Reviews (8)

Beautiful Example of a Middle Way
As a Zen priest who is also an academic, I am frequently frustrated both by scholarly books on religion that dismiss practitioners' perspectives, and by religiously oriented books that accept religious claims uncritically. In Seeing Through Zen, John McRae synthesizes a great deal of recent scholarship on Ch'an (Zen) and shows that many of its central claims -- an unbroken lineage of patriarchs, the biographies of key figures such as Bodhidharma and the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, a "golden age" of iconoclastic masters during the Tang Dynasty -- are not "true" in the modern historical sense. At the same time, McRae's first rule of Zen studies is: "It's not true, therefore it's more important." His careful scholarship is balanced bysensitivity to the religious meanings and the institutional value of these myths for Ch'an/Zen practitioners. I highly recommend this book to academic students and religious practitioners of Zen.
Engaging Treatment of Chan
McRae is truly an engaging scholar.Not only are his topics intriguing, but his writing style is smooth, accessible, and clear.Seeing Though Zen was a solid treatment of commonly misunderstood aspects of Chan (chinese zen).He fills the reader in on important aspects of the development of Chan without an over-burdening assessment the factors involved (that's what the bibliography is for), but he also treats the major 20th-century scholarship on Zen which accounts for these misunderstandings.I would have liked more of a "step into the beyond" in the conclusion, but I guess I'll have to wait for the Shen-hui work.

"There is no wisdom and no gain. " Heart Sutra
Studies of this type were perhaps inevitable. Following in the footsteps of Dr.Hu Shih, John McRae questions the 'orthodox' in-terpretation of Ch'an (Zen) history. Like many others, however, I feel that he has made too much of certain arguments. Some things may be less than clear, about the early Ch'an tradition and its geneologies etc. However, the primary sources which shaped the Ch'an tradition - the T'ang masters, were very real people - and, for the most part - what has come down to us today - in their records, is a faithful reflection of what they had to teach.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Asia - General    3. Buddhism - General    4. China    5. Eastern - Zen    6. History    7. History - General History    8. Religion    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Asian studies    11. Religion / General   

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

Reviews (1)

A thoughtfully written and an easy-to-follow guide
Ably translated into English by Thomas F. Judge and John Stevens, Zen Brushwork: Focusing The Mind With Calligraphy And Painting by Tanchu Terayama (Nishogakusha University) uses black-and-white photography to illustrate simple exercises and practices that one can follow to expand one's mind and meditation skills through the arts of calligraphy and painting -- especially as they have been practiced in Asian nations for thousands of years. Showcasing works of art as well as advice and practical instructions, Zen Brushwork is a thoughtfully written and an easy-to-follow guide that especially recommended to students of meditation, Zen Buddhism, and the contemplative aspects of the martial arts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Meditation    4. Philosophy    5. Study & Teaching    6. Techniques - Calligraphy    7. Techniques - General    8. Japan    9. Lettering & calligraphy    10. Oriental art    11. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

A treasury for Zen readers
I pre-ordered this mainly for its translation of the Shobogenzo-zuimonki (Record of Things Heard), Dogen's early dharma talks as recorded by his disciple Ejo. There are few (if any) other English translations in print, and this one by Cleary is included on recommended-reading lists by Dogen scholars such as Hee-jin Kim, Kazuaki Tanahashi and Taigen Dan Leighton. Some feel that the sheer quantity of Cleary's translation work raises questions about its quality, but reading several of Cleary's books (including "Rational Zen") has dispelled any doubts i had about their value for the serious student. This particular volume from the Shambhala series of his "Collected Translations" should be of particular interest for readers of Dogen. Besides the Record of Things Heard (135 pages), it contains:Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Very readable and excellent
Peter has written several books. Because of the broad and profound scope of his agenda it is difficult to communicate it in writing. Thanks to the editing of his wife, this is the first readable book that covers his excellent material. Start here - do not get any of his other books first.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. Martial arts    3. Meditation    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Philosophy    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Buddhism    11. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General   

Editorial Review

Since depression sometimes responds well to drugs, it's natural to think that, without medicinal intervention, we're helpless in the face of it. Like John Tarrant's groundbreakingRead more

Reviews (13)

A gem of a book
I found this little pearl a couple of years ago hidden on the shelves of a large bookshop, amidst a load of dross.
Best Book I ever bought!
This book came to me just when I needed it.It helped me through my depression and was a light in my tunnel.I am grateful to the author of this book and hope that he continues to write.
Depressed?... read this.
This book is not going to cure you with some helpful tips and tricks. The book does have a few of those. However, it tries to show a path that can lead to making depression a little annoying roach that you can either step on or let run back into the wall.
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Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Eastern - Zen    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Religious aspects    7. Spiritual life    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Coping with illness    10. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (11)

A quick thorough intro
The book tells you what to expect from Zen practice. What steps you need to take to get involved in Zen.Then it covers the main chants, and the main teachings of Zen Buddhism.After reading this book, you will know the next step that you want to take in reguards to Zen Buddhism.

