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20 Best Books About Zen Buddhism (2023 Update)
Are you looking for the Best Books About Zen Buddhism? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Books About Zen Buddhism can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Penguin Random House, Samadhi Cushions, WHSmith, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 20 Best Books About Zen Buddhism available.
The average cost is $15.86. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $8.41 to a high of $21.99.
Based on the research we did, we think The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Books About Zen Buddhism (19 Sellers)
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Features:
- An in-depth introduction to the history of zen practice.
- Lineage charts.
- Japanese-to-chinese and chinese-to-japanese conversion charts for personal names, place names, and names of writings.
Features:
- Learn and explore-examine the core principles of zen buddhism and find simple rituals and practices that you can apply day to day.
- Transform your state of mind-experience how compassion and kindness can become more natural than fear and anger.
- Zen for everyone-this book is ideal for beginners- as well as those who are continuing with or returning to buddhism.
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: random house usa inc
- Year published: 1989-02-27
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2002-04-29
- Number of pages: 208
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2003-06-25
- Number of pages: 176
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2005-11-08
- Number of pages: 136
$14.59
5.0
Features:
- Lesson #11: putting down your fork after every bite can help you feel more grateful for what you have.
- Lesson #18: immersing yourself in zazen can sweep the clutter from your mind.
- Lesson #23: joining your hands together in gassho can soothe irritation and conflict.
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2019-11-12
- Number of pages: 256
$17.00
5.0
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: random house usa inc
- Year published: 19960701
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: althea press
- Year published: 2018-05-15
Features:
- Format: ebook
- Rental duration: lifetime
- Author: steve kanji ruhl
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 1989-12-31
- Number of pages: 144
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: grove press / atlantic monthly press
- Year published: 1994-02-03
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: shambhala publications inc
- Year published: 2000-12-01
$8.41
5.0
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: university of hawai'i press
- Year published: 1979-06-30
$11.99
5.0
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: university of hawai'i press
- Year published: 1979-06-30
$10.37
4.7
Features:
- One of the best available introductions to the wisdom and beauty of meditation practice. –new age journal
- Number of pages: 160
- Dimensions: 198 x 127 x 9 mm
Features:
- Publisher: sumeru press inc.
- Pub date: 10/2022.
- Format: paperback.
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2013-04-30
- Number of pages: 224
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: shambhala publications inc
- Year published: 2000-06-01
1. The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book Of Zen Koans [Book]
Product Details:
In the gateless gate, one of modern zen buddhism's uniquely influential masters offers classic commentaries on the mumonkan, one of zen's greatest collections of teaching stories. this translation was compiled with the western reader in mind, and includes koan yamada's clear and penetrating comments on each case. yamada played a seminal role in bringing zen buddhism to the west from japan, going on to be the head of the sanbo kyodan zen community.the gateless gate would be invaluable if only for the translation and commentary alone, yet it's loaded with extra material and is a fantastic resource to keep close by: an in-depth introduction to the history of zen practice lineage charts japanese-to-chinese and chinese-to-japanese conversion charts for personal names, place names, and names of writings plus front- and back-matter from ancient and modern figures: mumon, shuan, kubota ji'un, taizan maezumi, hugo enomiya-lasalle, and yamada roshi's son, masamichi yamada. a wonderful inspiration for the koan practitioner, and for those with a general interest in zen buddhism.
Reviews:
It's a great book for anyone. I would recommend it to anyone. This book is fantastic. It keeps you interested and captivated. Whether it be for yourself or others, it's a must have. I hope you will like this book just as much as me. It is definitely worth buying. If you are looking for a good book then this is it. Perfect.
Timeless book of Zen Koans. Think if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound or what is the sound of one hand clapping – only more complex and thought provoking. The added commentary in this edition helps give both background and interpretation to the Koans, while still leaving the ultimate solution and potential spiritual fulfillment to the reader.njsports
Suit my style of informationrob813slp_7
2. Wake Up: How To Practice Zen Buddhism [Book]
Product Details:
Learn to walk the path of zen every day. zen can only be understood through practice. until you put your own body and breath into it, it doesn't begin to take hold in your life. wake up is a deeply useful guide to zen buddhism, presenting the core teachings and simple practices that you can incorporate every day to engage your heart and mind. in buddhism, zen is an ancient tradition that focuses on discovering truth and being mindful through meditation. living with greater awareness and reflection will help you remain happier and better-balanced in everything you do–and this book can show you the way. wake up is a zen buddhism guide that lets you: learn and explore–examine the core principles of zen buddhism and find simple rituals and practices that you can apply day to day. transform your state of mind–experience how compassion and kindness can become more natural than fear and anger. zen for everyone–this book is ideal for beginners, as well as those who are continuing with or returning to buddhism. center your life and awaken inner peace with zen buddhism.
