mind, but in an animated, meaningful manner that demonstrates its purpose and function in today's world.Trade Review"This is an extremely lucid and readable introduction to Zen, which serves as a good introduction to Buddhism in general. Merv Fowler has performed an excellent task in bringing together material on the history, scriptures, teachings and spiritual practices associated with Zen. The book is a first-class introduction for students as well as the general reader. The author tackles very competently and reliably the salient features of the Zen tradition. I thoroughly recommend it..." -- G D Chryssides, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRevered by Buddhists in the United States and China, Master Sheng-yen shares his wisdom and teachings in this first comprehensive English primer of Chan, the Chinese tradition of Buddhism that inspired Japanese Zen. Often mistunderstood as a system of mind games, the Chan path leads to enlightenment through apparent contradiction. while demanding the mental and physical discipline of traditional Buddhist doctrine, it asserts that wisdom (Buddha-nature) is innate and immediate in all living beings, and thus not to be achieved through devotion to the strictures of religious practice. You arrive without departing. Master Sheng-yen provides an unprecedented understanding of Chan, its precepts, and its practice. Beginning with a basic overview of Buddhism and meditation, ''Hoofprint of the Ox'' detials the progressive mental exercises traditionally followed by all Buddhists. Known as the Three Disciplines, these procedures develop moral purity, meditiative concentration, and enlightening inTrade Review"Master Sheng-Yen has written another inspiring introduction to the Chan buddhist tradition in China, more familiar to Americans as Zen, its incarnation in Japan.... Aided by a masterful introduction by well-known scholar Dan Stevenson, this book brings introductory books on Chan/Zen to a new level of sophistication, accuracy and relevance to both the more advanced and the novice American practitioner."--Publishers Weekly "In this illuminating treatise readers will discover a Chan practice that is marvelously alive.... A very special book; highly recommended."--Library Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe discovery of a walled-up cave in northwest China led to the retrieval of a lost early Ch'an (Zen) literature of the T'ang dynasty, one of the recovered texts was the collection "Bodhidharma Anthology". This text provides a detailed study and an annotated translation of the anthology.Table of ContentsACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABBREVIATIONS AND CONVENTIONS 1. Introduction I 2. Translation of the Seven Texts of the Bodhidharma Anthology 3· Commentary on the Biography,Two Entrances, and Two Letters 4· Commentary on the Records APPENDIX A: THE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE TUN-HUANG CH'AN MANUSCRIPTS APPENDIX B: TOWARD A LITERARY HISTORY OF EARLY CH'AN NOTES GLOSSARY OF CHINESE LOGOGRAPHS WORKS CITED INDEX

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis collection of Abe's essays is a welcome addition to philosophy and comparative philosophy.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“Even just the title of this book appeals. There are many reasons that a Zen monk might acquire a lifetime of wisdom—the least of which is my personal edification—but I’m grateful for it all the same.” —Estelle Tang, Elle.com“100 snack-size Zen activities you can do daily to add more calm to your life . . . The Art of Simple Living brings the spirit of Zen Buddhism to everyday life.” —The Daily Telegraph“Powerful . . . A profoundly beautiful work, easy to read, encouraging deep thought and reflection, but most importantly, acting as a practical guide to Zen action.” —The Japan Times“This in­ternational bestseller has helped people around the world quiet the chaos of everyday life, stress less and appreciate more. . . . Masuno’s tips are easy to execute. . . . Through this inspiring guide, Masuno shows that every step you take on the path of personal growth, no matter how small, can have a major impact.” —BookPage“A bestseller in Japan, this will certainly resonate with fans of Zen practice, or those simply looking to declutter a busy mind.” —Publishers Weekly“100 deceptively simple daily practices . . . to help you find, and embrace, the stillness at the center of your existence.” —Energy Times“Pithy tips on how to increase our feelings of well-being.” ―Lion’s Roar: Buddhist Wisdom for Our Time“Living a simpler life is a practice. It’s ordinary and it’s everyday. Shunmyo Masuno’s simple and relevant practices land gently and with the most comforting ordinariness, like a warm breath of familiarity to us, the frazzled masses.” —Sarah Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of First, We