Great Beginner's Guide
The best thing that can be said is that it lives up to it's title.It presents Zen Buddhism largely in it's 'American Zen' incarnation which is what most of us who read the book are going to encounter when we venture beyond our armchairs and frontdoors.It's the not the be all and end all of anything, just a very nicely done introduction to a very complex subject.You don't learn Buddhism from books anyway.

Finally a beginners' book that is true to its title!
With her clear writing style, Smith offers anyone interested in Zen Buddhism a very good basic introduction, including practical advice and a resource guide.While she introduces the reader to the beginnings and diversity of Buddhism as a whole, she emphasizes Western approaches to and developments in Zen.Smith's work is informative and unpretentious, terse without omitting any vital details, reflecting respect and admiration for Zen traditions without worship of personalities and exoticism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Spiritual life    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (9)

Start Here
Just getting started on your desire to understand eastern philosophies?Have you stood at the bookstore for hours pouring over where to start and what to buy? Helps keep things straight
One of the best things about this book is it puts a face on Confucius and, more importantly, his disciples. It's difficult to read The Analects (which this book uses a few sayings from) and keep straight who's who; this book helps a lot. The last section with a brief bio on a few of the disciples is fantastic. I can find no other source to compare to this. Now when I read The Analect I see the faces from this book when different people are mentioned. My only complaint is that different translations of Confucius' work seem to use slightly different names then those used in this book. It can be a bit confusing when this book is the first one you read, but I would still HIGHLY recommend it.

A Great Introduction to Confucianism!
The Cartoon Chinese Philosophy books of this series interest me for tworeasons: I like Chinese History and I have to teach it to high schoolkids.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Cartoons and caricatures    3. Chinese Philosophy    4. Comic books, strips, etc    5. Confucianism    6. Confucius    7. Eastern - Zen    8. General    9. Mysticism    10. Philosophy    11. China    12. Religion / Confucianism    13. Caricatures and Cartoons    14. Illustrations   

Editorial Review

A respected Zen master in Japan and founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, Shunryu Suzuki has blazed a path in American Buddhism like few others. He is the master who climbs down from the pages of the Read more

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Reviews (117)

"Gone, gone, gone far beyond, enlightenment."
ZEN MIND, BEGINNER'S MIND is the most easily accessible guide to Zen practice, and is usually the first book that new practitioners and the Zen-curious approach after reading the more general "What's Zen Anyway?"-type books. Thus, it has developed an almost canonical reputation. Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971) spent only a few years in America, was less than fluent in English, and taught in a way that was both simple and yet profound. With his easy intensity, Suzuki had a seminal role in establishing Zen as a viable spiritual practice in the United States and beyond.
This is the one that finally did it
This is the book that finally told me what enlightenment really IS--its something, but at the same time nothing.In addition, it tells you the no BS way to actualize it in your daily life.Just get it and see what happens, you will not be disappointed.If you are dissappointed with it, your cup is too full, poor some out and try again.

Thank you for this book
Thank you for your kindness. It's been a part of the years themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Religion    5. Religious    6. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    7. Philosophy / Zen    8. Religion/Buddhism - Zen    9. Religious Orientation/Buddhist    10. Unabridged Audio / Inspirational/Philosophy   

Reviews (20)

Brilliant! A brilliant piece of a complex whole
Chinese language and culture differ so strongly from American thought and culture that it is impossible to think that a single translation of a classic Chinese text can give the reader the complete experience of having read the text in its original language and context.RL Wing's translation brilliantly shines a light on the ART OF WAR. Explanation on Strategy & Politics
5 star for SunTzu's work Enter the Dragon
I purchased this book in its first edition when I was in my late twenties trying to climb the corporate ladder. I had just finished reading James Clavell's 'Shogun', was deep into the Akira manga and began dating a girl from Shinjuku. Needless to say I was a bit overboard on the whole Asian trip. But you remember the 80s, we were all thinking about the Pacific Rim. With that in mind, I took this book more seriously than the average reader might, but let me tell you something, it was profoundly impressive, and it worked.Read more

Subjects:  1. Early works to 1800    2. Eastern - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. History    5. Military    6. Military - General    7. Military Science    8. Military Tactics And Strategy    9. Military art and science    10. Philosophy    11. Technology    12. China    13. Defence strategy, planning & research    14. Philosophy / Zen   

