Reviews (3)

A Solid Foundation for Zen Study
No, please don't burn this book after reading it (as proposed in review #1, above) that would show a great misunderstanding of Zen and a total lack of respect for this book -- a splendidly helpful manifestation (form) of the unmanifest(formless). Zen is seeing, knowing and living Reality in all everyday dealings -- including growing intellectually and spiritually from the reading and intensive study of a superb book like this one. Great book, but burn it after you have read it!
This is a great book and I love it, but I might have to burn it out of respect for the Ancestral Patriachs! Simply the best!
This book surely refined my understanding of Zen, and it is doing so every time I read it. As a Zen Monk of the Rizai Zen Sect in Austria, I got one of the koans of this sacred old book from my Roshi to meditate with it and become enlightened one day. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1183-1260    2. 1183-1260.    3. Buddhism - Zen    4. Eastern - General    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Huikai,    7. Koan    8. Philosophy    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Wumen guan    11. Religion / Zen Buddhism    12. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Wide range of authors with historical progression
This anthology traces the developing relationship of psychoanalysis (PA) & Zen (Z) over time, including both old & new classics.Unfortunately, I had read (& reviewed on Amazon) quite a few.IMHO some are only of historical interest; some didn't say much, but some were quite enlightening.Having read the earlier translation of the Jung-Hiramatsu conversation in Meckel & Moore's book, I found the Muramoto one (from German original) more comprehensible & believable.I thoroughly enjoyed Elder's delightful PA of Buddha's life, both Eigen's & Cooper's fine case studies, & Suzuki's fantastic "The Zen Doctrine of No-Mind."It can be compared with Engler's fine "Buddhist Psychology: Contributions to Western Psychological Theory."Several authors argue convincingly for the integration of Z & PA addressing the nature of ego/self: Bobrow & Abe-with the latter comparing Z & Jung.Per Michael Eigen's valuable essay, p. 219: "We need more than one breast, more than one eye...Experience teaches us that it is dangerous to think that any one system of belief will supply everything.There is always something missing, something wrong.Healthy skepticism protects against blind faith.Healthy faith protects against nihilistic skepticism.We are made of multiple systems capable of providing some checks & balances.It is important not to expect too little or too much from a great teaching."Phillips & Young-Eisendrath address the value of suffering: per Phillips, pp. 197-8: "Psychoanalysis, one could say, is the art of turning pain into meaning."But, my favorite essay is Odajnyk's "Zen Meditation as a Way of Individuation & Healing" in which he differentiates between Z, mindfulness, & Vipassana, & between Z & PA.He provides an amazing, yet well-argued case for Zen's effectiveness in treating neuroses while also addressing the dangers of meditation to those with certain psychic wounds.Thus, he states, p. 134: "Generally, I agree that a combination of psychotherapy & meditation is the best way to approach psychological & spiritual growth & development", p. 135: "Several studies indicate that, particularly in Westerners, meditation can make things worse," pp. 136-7: "By consciously focusing the mind on the object of meditation & thereby altering the natural, habitual flow of psychic energy, we gradually `starve' & `shrink' the drives & complexes.In other words, Zen meditation, under certain conditions, achieves the same goals as psychoanalysis & psychotherapy," & p. 139: "The danger with spiritually inclined people is that they pursue Self-realization at the expense of personal development."IMHO, it's worth reading this book just to read his article.But different people will, no doubt get different things from this wealth of material.As Phillips says, p. 199: "Perhaps, each of us should take whatever appeals to us out of psychoanalysis & Buddhism, & from whatever else, to make something of our own." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Movements - Psychoanalysis    5. Philosophy    6. Psychoanalysis    7. Psychoanalysis and religion    8. Psychology    9. Religion    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Einstein
Ah, he says Einstein is religious. I don't think that's true, is it? But, that little smudge aside, this book is, as has been said before, one of the best introductions to Ch'an buddhism you can buy. It outlines the major forms of zen practice, some you probably hadn't heard of (HuaTou, MoChao), as well as some autobiographical parts, explanations of core Buddhist belief, as well as a great chapter on compassion. In fact, the book gives an exercise in compassion you can practice each day to help you out with it. You don't find that much in Zen these days.

