Reviews (2)

Priceless, practical teachings!
I discovered Chan & Zen Teachings nearly forty years ago, and- despite the proliferation of books on Ch'an (Zen) since then - Chan & Zen teachings remains the clearest account I have seen, detailing what Chan practice is about. Hsu-yun's (1840-1959) teaching is particularly outstanding.Although a Chan(Zen) monk (for a century - surely ample experience!),the teachings Hsu-yun delivered at the 'Chan Weeks' session - recorded in Luk's text, were for the benefit of monks and lay followers alike. His teaching on hua-t'ou practice can be put into effect anywhere, regardless of surroundings etc. What Hsu Yun says about taking the 'host' position, the 'feeling of doubt' etc.-is very lucid, without the artificial 'stress and strain' - found in some contemporary accounts. This provides an excellent preliminary to the Ch'an anecdotes in the following chapters, and helps to explain the strange seeming gestures and idioms often employed by Ch'an masters. The final chapter of this book is invaluable, because it contains master Han-shan's commentary on the Heart Sutra, also stressing the 'host' position - as hinted at by master Hsu-yun. The Second Series of Ch'an and Zen Teachings outlines the teaching methods employed by the origin- al 'Wu-chia' or Five Ch'an schools. These will be found to be highly complementary, something of a relief, after the stark divisions read into them in the present day. The Third Series contains Hui-neng's teachings, Yung chia's Cheng Tao Keh or 'Song of Enlightenment' - along with the Sutra of Complete Enlightenment. All of Luk's texts are provided with helpful but unobtrusive footnotes, informative glossaries. If you wanted a 'portable roshi' - this collection is a pretty good bet! Master Hsu-yun was the most eminent Chinese master in the last century - and Hsu-yun encouraged Lu Kuan Yu (Charles Luk) to undertake these translations.

Excellent Teachings of a 20th Century Chinese Patriarch
For the Zen student, this is a book of great value.The practice of working with the koan is clarified greatly by the Chinese master Hsu-Yun who, in a two-week retreat, gives daily Dharma-talks which detail the practice of the "Hua-Tou" or the "word-head,"essentially "before-thought," in which a phrase or word such as"Mu" from a koan is used to trace each arising thought to themoment it arises, to the ground of no-thought.When this can be done inone's meditation, this is the gateway to the great freedom!Also valuableis the translation and commentary on the Diamond Cutter of Doubts Sutra. This is a good book to read after one has already been introduced and haspersonally begun a meditation practice in the Zen tradition.Highlyrecommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. General    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Religion    8. Study and teaching    9. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

How to attain the enlightening experience of satori
Transmission Of Light: Zen In The Art Of Enlightenment is a fascinating translation of the classic Denkoroku, attributed to Zen Master Keizan (1268-1325), and presenting timeless wisdom in how to attain the enlightening experience of satori. Fifty-three short tales about spiritual awakening and more are smoothly translated by Thomas Cleary, who is himself an experienced translator of Taoist writings. Transmission Of Light: Zen In The Art Of Enlightenment is a highly recommended and rewarding reading for serious students of Zen Buddhism.