Reviews:
I havent read much of this book yet but I am loving it so far and cant wait to learn more!! I have been working really hard for the past year or 2 to improve myself mentally and emotionally. This is one step to get me to where I want to be. I love how there are other resources in the back of the book that they recommend! Even though I havent read the whole book, I recommend! So much useful information!!danielle.y
3. The Three Pillars Of Zen: Teaching, Practice, And Enlightenment [Book]
Product Details:
In this classic work of spiritual guidance, the founder of the rochester zen center presents a comprehensive overview of zen buddhism. exploring the three pillars of zen—teaching, practice, and enlightenment—roshi philip kapleau, the man who founded one of the oldest and most influential zen centers in the united states, presents a personal account of his own experiences as a student and teacher, and in so doing gives readers invaluable advice on how to develop their own practices. revised and updated, this 35th anniversary edition features new illustrations and photographs, as well as a new afterword by sensei bodhin kjolhede, who succeeded kapleau as spiritual director of the rochester zen center. a moving, eye-opening work, the three pillars of zen is the definitive introduction to the history and discipline of zen.
Reviews:
I read this book originally about 11-12 years ago and although it was enjoyable, a lot of it seemed to go over my head. The zazen instruction is very well explained and I see now that much of the difficulty is do to the non-explainable nature of zen. While re-reading this book a decade later I found much more meaning and appreciation.likestuff89
a bit advanced for me; but definitiely the correct subject matterpeggydp
Very well written and specific in regards to Zen practice.tay-4941
4. The Buddha's Golden Path: The Classic Introduction To Zen Buddhism [Book]
Product Details:
In 1929, when author dwight goddard wrote the buddha's golden path, he was breaking ground. no american before him had lived the life of a zen buddhist monk, and then set out to share what he had learned with his countrymen. the buddha's golden path is a true classic. it has touched countless lives, and opened the door for future generations in this country to study and embrace the principles of zen.
Specifications:
Imprint | Square One |
Pub date | 16 May 2002 |
DEWEY edition | 21 |
Language | English |
Spine width | 15mm |
Reviews:
In reading this book it is clear that Buddhism is not a religion in the normal sense of the word. There is no active creator/supreme being watching over your every action that may or may not intervene in your life depending on the circumstances and the intensity of your request. Buddhism is more a combination of a philosophy and an associated code of conduct for the individual. The fundamental tenets of Buddhism all have the form "right ####", for example Goddard lists the eight stages of the first adventure: *) Right ideas *) Right resolution *) Right speech *) Right behavior *) Right vocation *) Right effort *) Right mindfulness *) Right concentration In reading this description of Zen Buddhism it is easy to understand the appeal that it has. With no supreme being, there can be no argument over the name that s/he should be called. There is room for Buddhism to adapt to scientific advancement as the principles lack the rigidity of those of many other religions and the ideals of all but the most unusual of religions can be found in the Buddhist way. In a world where wars are still fought over religious differences, this is a comforting thought. This book is suitable to be used as a textbook in courses covering religion as well as to satisfy the curiosity of one engaged in self-study. Some teachers of philosophy will also find content that they can use.Charlie
5. Not Always So: Practicing The True Spirit Of Zen [Book]
Product Details:
Not always so is based on shunryu suzuki's lectures and is framed in his own inimitable, allusive, paradoxical style, rich with unexpected and off–centre insights. suzuki knew he was dying at the time of the lectures, which gives his thoughts an urgency and focus even sharper than in the earlier book. in not always so suzuki once again voices zen in everyday language with the vigour, sensitivity, and buoyancy of a true friend. here is support and nourishment. here is a mother and father lending a hand, but letting you find your own way. here is guidance which empowers your freedom (or way–seeking mind), rather than pinning you down to directions and techniques. here is teaching which encourages you to touch and know your true heart and to express yourself fully, teaching which is not teaching from outside, but a voice arising in your own being.