Great intro to Chinese Buddhism.
I have studied Buddhism for over 20 years (mostly Zen), but was not all that familiar with authentic Ch'an Buddhism.Master Sheng yen was recommended by a friend and out of all his books I've found this the mostaccessible and most comprehensive.It's a great place to start if , likeme, you want profound wisdom at an understandable level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Compassion    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious aspects    8. Suffering    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (5)

Zen Manual
This was fully intended to be an actual Zen manual, full of liturgy, ritual and explanations. D.T. Suzuki, the preimminent and enthusiastic ordained Japanese Zen Scholar, presents the subject matter as always with perfect confidence and numerous flying sparks.
Setting out
To find your way home, you must leave the house. Approaching the Masters with humility and respect.
MANUAL OF ZEN BUDDHISM by D. T. Suzuki.192 pp.London : Rider and Company, 1974 (1950) and Reprinted.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Gods, Buddhist    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Sacred books    7. Zen (Sect)    8. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful gems of Eastern thought in plain English!
It's hard not to notice the proliferation of books on Buddhism, Meditation and Eastern thought during the past decade. In this work, Rabinowitz has choosen the very best of this popular genre and organizes and comments onher selections in a way that conveys the profundity of the subject matter,without compromising its accessibility to the reader. This book is an idealpoint of departure for anyone who is interested in exploring Easternthought for insight into how to lead a more relaxed, happy and enlightenedlife. ... Read more

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

Features

• Abridged

Reviews (1)

great meditation tape
I find listening to this tape over and over and over like a music tape, I am getting into Dogen's mind a little, and it is actually starting to make sense!!!! Egads, I should check myself in! It is really a different experience hearing it and trying to follow it, as compared to reading it.It has become sort of like poetry for me, I guess.Thanks to Gary Snyder and Kaz and Dogen. gassho.Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    2. Audio - Inspiration / Philosophy    3. Audio Adult: New Age    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Inspirational - General   

Reviews (4)

Solving Anger the Buddhist Way
This book wasn't as hard to read as I thought it to be (I don't usually read books on philosophy and psychology, though my interest in the seven sins urged me to read this book).
Anger:The Seven Deadly Sins (Seven Deadly Sins)
This book was a recommendation, and I have enoyed reading the book and am looking forward to completing the entire series.Thank you!!!

This guy's angry at anger, but he has a suggestion...
Anger. People who get angry do nasty things. They swear, throw things, shake their fists at the sky, and kick things that don't necessarily deserve a kick. Or worse. Maybe they launch a thousand ships. Maybe they invade a country. In any case a lot of nasty things have anger as their foundation. So how do we deal with it? This book offers some suggestions.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Buddhism - Zen    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    7. Patience    8. Philosophy    9. Religion    10. Religious aspects    11. Religious life    12. Family & Health    13. Health psychology    14. Popular psychology    15. Religion & Theology | Sociology of Religion    16. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Don't skip this one...
The first reviewer says skip this and go to Thomas Cleary.I would assume that means "Entry into the Inconceivable".I have both actually, and I like "The Buddhist Teaching of Totality" better. Good Intro, though sectarian
The Hwa Yen school, which drew chiefly from the Avatamsaka Sutra (translated by Cleary), emphasizes Dharma from the perspective of realization, or enlightened mind.Like the Lotus Sutra, The Avatamsaka Sutra is equally an evocation of a state of mind as a presentation of information.The Hwa Yen thinkers of Sung China used this as their starting point to paint a dazzling portrait of our universe filled with mind-blowing images and rich ideas. An authoritative study by an experienced Buddhist
For an easy ride, visit Disneyland. C.C. Chang's study of the Hua Yen is a demanding work, because it presuposes that the reader wishes to find such insight - through practice. The Hua Yen Ching is said to have been expounded immediately after the Buddha's own enlightenment. It is one of the few sutras that actually endeavour to hint about the enlightened state itself- positively, rather than obliquely, by referring to it in relation to what it is not (viz. asrava, klesa defilements, trsna, dualism) - the 'neither-nor' aspect. Hua Yen deals with the 'mutually inclusive' dimension(s) of totality. Beware! Too many Western writings on Hua Yen (Kegon) jump straight into shih-shih wu ai - the 'non-obstruction between thing-events.' But actually, without insight into li-shih wu ai, seeing 'form' as grounded in the kung or 'void' aspect, nobody knows anything about shih-shih wu ai. C.C. Chang had the best Chinese and Tibetan teachers. He writes with authority - because he writes with eperiential insight into what the Hua Yen teaches. I've savoured Chang's work for 25 years, yet it remnains as inspiring and stimulating, as the day I first saw it. A lifelong study this. Find the meaning in your own experience. Candy is for the kids! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Hua yan Buddhism    5. Philosophy    6. Buddhism    7. Oriental & Indian philosophy   

Reviews (3)

Zen Lessons
A very peaceful tape that explains the art of leadership from a Zen perspective. It sounds like a relaxation tape. Because of the translation, much of the essence of the teaching sounds artificial and unrealistic for today's business world. However, it gives a fresh look at the sacredness of leading others. It gives encouragement to those of us who want to live and lead others in an enlightened way.

