Description
Book SynopsisJodorowsky notes that most people are incapable of self-realization because of their fear of the void within, an emptiness they seek to fill with noise and chatter. He shows that Zen teachings can be compared to a finger pointing at the moon, directing you to awaken to your true nature--the Buddha within. The danger lies in mistaking the pointing finger for the moon, mistaking the words for the essential enlightenment, which can only be grasped once words have been surpassed. Unlike most tales, these stories are intended to evoke silent illumination--as true awakening and self-realization cannot occur until the mind has been stilled.
Trade Review“No one alive today, anywhere, has been able to demonstrate the sheer possibilities of artistic invention--and in so many disciplines--as powerfully as Alejandro Jodorowsky.” * NPR Books *
“Alejandro Jodorowsky is a demiurge and an interpreter of our stories, always exploring further the understanding of both the beauty and complexity revealed by humankind.” * Diana Widmaier Picasso, art historian *
“Jodorowsky is a brilliant, wise, gentle, and cunning wizard with tremendous depth of imagination and crystalline insight into the human condition.” * Daniel Pinchbeck, author of Breaking Open the Head *
“Alejandro Jodorowsky seamlessly and effortlessly weaves together the worlds of art, the confined social structure, and things we can only touch with an open heart and mind.” * Erykah Badu, artist and alchemist *
“One of the most inspiring artists of our time. . . . A prophet of creativity.” * Kanye West, recording artist *
“
The Dance of Reality begs to be read as a culminating work. . . .” * Los Angeles Times *
“The Dance of Reality [film] is a trippy but big-hearted reimagining of the young Alejandro’s unhappy childhood in a Chilean town. . . .” * New York Times Magazine *
“
Manual of Psychomagic is great . . . like a cookbook of very useful recipes that can help us to understand our life and the universe we live in.” * Marina AbramoviÄ?, performance artist *
“His films
El Topo and
The Holy Mountain were trippy, perverse, and blasphemous.” * Wall Street Journal *
“The best movie director ever!” * Marilyn Manson, musician, actor, and multimedia artist *
Table of ContentsPROLOGUE
Experience with Ejo Takata (Mexico, 1961) The Essential Sound of Emptiness
ZEN AND JAPANESE STORIES
Swallowing the Serpent
The Two Cat Doors
The Fool and the Theologian
Crossing the River
Eyes Wide Open
The Monks and the Rabbits
Miracle and Faith
The Zen Garden
Attention
Ignorance and Enlightenment
The Interview
Hell and Paradise
Pay Attention
An Impassive Old Man
The Test of the Jar
The Head of the Dog
The Learning Process
KOANS
Regarding Koan Masters and Disciples
The Wooden Buddha in the Temple Fire
Water
What Is Buddha?
Back to the World
Infinity
Is Buddha in the Dog?
Seizing the Sky
The Master’s Bones
The Master’s Death
Two Monks and a Nightingale
The White Stone
The Heart of the Tree
The Visit of Master Tanka
Mokugen’s Smile
Submit!
Open Hand, Closed Hand
Cutting Off Buddha’s Neck
A Million Things
The One-Pound Shirt
Break the Shape
Where Are You?
Becoming One with the Path
The Dog’s Nature
Nansen’s Arrow
Joshu and the Birds
The Monk, the Bridge, and the River
The Spirit at the Center
Falling into the Well
The Sleeping Attendant
Constant Inconstancy
The Thousand Hands of the Buddha of Compassion
The Master’s Heart
Ten Thousand
Stronger than Buddha
Interior and Exterior
The Best Piece of Meat
The Three Worlds
What Has Become of the Old Masters?
A Definition of Zen
Facing Disaster
Tchao-Tcheu Tests an Old Woman
The Mocking Gloss of Wu-Men
Arakuine’s Tears
Enlightenment
The Candle
The Master’s Gratitude HAIKUS
GLOSSARY
INDEX