Reviews:
This is a must read for anyone who is interested in self development. The no non-sense style of Suzuki san cuts straight through to the core of zen and spiritual development. He used easy to understand examples and a humorous style of delivering complex zen concepts. In this book, you'll find the answers and the reasons to continue doing your daily meditation. Read this book and be enlightened by a wise and humble Zen master.
Wonderful for everyday pondering the true nature of things.cbcheri
6. How To Cook Your Life: From The Zen Kitchen To Enlightenment [Book]
Product Details:
This modern-day commentary on dogen’s instructions for a zen cook reveals how everyday activities—like cooking—can be incorporated into our spiritual practice in the thirteenth century, zen master dogen—perhaps the most significant of all japanese philosophers, and the founder of the japanese soto zen sect—wrote a practical manual of instructions for the zen cook. in drawing parallels between preparing meals for the zen monastery and spiritual training, he reveals far more than simply the rules and manners of the zen kitchen; he teaches us how to "cook," or refine our lives. in this volume kosho uchiyama roshi undertakes the task of elucidating dogen's text for the benefit of modern-day readers of zen. taken together, his translation and commentary truly constitute a "cookbook for life," one that shows us how to live with an unbiased mind in the midst of our workaday world.
Reviews:
A must read for anyone trying to improve their quality of lifeleshaddon
7. The Art Of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices From A Zen Buddhist Monk For A Lifetime Of Calm And Joy [Book]
Product Details:
"does for mental clutter what marie kondo has done for household clutter." –publishers weekly – relax and find happiness amid the swirl of the modern world with this internationally bestselling guide to simplifying your life by the renowned zen buddhist author of don’t worry. – in clear, practical, easily adopted lessons–one a day for 100 days–renowned buddhist monk shunmyo masuno draws on centuries of wisdom to teach you to zen your life. discover how . . . lesson #4: lining up your shoes after you take them off can bring order to your mind;lesson #11: putting down your fork after every bite can help you feel more grateful for what you have;lesson #18: immersing yourself in zazen can sweep the clutter from your mind;lesson #23: joining your hands together in gassho can soothe irritation and conflict;lesson #27: going outside to watch the sunset can make every day feel celebratory;lesson #42: planting a flower and watching it grow can teach you to embrace change;lesson #67: understanding the concept of ichi-go ichi-e can make everyday interactions more meaningful;lesson #85: practicing chisoku can help you feel more fulfilled. – a minimalist line drawing appears opposite each lesson on an otherwise blank page, giving you an opportunity to relax with a deep breath between lessons. with each daily practice, you will learn to find happiness not by seeking out extraordinary experiences but by making small changes to your life, opening yourself up to a renewed sense of peace and inner calm.
Reviews:
8. The Circle Of The Way: A Concise History Of Zen From The Buddha To The Modern World [Book]
Product Details:
A comprehensive, accessible guide to the fascinating history of zen buddhism–including important figures, schools, foundational texts, practices, and politics.zen buddhism has a storied history–bodhidharma sitting in meditation in a cave for nine years; a would-be disciple cutting off his own arm to get the master's attention; the proliferating schools and intense dharma combat of the tang and song dynasties; zen nuns and laypeople holding their own against patriarchal lineages; the appearance of new masters in the zen schools of korea, japan, vietnam, and later the western world. in the circle of the way, zen practitioner and popular religion writer barbara o'brien brings clarity to this huge swath of history by charting a middle way between zen's traditional lore and the findings of modern historical scholarship. in a clear and often funny style, o'brien parses fact from fiction while always attending to the greatest interest of contemporary practitioners–the development of zen doctrine and practice as a living tradition across cultures and centuries.