Of Destiny and Dynasty...
...this is a two inch paperback book with 216 anecdotes, precepts and lessons from various Zen teachers of the Song Dynasty in China. Someinteresting history and discussion appears in the 30-odd pages of theTranslator's Introduction at the beginning of the book...Thomas Clary saysof this period that Zen was "characterized by complexity of form andingenious imagery with multiple meaning" and so, one finds manyambiguities in the lessons. And also there's much discussion on what thenature of Zen (Tang vs Song Dynasties) andwhat the way of the Sagesshould be.That should not, however, stop the modern day student (whetherin business, politics or some other leadership position) from seeking someof the lessons offered in the book. In fact, Claryalso translated SunTzu's "The Art of War", most recently found in corporatebookshelves.

Review of "Zen Lessons: The Art of Leadership"
It is said that there is nothing new under the sun.Certainly the issues facing leaders today are comparable to those that have faced leaders across cultures and throughout time.Human nature has not changed, and therefore the fundamentals of leadership -- the process of channeling human nature in a particular direction -- have not changed.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (18)

Too much tofu, not enough meat
Yes, I need to organize my office - but I also need to organize my books, my closet, the pantry shelves, and the cat's toys. I am cognizant of the deep psychological implications of constant clutter, but I would prefer to get my space organized before I meditate on that aspect of the disarray. And I totally agree with the reviewer's comment about overpriced dinner parties. Let's get real! No `housewives, corporate execs and business people' I know would fritter that amount of money on dinner, nor do I consider movie stars or producers to be realistic role models for organized living.
Just an Okay Organizing Book
I expected more from this book.I was looking for some great organizing tips, but there was nothing new in this book that I haven't read elsewhere before.Many of the tips (and the zen philosophy on being organized) could be found for free on the internet.If you're new to organizing or not very organized at all, this book may help you.If you're pretty organized to start with, you won't find anything special.

Great, but need to adapt to your situation
The author notes that most of her clients have assistants and/or housekeepers.I have neither, but am my own in both cases.I did find the book inspirational, though not a read from cover to cover.I'm flipping through several organizational/clutter buster books at one time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Home economics    4. Office management    5. Personal Growth - General    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Time management    10. Organizational theory & behaviour    11. Self-Help / General    12. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (5)

A Great Adventure!
Through a unique style of inspirational story telling, Thomas Crum generously offers some essential tools that help us live with greater peace, productivity, and most importantly, joy.

Greatest Positive Effect on my life from any self-help book
Due to various emotional baggage and lack of the skills needed to advance myself, I have been unable, until now, to use any of the plethora of self-help methods from any other book.My skill in concentration wasnon-existant.I walked around every single day with a humongous knot ofanxiety in my gut. This book has literally changed all that.It is notthe magic save-all.It is merely the best way I have ever found to beginmy journey through life.It is now the basis for everything I do. Tothose who read it:Read it through at least once.Try it.Then augmentit with other techniques and advancement methods. Just don't stop andalways stay centered.

Lovely Book
This is a great inspirational book, but it's funny as well. The author is self-effacing and never misses a chance to poke fun at himself, which seems to show that the lessons that he speaks of have been well-learned. Hewrites like a lay-Buddhist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. Body-mind centering    3. Centering (Psychology)    4. Crum, Thomas F    5. Eastern - Zen    6. General    7. Motivational & Inspirational    8. New Age (Self Help)    9. Psychology    10. Self-actualization (Psychology    11. Self-actualization (Psychology)    12. Self-realization (Psychology)    13. Advice on careers & achieving success    14. Buddhism    15. Coping with stress    16. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    17. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (2)