Make the Beast Beautiful“Our mind is blazing in the new dopamine war between alarmist news and attention-hooking apps. The Art of Simple Living is a bucket of water on the flames.” —Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation“I love this book. These little Zen practices can bring so much serenity to your life.” —Francine Jay, bestselling author of The Joy of Less and Lightly“I haven’t carried a purse in years, but this book almost made me wish I did, so I could keep it within reach.” —Cait Flanders, bestselling author of The Year of Less“I love The Art of Simple Living. With easy-to-follow, inspiring advice and lovely stories illustrating little things you can do that can have a big effect on your peace of mind, it’ll bring joyful moments into every day of your life.” —James Wallman, bestselling author of Stuffocation“The Art of Simple Living makes the time-tested wisdom of the Buddha radically accessible by providing easy-to-follow yet profound practices that blend perfectly with, and are a natural part of, everyday life. It is an encouraging and straightforward companion for all who seek to amplify the inherent peace of their minds.” —Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, author of Emotional Rescue and Rebel Buddha“This little treasure needs to be at every bedside. It awakens us to the most ordinary, everyday moments of our lives, revealing the richness, peace, and joy that come from living simply.” —Allan Lokos, founder and guiding teacher, Community Meditation Center, NYC; author of Through the Flames, Patience, and Pocket Peace

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn excellent book for people interested in meditation, from beginners to advanced. The practice of meditation leads to a mind that is more peaceful, tranquil, and at ease. Because the mind is more relaxed, events that usually disturb us seem to take on less importance, and we stop taking them in such a serious way. Likewise, through meditation the mind gradually learns to be independent of external conditions and circumstances, discovering its own stability and tranquility. A stable mind leads to the experience of less suffering in our lives.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMaps and guideposts are helpful when we undertake a journey. The ten Ox-Herding Pictures, the accompanying ancient poems, and a modern commentary by John Daido Loori, sketch the spiritual path encountered in Zen training, a path of exhaustive study of the self and the realization of the ultimate nature of reality. The Ox-Herding Pictures can be our companion on the Way of self-discovery, our compass and perspective when we need one. They are a bottomless source of mysterious wisdom to which we can return again and again for inspiration, and they translate easily into the gritty reality of spiritual practice that emerges from and grounds us in the inescapable relevance of our daily lives. The exquisite versions of the pictures found in the book are traditional Chinese nanga brush paintings by Gyokusei Jikihara Sensei, a modern Japanese master of calligraphy and a teacher in the Obaku School of Zen. The traditional verses accompanying them have been translated by John Daido Loori and Kazuaki Tanahashi, translator and editor of Enlightenment Unfolds: The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Dogen.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn evocative examination of how to respond to suffering, live our fullest lives, and experience spiritual and personal growth - from a renowned activist, humanitarian, and spiritual thought-leader.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMaking a Change for Good will assist anyone to make a change of any kind, whatever the area—diet, fitness, stress, addictions, unskillful behaviors, anxiety, finances, spiritual practice…. Kind, compassionate encouragement for confronting personal issues head on and supportive tools for addressing the struggle are the differences in approach this book offers. Readers realize that lack clarity is the hindrance to addressing an issue, not lack of self-discipline. Rather than being caught in self-hating and self-blaming loops that veer us off course, we can learn to mentor ourselves, and this book teaches us how. The 30-day retreat at the end of the book provides a structure for practicing compassionate self-discipline.Table of Contents 1. Compassionate Self-Discipline and Presence: The Opportunity as We See It 2. Who’s Talking? 3. Meditation 4. Disidentification 5. The Voices of Self-Hate 6. Mentoring: Kind and Wise Support 7. Self-Discipline and Eating 8. Self-Discipline and Time Management 9. Self-Discipline vs. Self-Improvement 10. Awareness Practice Guided Retreat: 30 Days of Compassionate Self-Discipline

Read more less