9. Zen Buddhism: Selected Writings Of D.t. Suzuki [Book]
Product Details:
No other figure in history has played a bigger part in opening the west to buddhism than the eminent zen author, d.t. suzuki, and in this reissue of his best work readers are given the very heart of zen teaching. zen buddhism, which sold more than 125,000 as an anchor paperback after its publication in 1956, includes a basic historical background as well as a thorough overview of the techniques for zen practice. concepts and terminology such as satori, zazen, and koans, as well as the various elements of this philosophy are all given clear explanations. but while suzuki takes nothing for granted in the reader's understanding of the fundamentals, he does not give a merely rudimentary overview. each of the essays included here, particularly those on the unconscious mind and the relation of zen to western philosophy, go far beyond other sources for their penetrating insights and timeless wisdom.what is most important about d.t. suzuki's work, however–and what comes across so powerfully in these selections–is his unparalleled ability to communicate the experiential aspect of zen. the intensity here with which zen philosophy comes to life is without parallel in the canon of buddhist literature. suzuki stands apart from all teachers before or since because of his exceptional ability to eloquently capture in words the seemingly inexpressible essence of zen.
Reviews:
10. No-Nonsense Buddhism For Beginners: Clear Answers To Burning Questions About Core Buddhist Teachings [Book]
Product Details:
Get on the path to zen bliss–an essential beginner's guide to buddhism. how is an awakening different from enlightenment? can agnostics and atheists be buddhist? am i supposed to stop thinking when i meditate? in no-nonsense buddhism for beginners, renowned buddhism teacher and host of the popular secular buddhism podcast, noah rasheta, delivers an easily accessible introduction to the teachings of buddhism that answers these common questions and many more. with no-nonsense buddhism for beginners you'll gain a fundamental understanding of buddhism and how to apply the philosophies in your everyday life, through: a simple 4-part structure addressing the different aspects of buddhism–the buddha, key buddhist concepts, the buddha's teachings, and current buddhist practices straightforward q&a's that simplify the vital concepts of buddhism into easy-to-understand ideas "everyday buddhism" sidebars that make buddhism less abstract by offering down-to-earth examples from everyday life presented in a simple, conversational style, the information and guidance in no-nonsense buddhism for beginners provides the groundwork that is necessary for building or continuing your own buddhist practice.
Reviews:
Look forward to gaining insight from this book!LLANELI
All my questions on Buddhism is now answered. Certainly recommend this bookStephen B.
11. Appalachian Zen: Journeys In Search Of True Home, From The American Heartland To The Buddha Dharma [Book]
Product Details:
This luminous memoir combines the hardscrabble setting of appalachia with the spiritual wisdom of shunryu suzuki's classic zen mind, beginner's mind." amazing and intense. a unique, entertaining, and valuable contribution to the dharma literature, appalachian zen addresses a part of the western dharma world that hasn't received much attention: class." –rev. edgy, lyrical, and lovingly rendered, this book recounts how a kid from a pennsylvania mill-town trailer park grew up–surrounded by backwoods farms and amid grief, violence, and passionate yearning–to become something improbable: a buddhist minister teaching zen. author steve kanji ruhl takes readers on an adventure of discovery, roving far from the appalachian mountains of central pennsylvania on a footloose zen pilgrimage to japan and beyond.featuring vivid firsthand accounts of spiritual seeking and teaching in japanese temples, as well as forays to tokyo and hiroshima, the alleys of kyoto, amish cornfields near the susquehanna, and a monastery in the catskills, appalachian zen includes robust historical sketches, rapt nature passages, and cultural references ranging from proust to punk rock. throughout the book, ruhl engages buddhist themes of awakening and the death of the self by confronting the lives and deaths, including two by suicide, of his loved ones. this provocative memoir tells how it feels to practice zen, and to move toward a life of hard-won forgiveness, healing, and freedom.
12. The Zen Teaching Of Bodhidharma [Book]
Product Details:
A fifth-century indian buddhist monk, bodhidharma is credited with bringing zen to china. although the tradition that traces its ancestry back to him did not flourish until nearly two hundred years after his death, today millions of zen buddhists and students of kung fu claim him as their spiritual father. while others viewed zen practice as a purification of the mind or a stage on the way to perfect enlightenment, bodhidharma equated zen with buddhahood and believed that it had a place in everyday life. instead of telling his disciples to purify their minds, he pointed them to rock walls, to the movements of tigers and cranes, to a hollow reed floating across the yangtze.this bilingual edition, the only volume of the great teacher's work currently available in english, presents four teachings in their entirety. "outline of practice" describes the four all-inclusive habits that lead to enlightenment, the "bloodstream sermon" exhorts students to seek the buddha by seeing their own nature, the "wake-up sermon" defends his premise that the most essential method for reaching enlightenment is beholding the mind. the original chinese text, presented on facing pages, is taken from a ch'ing dynasty woodblock edition.