One of those wonderful Zen books.
Transmission of Light is just what American "Tricyclist" Zen students need - a smart whack chopping through the confused residue that half-baked American Zen teachers leave behind. As always, Cleary-roshi's sharp stick of commentary clarifies the matter.
empty
Again another of Thomas Cleary's master-works.This text is informative from both an historical/anthropological perspective, and a spiritually instructive one.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Early works to 1800    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Philosophy    6. Priests, Zen    7. Religion    8. Sotoshu    9. Såotåoshåu    10. Religion / Zen Buddhism    11. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Engaging in deep listening: An Alternative to War
Thich Nhat Hanh comes to this brief but soulfully turgid book by way of a long history of Buddhist thinking and practice, having witnessed the atrocities of the Vietnam war, absorbed the nihilistic effect of evil and electing to form conclaves of believers of peace and serenity in spiritual retreats in Northern California, Vermont and southern France.His response to the current climate of a globe drowning in terrorism issimple: turn thoughts to listening, hearing, understanding and stay calm and shun blowing things up!
simple.profound.wonderful.
i purchased this book today, 9/11/05 at a bookstore here in nyc.i'm not sure if it was placed on display by mistake as i've just read it is not to be released until october--but i am so thankful to have been able to read this today.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Doctrines    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Religious aspects    9. Terrorism    10. Zen Buddhism    11. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Incredible and without parallel
I have finally found a concise yet thourough story of Zen Buddhism ...it is a book called THE STORY OF CHINESE ZEN by Huai-Chin...trans..T Cleary. This books is written by a learned Zennist and accomplished historian andprofessor of Taoism and Confucianism....this well written book is withoutequal in its Buddhist approach to Ancient Indian History and the period ofShakyamuni and the intricate web of philisophical factors influincingBuddhism and the nature and causes of spread of Zen and reasons and splitsof Hinayana and Mahayana trappings and practices and their roots....As acomplete 180 degrees from the professorly books on Buddhist history thattakes a dry and bland timetabled look at Zen and Buddhist history this bookis both straigthforward in every sense of the term ..not only from thepoint of view as being written by a very competent Buddhist but by aequally skilled historian ...This book appraoches the branching ofBuddhism and the external and internal shapings that were undoubtably thereasons for the formation of the Zen school.....of ALL the scholastic andanalytical writtings on Zen and its philosophical compare and contrastchapters ...this is the ONLY book that is written succinctly and thoruoghlyon the subject of Buddhism starting with the period of Shakyamuni and thehistorical catalysts that shaped Zen to its present day form....in shortwow......remarkable in all aspects. Having a greatdeal of experience withother such books in the same genre. I can say with a strong basis forcomparison that this book is a real diamond among the numerous lumps ofcoal that are dry analysises of Zen.

concise, clearly written, excellent!!!
a great book on the history of Zen.Lucidly written!

a succinct summary of Buhddism and Zen
This is Master Nan's fifth English book. It istranslated from the Chinese edition which was first published in 1968. It provides a succinct summary of Buhddism from Buhdda's enlightenment path to Chinese zen. The summary on the various Buhddist doctrines from the viewpoint of an enlightened praticioner is particularly valuable. It also provides the history and background of zen in China. Buhdda did not particularly speak on zen, because zen cannot be expressed by words. It has to be passed on from one zen master to another. You cannot possibly grasp it through books, audio, video, etc. However, the book will tell you what zen is and what it is not. It will also tell you how zen developed in China. As such, it contains stories of many zen masters as interpreted by Master Nan.The interpretation of zen dialogue by an enlightened master is invaluable. Many zen practioners went astray for misinterpretation of the dialogues. Invest in Mater NAN's books. They have ever-lasting values. Some of his Chinese books first published in 1955 are still print. Some of the more popular ones went into 20th edition in Taiwan. His Chinese books -33 of them published both in Taiwan and mainland China - cover subjects inBuddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Chinese culture and history. His books are widely respected by Chinese academicans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. China    3. Civilization    4. Eastern - General    5. Eastern - Zen    6. History    7. Philosophy    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Zen influences   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Koan    4. Meditation    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Buddhism    9. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Don't sit it out...
One of his best works.Glad I bought it, it has all his fundamental philosophy and practice, plus his view of Dogen. The Look of the Buddha
Here, from Taisen Deshimaru, who helped to bring Buddhism to Paris from the Orient, comes a unique teaching of Soto Zen. Philip Coupey, one of his most ardent students and translators, has compiled this book of teachings from Deshimaru's seshins near the Loire Valley in France. Deshimaru had the look of the Buddha when he sat in zazen, and his teachings reflected a deep wisdom and understanding of the cosmos which is in more our bellies, less our minds. Kwatz!
This is a great book.A collection of the retreat teachings of Zen master Taisen Deshimaru that hits like a shot of sharp sun!Lovingly edited by Deshimaru's long-time student, Philippe Coupey, page after page reveals the Soto master at the apogee of his deep success. For a practitioner, it's a joy to experience the thunder of Deshimaru's method, his keen intellect, and his profound religiousness.As the retreat progresses, the pages are increasingly penetrated with descriptions of the physical aspects of meditation in the dojo in the mountains of Val d'Isere, in France- the flowing water outside the zendo, the natural sounds of the sangha.It's a beautiful, remarkable book in the line of Shunryu Suzuki's teaching, and what's finer than that?!Deshimaru says: Zazen is dry wood without thinking.The deep wisdom arises.The blue mountain stands alone.Looking like a modern day Bodhidharma (there are some great photos in the book!), the best and deepest sense of Deshimaru the buddha never leaves you from the instant you start reading, indeed even once you've finished.Useful, timeless spiritual reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Religion    7. Spiritual life    8. Spirituality - General    9. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (7)