Book Synopsis''The basic idea of Zen is to touch the inner workings of our being, and to do this in the most direct way possible.''In this widely praised introduction, Dr D.T. Suzuki presents the nature, technique and practice of Zen with exceptional clarity, wisdom and frankness. A Japanese Zen master who was also a highly respected authority on Mahayana Buddhism and who regularly taught in the USA and Europe, Suzuki was uniquely qualified to explain Zen to an international readership.Zen is described by the author as the keystone of Oriental culture. This book is essential reading for all Zen students and for everyone who wishes to understand the psychology of the Far East.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo classic Zen Buddhist texts that present the foundational teachings of the tradition—now collected in one volume for the modern practitionerThe Diamond Sutra, composed in India in the fourth century CE, is one of the most treasured works of Buddhist literature and is the oldest existing printed book in the world. It is known as the Diamond Sutra because its teachings are said to be like diamonds that cut away all dualistic thought, releasing one from the attachment to objects and bringing one to the further shore of enlightenment. The format of this important sutra is presented as a conversation between the Buddha and one of his disciples. The Sutra of Hui-neng, also known as the Platform Sutra, contains the autobiography of a pivotal figure in Zen history and some of the most profound passages of Zen literature. Hui-neng (638–713) was the sixth patriarch of Zen in China but is often regarded as the true father of the Zen tradition. He was a poor, illiterate woodcutter who is said to have attained enlightenment upon hearing a recitation of the Diamond Sutra. Together, these two scriptures present the central teaching of the Zen Buddhist tradition and are essential reading for all students of Buddhism.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLet go of parenting expectations and fears to raise courageous, confident children.The Zen Mama philosophy is that mother and child complement each other in adventures and experiences, always putting safety first but without getting caught up in the anxieties, drama, impossible expectations and mental baggage that too often comes along with modern parenting. Learning to become a Zen Mama will help you grow and nurture a Zen Child - someone who isn''t afraid to be different, who can stand up for himself or his friends, and can travel the world and experiment with new things without being overwhelmed with self-doubt or being scared. Full of facts, actionable advice and practical tips, this book will be about combining the heart and the head with what works for you and your family, not comparing yourselves to others or meeting a societal standard. It will support and nurture the mother''s journey like a wise and sympathetic friend and offers ideas and expeTrade ReviewI struggled with confidence when raising my four children, always comparing my mothering skills to other 'perfect' mums. Sarah's advice and warm-hearted approach will help you let go of the judgement and embrace the facts: that you are a good mother, that you have a clear purpose and that you will flourish on this wonderful journey of motherhood. -- Julie Montagu * Wellness icon and author of RECHARGE *Sarah has an alluring honesty and humour for how to raise children in a kind, compassionate and relaxed way. I wholeheartedly resonated with her! -- Iben Dissing Sandahl * bestselling author of THE DANISH WAY OF PARENTING *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffers selections from the foundational texts of the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Zen traditions. This title provides students with an introduction to the first 1200 years of this tradition. It includes general introduction and notes that provide historical, biographical, and cultural context.Trade Review"[T]he Zen Sourcebook [is] an excellent cross-section of some of the most important texts in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Zen. The translations [are] well chosen from among the best available. . . . This is an excellent sourcebook for both beginners and serious practitioners." —John Daido Loori, Abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery"This is an excellent book . . . to be commended for its wide coverage; the Korean material is especially hard to find. . . . The short introductions to the selections are lucid, informative and focused, providing a good framework through which to understand the readings. Anyone who wants to work directly with translations of the primary texts, rather than textbook summaries, will find this book the most convenient available." —Brook Ziporyn, Northwestern University"The timeless words of Zen masters running the gamut from the well-known (Dogen and Bodhidharma) to the more obscure (miscellaneous Chinese