Reviews:
Great book. Came in good time and top condition. I'm looking forward to reading it.freders84
great Buddha dharma teaching !gwodwe0
13. The Zen Teaching Of Huang Po: On The Transmission Of Mind
Product Details:
This complete translation of the original collection of sermons, dialogues, and anecdotes of huang po, the illustrious chinese master of the tang dynasty, allows the western reader to gain an understanding of zen from the original source, one of the key works in its teachings; it also offers deep and often startling insights into the rich treasures of eastern thought. nowhere is the use of paradox in zen illustrated better than in the teaching of huang po, who shows how the experience of intuitive knowledge that reveals to a man what he is cannot be communicated by words. with the help of these paradoxes, beautifully and simply presented in this collection, huang po could set his disciples on the right path. it is in this fashion that the zen master leads his listener into truth, often by a single phrase designed to destroy his particular demon of ignorance. this complete translation of the original collection of sermons, dialogues, and anecdotes of huang po, the illustrious chinese master of the tang dynasty, allows the western reader to gain an understanding of zen from the original source, one of the key works in its teachings; it also offers deep and often startling insights into the rich treasures of eastern thought. nowhere is the use of paradox in zen illustrated better than in the teaching of huang po, who shows how the experience of intuitive knowledge that reveals to a man what he is cannot be communicated by words. with the help of these paradoxes, beautifully and simply presented in this collection, huang po could set his disciples on the right path. it is in this fashion that the zen master leads his listener into truth, often by a single phrase designed to destroy his particular demon of ignorance.
Reviews:
I don’t know much about Buddhism, but I know what I like. Huang Po is the man! Listen to this. “I may express it thus – the way of the Buddhas flourishes in a mind utterly freed from conceptual thought process, while discrimination between this and that a legion of demons! Finally, remember that form first to last not even the smallest grain of anything is perceptible has ever existed or ever will exist.” P127 “There is absolutely NOTHING which can be attained.” P125 What a guy.
14. Gateless Barrier: Zen Comments On The Mumonkan [Book]
Product Details:
For more than seven centuries the mumonkan has been used in zen monasteries to train monks and to encourage the religious development of lay buddhists. it contains forty- eight koans, or spiritual riddles, that must be explored during the course of zen training. shibayama zenkei (1894-1974), an influential japanese zen teacher and calligrapher who traveled and lectured throughout the united states in the 60s and 70s, offers his own commentary alongside the classic text. the gateless barrier remains an essential text for all serious students of buddhism.
Reviews:
This is a very readable translation of that Zen Classic. If your into Zen this is a must for your bookshelf.ringlord101
15. A Primer Of Soto Zen: A Translation Of Dogen's Shobogenzo Zuimonki [Book]
Product Details:
Zen was popularized in the west largely through the writings of dr. d.t. suzuki, who followed the school of rinzai zen. although it remains relatively unknown in the west, soto zen eventually attracted the greatest number of followers in japan. with its gentle, more intellectual approach, soto zen relies on deep meditation (zazen) rather than the "sudden," direct method (using koan) of rinzai zen, in striving for enlightenment.the shobogenzo zuimonki consists largely of brief talks, horatatory remarks, and instructional and cautionary comments by the soto zen master dogen (1200-1253). translated, shobogenzo means "the eye of the true law." roughly translated, zuimonki means "easy for the ears to understand," or "simplified."
Specifications:
Language | English |
Paperback | 128 pages |
Dimensions | 5.51 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches |
Language | English |
Dimensions | 5.51 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches |
Reviews:
The Shobogenzo Zuimonki. Very rich; useful for the more advanced practitioner. In these discourses, he's talking to monks, not beginners or laypeople. The air gets pretty thin at these elevations, and if you're not acclimated through a pretty well-established practice in Zazen, it's easy to misunderstand, misinterpret, or become overwhelmed by the Shobogenzo. If, like me, you're looking for a simpler sampling of Dogen, I would look for something simpler to ponder, like the Genjo Koan, with some commentary.martymodcol
16. A Primer Of Soto Zen: A Translation Of Dogen's Shobogenzo Zuimonki [Book]
Product Details:
Zen was popularized in the west largely through the writings of dr. d.t. suzuki, who followed the school of rinzai zen. although it remains relatively unknown in the west, soto zen eventually attracted the greatest number of followers in japan. with its gentle, more intellectual approach, soto zen relies on deep meditation (zazen) rather than the "sudden," direct method (using koan) of rinzai zen, in striving for enlightenment.the shobogenzo zuimonki consists largely of brief talks, horatatory remarks, and instructional and cautionary comments by the soto zen master dogen (1200-1253). translated, shobogenzo means "the eye of the true law." roughly translated, zuimonki means "easy for the ears to understand," or "simplified."