Professional Review of Zen in Psychotherapy
Zen and Psychotherapy: Integrating Traditional and Nontraditional Psychotherapies by Christopher J. Mruk with Joan Hartzell, published by Springer Publishing Company (2003) is a challenging book and makes a significant contribution to the field.The challenge is not it its writing style or readability as has been reported. In fact, objective evaluations for such things can be found by clicking on the link named "Concordance" in the first paragraph of the description of the book offered by Amazon.com. There one sees that the average of the three scales measuring readability clearly indicates that about 25% of books in general are more difficult to read.The same analysis reveals that although sentences are often long, they would not be a problem for anyone who has one year of college.This level of ability is quite appropriate for a book largely aimed at professional and academic audiences.Instead of focusing on such minor issues, professional reviews such as this one concentrate on more substantial matters.For another example, refer to the one found in the New Therapist at http://www.newtherapist.com/31mruk.html.
zen and psychotherapy--unbelievably awful!
The book, Zen and Psychology, is unequivocally THE MOST POORLY WRITTEN BOOK I've ever read, bar none!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Buddhism and psychoanalysis    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Meditation    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    8. Psychotherapy    9. Psychotherapy - General    10. Religious aspects    11. Therapeutic use    12. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

compilation by a contemporary Zen Master
Compiled by a great contemporary Zen Master with Westerners in mind. If you're interested in kong-ans (aka koans), this is as [in]comprehensible as it should get.

must-have for those working with koans
after you leave a retreat, you may not remember the koan that a zen master asked you.at least not in complete detail.this book contains many koans that are used in koan (kong-an) practice.if you're stuck on a koan and can't seem to remember exactly how it was phrased, you can refer to this book.

More unanswerable questions from Korea
Wow, I can't believe that no one has ever reviewed this book; the reviews must have been lost in cyberspace. What can I say about a book that I refer to everyday since its release in 2000? I am deeply indebted to Zen Master Seung Sahn (Sŭngsan) for his life long commitment to spreading the Dharma, I miss his physical presence deeply. This collection of Kongans (Japanese: Koans) is a gift that has allowed me to slowly come to terms with my own delusions. My teacher, Zen Master Robert Moore, as with many of the other dharma heirs of Zen Master Seung Sahn, uses this collection to teach their Zen students. Contained in its pages are many interesting kongans that have come from everyday life, and as a living, breathing document, it allows us a glimpse of our own true nature.
Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Several ways in to the heart of Basho's poetry
I wanted to read more Basho after reading The Narrow Road to Oku, and this book provides several ways into an understanding of the man, his work, and the culture around him.I particularly enjoyed the explication of the allusions to other literary works in the Notes, and the list of nature-words and their use in defining seasons in the specialized Glossary.I still can't read these poems as if I were versed in Japanese literary traditions, but they have gained additional dimensions in my mind.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Edo period, 1600-1868    5. Haiku    6. Japanese poetry    7. Poetry    8. Translations into English    9. Japanese    10. Poetry & poets: 16th to 18th centuries    11. Works by individual poets: 16th to 18th centuries   

Reviews (6)

Unique and delightful
My fiance and I love to read the stories to each other. A wonderful book and a great non-threatening introduction to the zen koan. The insight, wisdom and humor found in these stories are like a blend between zen master Seung Sahn (a personal favorite!) and the practical wisdom of Winnie the Pooh (Tao of Pooh, Te of Piglet). I go back to this book again and again and always feel like I've learned something new.

Mother Goose Meets Bodhidharma
Appropriately raw, weird, and compelling, this is the one of the most pure and authentic texts to emerge from the nascent Zen tradition of the West. On the other hand, it may be complete nonsense. Either way, this stays in the book pile next to my bed for a few years at least.

Beyond the beyond
How to comment on a book of Koans? For me it seems this book contains the essence of Aitken Roshi's teachings. This is not a soft Zen book, musing about the Zen-of-whatever. It is something quite different, a work book pointing "beyond the beyond".
Read more

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

Reviews (3)

limited usefulness
This book has more in common with a glossy gardening magazine than a book of either oriental style landscaping or zen philosophy. There's lots of pretty pictures (which you may find inspirational) but the advice in the text if fairly shallow. The connection to zen is a bit nebulous... and seems to exist mostly to add some sort of deeper legitamacy to the book.

A pleasure to read.
After reading this as a library book I wanted it in my personal library. A Japanese garden is not my goal - a serene and calm landscape is. I found inspiration and sound principles to work with in ZEN IN MY GARDEN. A pleasure to read.