nuns) can be found in [this book]. . . The teachings, which come in many forms—poetry, letters, and artwork among them—serve as primary texts, while pithy introductions provide historical background on topics ranging from the declining influence of Zen masters in seventeenth-century Japan to Korean master So Sahn's famous army of five thousand monks. This collection of Zen delights offers plenty of teachings to sink your teeth into, including this Blue Cliff Record koan: "A monk asked Yun-men, 'What is the teaching that goes beyond Buddhas and Patriarchs?' Yun-men said, 'A sesame bun.'" Bon appetit." —Tricycle"[A]n invaluable collection of teachings from China, Korea, and Japan, revealing Zen's brilliant use of language to evoke the Buddha's realization." —Buddhadharma"This sourcebook seem to me to be a uniquely rich and valuable treasure trove."—Rachel Hadas, Department of English, Rutgers University"I find that students from all academic backgrounds are able to access the material, yet it is scholarly and rigorous. I particularly appreciate the inclusion of the nuns' poetry, which other collections (such as The Roaring Stream) tend to ignore." —Alison Jameson, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Arizona

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs Zen takes root in the west, new forms arise. For centuries Zen masters have tested their students with koans and capping phrases. A koan is a spiritual paradox that must be solved intuitively. A capping phrase is a trenchant comment. Both are meditative practices that reveal deeper truths about the self and, ideally, lead to enlightenment. In Zen Traces, Buddhist scholar Kenneth Kraft plays off these practices in a new idiom. He selects passages from four sources: traditional Zen, present-day Zen, Henry David Thoreau, and Mark Twain. When a koan-like story about a contemporary Zen teacher is paired with a pithy comment by Mark Twain, something fresh emerges.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis Zen Buddhist guide to mindful living is “a thoughtful, sensitive examination of how to be a genuinely good person in this world” (Sharon Salzlberg, author of Lovingkindness) Life is rising up to meet us at every moment. The question is: Are we there to meet it or not? Diane Rizzetto presents a simple but supremely effective practice for meeting every moment of our lives with mindfulness, using the Zen precepts as tools to develop a keen awareness of the motivations behind every aspect of our behavior—to “wake up to what we do”—from moment to moment.   As we train in mindfulness of our actions, every situation of our lives becomes our teacher, offering priceless insight into what it really means to be happy. It’s a simple practice with transformative potential, enabling us to break through our habitual reactions and to see clearly how our own happiness and well-being are intimately, inevitably connected to the happiness and well-being of everyone around us.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisRediscovery of Chinese lost gods

Read more less

Book SynopsisBased on the Zen philosophy that we learn more from our failures than from our successes, One Continuous Mistake teaches a refreshing new method for writing as spiritual practice. In this unique guide for writers of all levels, Gail Sher—a poet who is also a widely respected teacher of creative writing—combines the inspirational value of Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way with the spiritual focus of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. Here she introduces a method of discipline that applies specific Zen practices to enhance and clarify creative work. She also discusses bodily postures that support writing, how to set up the appropriate writing regimen, and how to discover one's own learning personality.In the tradition of such classics as Writing Down the Bones and If You Want to Write, One Continuous Mistake will help beginning writers gain access to their creative capabilities while serving as a perennial reference that working wriTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroductionPart I: A Writing "Habit"Exercise: Writing Zazen1. Four Noble Truths for Writers2. Pointing Directly at Your Own Heart, You'll Find Buddha3. Single-Minded Effort4. Grandmother's Fingerpointing5. A Writing "Habit"6. Waves of the Sea Belong to the Sea7. Writing Posture8. The Kiss of the Asp9. The Writer's Middle Way10. DistractionsPart II: Like Jesus, It's From God. And From You.Exercise: Writing Kinhin11. Stay-at-Home Days12. Fleeting Thoughts13. Books Read Us14. Reading Supports Writing—But Watch Out!15. Bleached-Bone Simplicity16. Ode to a Drawer17. The Rubbery Time of Revision18. One Continuous Mistake19. Like Jesus, It's From God. And From You.20. Ping!21. Five Pillars of WritingPart III. The Lesson of Little Red Riding HoodExercise: Sneaking Up On Your Mind22. Tigers in the Lowland23. Invisible Practice24. The Gentle Cycle25. Writer's Block: The Magic Mountain26. Writer's Anorexia: The Abuse of Creative Power27. The Lesson of Little Red Riding Hood28. Writing ParentsPart IV. Beauty Plus PityExercise: Watching the Mind29. If I Think About Myself, Does That Mean I'm Selfish?30. Writer-Jock31. Writing and "Right" Livelihood32. Who Is Writing Better Vedas?33. Ripples on the Surface of the Water34. Art Is Theft, Art Is Armed Robbery, Art Is Not Pleasing Your Mother35. Beauty Plus Pity36. A Button and a Few Bones37. Life Is Not KilledPart V. A Word Is a Charged SituationExercise: Mot Juste38. Huckleberry "K"39. Tibetan English40. The Told Story41. Art for Life's Sake42. The Look of a Voice43. Grasp the Thing, Words Will Follow44. Wild by LawPart VI. "No, No—Poetry Is Serious! Zen Is Not Serious."Exercise: Silence Is Not Silence Is Not Silence45. The Gospel According to This Moment46. "Ashes Do Not Come Back to Firewood"47. Lady Murasaki's Insight48. Heron and I49. Lean Words & Quietly50. The Frida Kahlo Principle51. An Angel in the House52. Not Knowing53. One World at a TimeAppendicesA. Guidelines for Beginning Writers of HaikuB. Your Reading PersonalityC. Your Learning PersonalityNotesBibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisJeffrey L. Broughton offers an annotated translation of the Whip for Spurring Students Onward Through the Chan Barrier Checkpoints (Changuan cejin), which he abbreviates to Chan Whip. This anthology, compiled by Yunqi Zhuhong (1535-1615), has served as a Chan handbook in both China and Japan since its publication in 1600. To characterize the Chan Whip as late Ming Chan is inaccuratein fact, it is a survey of virtually the entirety of Chan literature, running from the late 800s (Tang dynasty) to about 1600 (late Ming). The Chan extracts, the bulk of the book, are followed by a short section of extracts from Buddhist canonical works (showing Zhuhongs adherence to the convergence of Chan and the teachings). The Chan extracts deliberately eschew abstract discussions of theory in favor of autobiographical narratives, anecdotal sketches, exhortations, sermons, sayings, and letters that deal very franklysometimes humorouslywith the concrete ups and downs of lived practice. Recent decades haveTrade ReviewBroughton delivers a very well crafted and eruditely annotated translation of the work. Those familiar with literary Chinese will also be happy to see that the original text is annexed. This is an important contribution to the growing body of scholarly translations of seminal Chan literature, deserving a wide readership. * Lukas Pokorny, University of Vienna *The Chan Whip (C. Changuan cejin, K. Songwan chaekchin, J. Zenkan sakushin) is a work that played a major role in the revival of gongan (K. kongan, J. koan) practice that swept the Chan, Son, and Zen schools of Buddhism in East Asia in the seventeenth century, and its influence continues to be felt down to the present. Jeffrey Broughton provides a clear and consistent translation of this inspiring but difficult work, together with a critical apparatus that is well-designed to make it as accessible as possible to a Western audience. Scholars and practitioners alike can benefit greatly from his philological expertise and sensitive interpretations of the material. * T. Griffith Foulk, Professor of Religion, Sarah Lawrence College *Table of ContentsAbbreviations ; Introduction ; Whip for Spurring Students Onward Through the Chan Barrier Checkpoints ; Preface to Whip for Spurring Students Onward Through the Chan Barrier Checkpoints ; Front Collection: The First Gate ; Front Collection: The Second Gate ; Back Collection: Single Gate ; Chinese Text of Changuan cejin ; Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisKoans are enigmatic spiritual formulas used for religious training in the Zen Buddhist tradition. This innovative religious practice is one of the most distinctive elements of this tradition, which originated in medieval China and spread to Japan and Korea. Perhaps no dimension of Asian religous has attracted so much interest in the West, and its influence is apparent from beat poetry to deconstructive literary critisism. The essays collected in this volume, all previously unpublished, argue that our understanding of the koan tradition has been severely limited. The authors try to undermine stereotypes and problematic interpretations by examining previously unrecognized factors in the formation of the tradition, and by highlighting the rich complexity and remarkable diversity of koan practice and literature.Trade ReviewThose with a serious interest in the history of Zen Buddhism will find the essays collected here an invaluable resource ... appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate libraries. * Religious Studies Review *

Read more less