It All Comes Down to Compassion
"That Which You Are Seeking Is Causing You to Seek" is a book about finding, realizing & using the compassion we already have within.It's about realizing the mental & physical violence we create for ourselves & other's, and choosing to stop it.It's about listening to our self-talk, and choosing to realize when this "mental chatter" is not truly benefiting us - when it's wrong - when it's judgmental - when it's hurtful; and then to realize our personal power to change what we think/hear/say, and how we behave/act.
Great to meditate on
This is a wonderfull little gem f a book filled with witty wisdom and thoughts to ponder for days. I love the font style chosen as it looks like handwriting and I love the authors insight even more. Buy this little book and open your mind to a realm of possibility.

"Sit down, be still, and pay attention."
At the heart of this book is the search for a meaningful life, a search that prompted the Buddha to leave his wife, son, wealth and privilege, "because intuitively he knew that there must be something that would make sense out of what appears to be the senseless, useless suffering that life brings."Like a traveller describing a worthwhile journey, a friend recently encouraged me to read Cheri Huber's books.Simple in format, but deep with insights, this 130-page book consists of equal parts zen, inspiration, and spirituality. It would appeal to any reader interested in those subjects.In it, Huber tells us that "when we're present we're equal to life" (p. 35); "when we pay attention, everything enlightens us" (p. 44)."We need only stop, sit down, be still, and pay attention."Read more

Subjects:  1. Affirmations    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Inspirational - General    5. Meditation    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Self-Help    8. Philosophy    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help / Spiritual   

Reviews (2)

Clear Book/Surprisingly Nice Koan Commentaries, Too
I was surprised by this book in a very good way. You know-order another Zen book, see what you get sort of thing. This is one of the rare ones, up there with Zen Master Seung Sahn's The Compass of Zen. Anyway, this book is so very, very simple in it's approach. In fact, almost every page gives you the feel of Taizan Maezumi speaking without any paper before you. The English at times is slightly off, which to me is what makes it all the more charming. Echoes of the Great Mountain
Taizan ("Great Mountain") Maezumi Roshi speaks directly to the heart and mind of the reader in this beautiful collection of dharma talks.Editor Tenkei Coppens Sensei has done a masterful job mirroring Maezumi Roshi's voice by setting his simple and direct words to poetic format.At times warm and playful, at other times sharp and cutting, Zen Master Maezumi Roshi's teisho bring the experience of Zen to life within the reader.This book is one that you don't want to miss! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Sotoshu    7. Spiritual life    8. Såotåoshåu    9. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Not just for scholars
Zen Dawn brings the same spiritual excitement to Buddhism as reading the New Testament does to Christians, but better.These texts have only just come to light in the 20th Century.They give the feel of communicating directly with those who practiced and formulated the ancient Zen wisdom in China in the 8th Century. Scholars will love them, but the down-to-earth practicality of their content will appeal to the ordinary Zen student. For example, one learns that 'paramita' means "reaching the other shore."I always wondered what it meant.However, Bodhidarma also goes on to explain the symbolism of it which in essence means that when one's "worldly dust" has been cleaned up, it enables us to escape from affliction, or, in other words, "reach the other shore." This is something everyone is striving for, each in their own way.The six paramitas or six perfections describe how to go about cleaning up our worldly dust. This way works for everyone!
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Religion    6. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. 1200-1253    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - History    4. Doctrines    5. Dåogen,    6. Eastern - Zen    7. Meditation    8. Philosophy    9. Religion    10. Såotåoshåu    11. Religion: general   

Reviews (4)

If you understand the question, you won'tneed the answer.
You need to read this book to figure out that you didn't need to read this book. what a great book
very zen in itself, and admittedly a "finger pointing at themoon", this book gives a great flavor of zen and shows zen's variedforms as well as zen's freedom from a particular time. Great concept, greatquotes, great book.