Reviews (7)

great book.
Your options for studying Dogen's thought are few.I believe that this collection of essays compiled by Mr. Cleary is an excellent one.This work contains a much smaller number of essays than that of the actual Shobogenzo. I think that Mr. Cleary has done a good job with his selection of essays for this book.This book offers the reader a very nice cross section from the whole of the original work.I like his translations and his introductions before each essay are helpful.
Decent Translations
I agree with the previous reviewer, these translations are good-yet not as to the point as "Moon in a Dewdrop." For those of you unfamiliar with the book we are mentioning, I recommend purchasing it before this one. The reviewer prior to him mentioned Cook's translation of the Genjokoan, a text which some 20 years after Shobogenzo's completion was made the first chapter. Personally, not to play one-upmanship here, I find Taizan Maezumi Roshi's commentaries on Genjokoan as erudite as the original work itself. I recommend grabbing "The Teachings of the Great Mountain: Zen Talks by Taizan Maezumi." Very clear text it is. All in all this is a pretty good translation, while there are better out there frankly. The one I mentioned starting the review is the best I've found in the form of "best of" in terms of Dogen's work and even poetry. So buy this book to expand your horizons, and yes even learn some things. But be sure to continue your quest in understanding Dogen's crucial Zen more and more, because this isn't the best book out there on the subject. Having said all this, I think you'll really enjoy it. Take care!

dharma eye new moon size
A useful "best of" selection of Dogen's enormous masterwork.Cleary is generally dependable in this venture. While not as comprehensive as "Moon in a Dewdrop", the book has the virtue of fitting very neatly into a backpack. As 'wisdom imparts wisdom to wisdom', highly recommended. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. Philosophy    3. Buddhism   

Editorial Review

You could call him the first patriarch of Zen in America, and American he is.The beauty of Read more

Reviews (2)

The Essential Guide For The New Student of Zen
I was prepared to not like "Awakening to Zen" when it was given to me by one of my students. I was happily suprised to find the best book I had ever read on Zen Buddhism. Kapleau-Roshi addressed the concerns of theWestern Zen Sangha, while stil maintaining a traditional Zen outlook. On ascale of 1-5, this could only be rated a ten!! Extremely HighlyRecommended.

One of the finest books on Zen
Once again, Kapleau Roshi has out done himself."Three Pillars of Zen" has always beenthe Zen Bible."Awakening to Zen"is a perfect companion. Easy to understand, The Roshi writes for everyone, soeveryone can be touched by the beauty of a Zen life. Thank you Sir! ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

Proof that there are still enlightened masters who carry the Buddha-mind
Along with Roshi Kapleau's The Three Pillars of Zen, Kosho Uchiyama's Opening the Hand of Thought is one of the best books written by a modern master concerning Zen.Roshi Uchiyama, a descendant of the Soto lineage and supporter of Shikantaza, or just sitting meditation, gives a remarkable guide to practice.His writing shows that the lineage of the Transmission of the Light from the Buddha remains intact up to the modern day.This book successfully renders the nearly endless study of Zen into its basic essential in meditation.Even more successfully than Kapleau, Roshi Uchiyama gives a thoroughly intricate picture of zazen experience, and offers instructions that require little or no knowledge of Zen itself to practice.Moreover, his attitude is one of a thoroughly modern master.He seems like he would have been a truly fascinating man to meet.And his instructions are down to earth, using concrete principles to demonstrate the truth of Zen teachings.Opening the Hand of Thought is a thorough guide to "doing the self by the self".It is a practical guide, especially useful for those who know little or nothing of Zen or Buddhism, but also of great value to those who have been practicing for some time, due to the insights of a truly enlightened master.

The all-penetrating mind of Uchiyama Roshi
Well-written and carefully, lovingly edited.Quite a tribute to a great teacher!
Zen as Zen, Zen as Life!
This book is on Zen practice of course. Beautifuly written, translated and edited, it covers just about every aspect of practice that a book like this could. This is a thourough examination of Zen/Zazen from many angles.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - Buddhism    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Philosophy    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Sotoshu    8. Spiritual life    9. Såotåoshåu    10. Buddhism    11. Religion / Eastern    12. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Museum    6. Eastern - Zen    7. Exhibitions    8. Japan    9. Los Angeles County Museum Of Art - Exhibition Catalogs    10. Painting, Japanese    11. Painting, Zen    12. Techniques - Painting    13. Zen calligraphy    14. Art / History / Asian   

Editorial Review

The history of Zen can be almost as perplexing as its cryptic koan. In many accounts of Zen history, it is hard to tell who is Chinese and who is Japanese, who lived in the 6th century and who in the 16th. Andy Ferguson attempts to clear the air once and for all. In Read more

Reviews (3)

Long Awaited Chan History Book
I read this book back when I was living in a monastery.I found it to be extraordinary, the other monk that I was living with at the time was also amazed that such a book had been written and he was the one that order one for the monks and one for the nuns.
Banquet
I took months to read this book and only ever reached the stage of being an open-mouthed, lightning-struck bystander.Such a treasure is not often found in one life.I congratulate the authors on feeding us such juicy and tangy fruit.