Excellent guide to Zen for Western gardens.
I am a beginner at Zen, but from what I know of the underlying ideas and principles from reading several authors, this book captures the essence of what one would need to create a place for quiet contemplation.Stunning pictures! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Gardens, Japanese    6. Japanese Gardens - General    7. Zen influences   

Reviews (1)

peace of mind for seekers of answers about death...
I did not pick this book up and decided to read it. The book drew me to it when I most needed it. I was troubled by the illness and possible death of a loved one, and this book demanded my attention and in return offered the best answers, the most thought-provoking arguments, and the most soothing advice for my death-troubled mind.You don't have to be a buddhist to enjoy this book, or even to gain insight from its arguments. Philip Kapleau makes a great job in offering a complete perspective on Death, Dying, and Bereavement.This book is divided into four parts. Part one deals with Death, and it includes, among other things, anecdotes about the death of famous historical figures (Gautama the Buddha, Socrates, Sri Ramana Maharshi, etc.), an analysis on why we fear death, and an interesting, albeit brief, look at the Day of the Dead in Mexico.Part two deals with dying, and it is a compassionate explanation of how our views of death affect the way we will undergo the inevitable process of dying. It shows how this process is only as painful or liberating as we make it, through our views, our beliefs, and our hopes and fears. Part three explains karma. Like I said, you don't have to be buddhist (or of any particular religion, at that), and if there's anything about this book that is outstanding, it is this part. Rational, logical, well-argued, and convincing, it wraps up the discussion on "Existential Aspects of Death" from part one, and leaves the reader with a strange assuredness about the nature of change and renewal inherent to life.Part four looks at rebirth. the last two parts of the book require an open mind if you do not belive/are not familiar with eastern beliefs, but if that is the case, I know of no better place to start learning about this subject than here.Philip Kapleau writes compassionately, from the heart, such way that the reader is never challenged in his beliefs, yet at the same time he drives his point home with unerring accuracy, like a Zen Archer.This book changed my life and the way I look at death and what lies beyond, and I cannot recommend it enough. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Death    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Hinduism    5. Metaphysics    6. Ontology    7. Philosophy    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Religious aspects    10. Spiritual life    11. Zen Buddhism    12. Buddhism    13. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    14. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Short and succint
This is a really short book, only 117 pages and is written very simply. But it is full of the wisdom of Buddhism. Zen Simplified
C.N.Hu's "ZEN, Key to Your Undiscovered Happiness" is one of the most simplified, easy to read, outlines of Zen and Buddhism spiritual philosophy.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Philosophy / Zen    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Buddhism    8. Metaphysics    9. Religion    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Spiritual life    12. Spirituality    13. Zen   

Reviews (10)

More layers than the proverbial onion
"Acceptance" is a lofty goal and yet a difficult one to achieve, especially when one's life has been fraught with challenges. Sometimes words like "fair" creep into thinking and push acceptance out of the picture, yet in doing so robs one of her chance for serenity.
Awesome book
Very simple, direct and practical way to approach life. If you are new to this kind of thinking, this book does an excellent job of discussing the issues and challenging you to rethink where you are.

Read and read again
This is one of those books that one reads and reads again over the course of time. I have had a copy this book for over ten years now and have read it at different seasons of my life. Every time I pull it from the bookcase I see and learn something new. I highly recommend this manual on living and put it near the top of my list of ten most influential books. Enjoy. ... Read more

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

Reviews (16)

Listening has no roots
Zen master Dae Gak (Robert Genthner), received transmission of the dharma from 78th Zen Patriarch Seung Sahn back in 1994. He had previously studied in 2 Japanese lineages before training under Zen master Seung Sahn (Korean). For those of you who do retreats, he is the founder of Furnace Mountain in Kentucky, and he also does meditation seminars/retreats at the Abbey of Gethsemani where Cistercian monk Thomas Merton lived. He is a clincial psychologist, and has practiced Zen for over 30 years. Doesnt reflect in the slightest Buddhisms' teachings
Having peeled through this book from cover to cover im stricked by the overwhelming fact that there is nothing between the covers reflecing Buddhism. According to the author, nothing further than compassion is required to be a Buddhist, which isnt Sutric in origin. According to the Buddha at DN 1.247 Pannavimutti (emancipation by wisdom) is the only methodology forleading to amata (immortal). In fact the "merit makers go to heaven, but the wise are not reborn anywhere" DN 2.179. Clear and Incisive
Zen Master Dae Gak writes with carity, wisdom and compassion.His teaching on listening is most profound and offered with humility and generosity.Zen Master Dae Gak has given his life to helping others and this book points the way for us to take up his vow.Listen, listen, and listen.With his gentle pointers he teaches that the very practice of listening itself is the way of the compassionate ones and frees one from all suffering so that one can help others.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Listening    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious aspects    8. Spiritual life