what a great book
very zen in itself, and admittedly a "finger pointing at themoon", this book gives a great flavor of zen and shows zen's variedforms as well as zen's freedom from a particular time. Great concept, greatquotes, great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Personal & Practical Guides    5. Quotations, maxims, etc    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Not in your top 10
Kensho, The Heart of Zen is a translation of three Buddhist texts. One Son (Korean), one Zen (Japanese) and one Chan (Chinese). It contains the Son Buddhist text 'Straightforward Explanation of the True Mind' by Chinul (1158-1210). Several works by Zen Master Hakuin (1689-1769), and 'The Book of Ease', which are Chan Koans.
A most articulate insight into Enlightenment.
KENSHO, The Heart of Zen, is a concise articulation of Enlightenment and its method of realization.Summed up in a single quotation from the book: "What knows without knowledge is the true mind." (pg. 30)

For the experienced Zen practioner, not for the beginner.
There are few zen books that detail the enlightenment experience to thedegree this one does.It carefully and expertly points out that there arestages to the enlightenment experience and does an excellent job intranslating seemingly abtruse Buddhist terms and phrases into moreunderstandable language.Referring these terms tomore popular and"Western" depictions of Buddhist thought and tradition.Onceagain, it's not a book for the beginner and requires a foundation of"practice" to help the reader understand many of the more salientpoints.So, if you've been practicing zen for a while and are searchingfor something to help deepen your practice and experience, try this book. After a chapter or two, you'll want to just "sit." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Enlightenment (Zen Buddhism)    4. Philosophy    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spiritual life    7. Zen Buddhism    8. China    9. Japan    10. Korea    11. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

One of the clearest writings on Zen
Zen teaching by definition is often very difficult to understand.Someteachers are better at explaining the unexplainable than others.Muso andthis translation are much easier to read than most and the small volume isfull of pointers to the fundamental. Extraordinary book. Sections on sitting are unmatched.
Cleary is one of the important translators of our time, without question. His work and the texts he selects are very helpful to people working with attention and sensation. Several of his translations are of difficult texts (Dogen comes to mind) but this one is very intense, brief, clear and alive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Doctrines    4. Early works to 1800    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. General    5. History - General    6. Religion   

Reviews (12)

Zen and the Harshness of Reality
This is an honest post-script to the author's path through Zen. Jawillem van der Wetering's first and second books brought me to Zen; his third re-inspired me to get back on the cushion.
Abandoning Zen = embracing its true intention ?
Van De Wetering's previous books on Zen "The Empty Mirror" and "A Glimpse of Nothingness" weren't advocatingZen as a "solution" or a "path" for anynone, rather they described his personal search for meaning and his personal struggle with the practice.
Part 3: Insight / Non-Insight
The third and last book of the author's zen experience. This one takes us down his meditations and struggles with the zen koans posed by his sensei and by other fellow seekers. Glimpses of insight / non-insight ... which is which ..does it matter?
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Buddhism - Zen    4. Eastern - Zen    5. General    6. New Age    7. Religious    8. Biography: general    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Zen Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Buddhism    6. Religion / Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Philosophy    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Spiritual life    9. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

An enlightening insight into the inspirational life and practices of Keido Fukushima
The Laughing Buddha Of Tofukuji: The Life Of Zen Master Keido Fukushima by Ishwar C. Harris (Synod Professor of Religious Studies at the College of Wooster) is an enlightening insight into the inspirational life and practices of Keido Fukushima. As a biographical documentation as well as an intuitive balance of humor and Zen teachings, The Laughing Buddha Of Tofukuji is an informed and informative look into one of the most influential and progressive spiritual masters of his time. Very strongly recommended for the non-specialist general reader with a interest in Eastern Philosophy in general, and students of the Zen and Buddhist practices in particular, The Laughing Buddha Of Tofukuji is a truly memorable read.
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Subjects:  1. 1933-    2. Biography    3. Buddhism - Zen    4. Eastern - General    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Fukushima, Keido,    7. Fukushima, KeidÃ¥o,    8. Japan    9. Non-Classifiable    10. Nonfiction    11. Priests, Zen    12. Religion    13. Religion - World Religions    14. Religion / Eastern    15. Zen Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Highly accessible
This is the first beginning Zen book I've seen that explains terms and esoteric concepts in easy to understand, concise, plain English. Even the classic books tend to border on the mystical, so it was a refreshing read. As I read "THe Everything Zen Book", it make other books I've read and terms I've heard instantly clearer and helped me appreciate the aspects of Zen all that much more.
Learning From The Book, The Cushion & Applying It To Life
(4.75 Stars)Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Spiritual    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Mind, body, spirit: thought & practice    8. Non-Christian religions