Specifications:
Language | English |
Paperback | 128 pages |
Dimensions | 5.51 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches |
Language | English |
Dimensions | 5.51 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches |
Reviews:
The Shobogenzo Zuimonki. Very rich; useful for the more advanced practitioner. In these discourses, he's talking to monks, not beginners or laypeople. The air gets pretty thin at these elevations, and if you're not acclimated through a pretty well-established practice in Zazen, it's easy to misunderstand, misinterpret, or become overwhelmed by the Shobogenzo. If, like me, you're looking for a simpler sampling of Dogen, I would look for something simpler to ponder, like the Genjo Koan, with some commentary.martymodcol
17. The Miracle Of Mindfulness: The Classic Guide To Meditation By The World's Most Revered Master [Book]
Product Details:
This used book is in like new condition. in this beautiful and lucid guide, zen master thich nhat hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercise as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness–being awake and fully aware. from washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peacefulness.
Specifications:
Dimensions | 127 x 198 x 9mm | 116g |
Imprint | Rider & Co |
Publication City/Country | London, United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Illustrations note | 1 |
Reviews:
This book was a gift for another person. I have asked the recipient about the book and he said that it was an extremely useful book which has helped him to see life in a different way. The recipient also said that he had passed the book on to his son, who was experiencing difficulties with lack of time for himself and that the book had helped his son to look at his life experiences in a different light. It seems to be a wonderful book and really helpful to people who are under stress in this difficult world.
18. A Zen Life Of Buddha [Book]
Product Details:
Zen buddhism begins with the buddha's enlightenment. while the word, "enlightenment" suggests there is something you get and that once have it you are "enlightened," "intimacy" comes closer to the truth. no longer strangers to this earth, to others, or to ourselves, such intimacy has healing power. this is to live our own zen life of buddha. drawing on ancient myth, on zen koans, on stories, and on his own over fifty years of formal zen practice and more than ten years of active zen teaching, roshi rafe martin reveals the life of the buddha as our own actual life. using his skills as an award-winning author and storyteller, he organizes the life of the buddha into five archetypal chapters – birth, leaving home, enlightenment, teaching, and death and reveals how, at every point, the historic/legendary/mythic life of the buddha is our own lived life. the end result is transformative, helping us to potentially live each day more consciously, skillfully, and gratefully – whatever comes.
Specifications:
Language | English |
Release Date | October 2022 |
Length | 80 Pages |
Dimensions | 0.2" x 5.8" x 8.3" |
19. The Essential Dogen: Writings Of The Great Zen Master [Book]
Product Details:
These pithy and powerful readings provide a perfect introduction to the teachings of zen master dogen—and will inspire spiritual practice in people of all traditions eihei dogen (1200–1253), founder of the soto school of zen buddhism, is one of the greatest religious, philosophical, and literary geniuses of japan. his writings have been studied by zen students for centuries, particularly his masterwork, shobo genzo or treasury of the true dharma eye. this is the first book to offer the great master’s incisive wisdom in short selections taken from the whole range of his voluminous works.
20. Zen Essence: The Science Of Freedom [Book]
Product Details:
Drawn from the records of chinese zen masters of the tang and song dynasties, this collection may surprise some readers. in contrast to the popular image of zen as an authoritarian, monastic tradition deeply rooted in asian culture, these passages portray zen as remarkably flexible, adaptive to contemporary and individual needs, and transcending cultural boundaries. the readings contained in zen essence emphasize that the practice of zen requires consciousness alone and does not depend on a background in zen buddhism and asian culture. the true essence of zen resides in the relationship between mind and culture, whatever that culture might be. this unique collection of writings creates a picture of zen not as a religion or philosophy, but as a practical science of freedom.