Discovering Our Zen Heritage
Zen's Chinese Heritage - The masters and their teachings, by Andrew Ferguson, is a long awaited reference for those wishing to appreciate the origins of the Zen tradition.As a long time practioner of Zen, the manyillustrious and noteworthy ancestors of my tradition, have often beennothing more than a confusing collection of names, difficult to pronounceand even more difficult to appreciate as once real and living men andwomen.Andrew Ferguson's painstaking efforts at bringing to life thesepractioners of old, and providing us with history and anecdotes from theirallusive lives, has enlivened my practice and given new meaning to the manywonderful and amazing persons I encounter in my koan study.This book is awonderful guide and reference, especially with its accompanying lineagechart, for anyone who is either a practioner of this wonderful tradition oris solely interested in furthering their appreciation for the history ofZen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. China    4. Doctrines    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Priests, Zen    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Religion / General    11. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Another esteemed favorite... !
Now "Nirvana in a Nutshell" is among my most valued meditation study materials. Yes, it is alongside the Tao te Ching, I Ching, Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche and Pema Chodron as well as the author's other fine book,"About Peace". Some of the short-and-sweet verses allow one to drop right into an altered state of awareness. I can't thank Scott Shaw enough for his enlightened words & the energetic support provided for the reader. I intend to start from the beginning again once I've reached the end.

Great book on the essence of enlightenment!!!!
This is a great work that points the reader straight to the heart of what enlightement is actually all about.It is full of excellent thought provoking passages that can be read from beginning to end or simply open a page and REALIZE.

It's life in a Nutshell
Short, Sweet and to the point. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Nirvana    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Zen meditations    7. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    8. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Jesus teaches Zen
This very small book lists verses of the gospel of Thomas on each page and then gives the authors comments about what he believes they mean. The authors opinion is that in the gospel of Thomas Jesus is teaching nonduality and how to discover the true Self and over come the illusion of separation and individual ego by living truly in the eternal Now.I agree with the authors opinion completely and believe this book is closer to the true esoteric teachings of Jesus than the Bible. This is a perfect book for beginners that are searching for truth or studing Zen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Apocrypha    3. Bible - Apocrypha    4. Christianity    5. Christianity - Theology - Christology    6. Christianity and other religions    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Eastern - Zen    9. Gnosticism    10. Gospel of Thomas (Coptic Gospe    11. Jesus Christ    12. Relations    13. Religion    14. Spirituality - General    15. Teachings    16. Zen Buddhism    17. Books of the New Testament   

Reviews (8)

One of the Best Contemporary Zen Anthologies
No less than Gary Snyder (aka. "Jaffy Ryder" of On the Road infamy) has prasied this as a great collection of Zen textual gems. Well, that Beat Generation crowd and hype aside...this actually IS a surprisingly engaging mix of Zen stories, characters, koans and poems, there is everything relevant about a collection like this. It speaks to the strong energizingly authentic life of Zen practice and perspective as a path to enlightenment and personal self-redemption. It also illuminates what is eternal about the Zen path by demonstrating how ancient sages expressed their relation to the universe from their own particular, unique vantage points.
the Living Stream
This is the single best collection of Zen writings published in english. This book has a heartbeat; the life of the tradition is felt through the voices of these ancestors. I have loved this book since it first appeared in print. Highly recommended.

an uplifting dance with the divine
I began reading this book as a vehicle toward understanding the history of Zen. As the pages slowly passed, so did my perception of what it means to be a student of the way. Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Translations into English    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Zen literature    8. Buddhism    9. Religion / General   

Reviews (1)

Dogen gone beyond
Dogen's Extensive Record, here translated by Taigen Dan Leighton et al, is an incredible accomplishment in translation and understanding this seminal figure in the history of Zen, and Japanese Zen. These records were mostly recorded later in his teaching career and reflect an intimacy not seen as often in his more popularly known work., SHobogenzo, despite others thinking to the contrary. Dogen here inspires, instructs, challenges and presents in a way that EVERY zen student will find inspiring and challenging. Whereas Lin Chi didn't have a lyrical bone in his body, despite being an exceptional teacher, Dogen is highly lyrical and poetic. Taigen's introduction is worth the reading as well, as it contextualizes and lays out a context in which to read this Extensive Record.
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Subjects:  1. Doctrines    2. Early works to 1800    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Non-Classifiable    6. Nonfiction - General    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Sotoshu    10. Såotåoshåu    11. Buddhism    12. Religion / Eastern    13. Religion / Zen Buddhism