Reviews (10)

Great book but...
This is an excellent book but only for those who have some understanding of what Zen Buddhism is and generally agree with its priciples, ideas and 'world-view'. If, on the other hand, you think that Buddhism/Zen is not your cup of tea or find it confusing/esoteric/strange, then you really won't get much out of this book.
Zen and the Art of Falling in Love...A Simple Review
This book has most definetly changed my outlook on how I see myself in relationships.It has helped me to take a more realistic and responsible stance when it comes to developing and maintaining loving relationships.It was a great and easy read.It was also one of those books where I got out my highlighter and marked all of the places in the book where I really wanted to remember that particular message or lesson.This book is one that I have recommended and even purchased for some of my good friends...it has really changed a lot for me!I am so glad this book popped into my life.I know it's one I'll continue to go back and read whenever I find myself struggling in relationships. Brenda Shoshanna is an utter genius!

Brilliant Book....One of the Best!!!!
This is one of the most profound books I have ever read that brilliantly looks at the truth and shows ways to fall in love eteranlly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Doctrines    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Love    7. Love & Romance    8. Love / Sex / Marriage    9. Religious aspects    10. Spiritual life    11. Zen Buddhism    12. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance    13. Marriage & relationships    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (6)

Critical Reading for Anyone Interested in Zen
This book is critical reading for anyone seriously interested in Zen. Having committed his life as a Buddhist monk only to make these shocking discoveries must have been heartbreaking for Victoria, and it is remarkable that his tone remains as objective as it does. Essential Reading for Students of Zen and Buddhism in Genera
What I found most disturbing about this book was not so much what Victoria had to reveal about the Zen culture of Imperial Japan, (don't get me wrong, that was pretty darn disturbing too)but rather the reaction that came from many, if not most, of North America's Zen masters.Almost to a one, they refused to even admit the core issue that the book arises:"If an _enlightened_ person can support an evil empire, what does it say about being enlightened?" No one doubts that Catholic Popes can committ evil acts (Dante fills Hell with them), but then the Catholic faith makes far lessor claims about the spiritual powers and insight of its clerics. Classic study
A enlightening history of role of Zen Buddhism in the Pacific War.Victoria analyzes how Zen and the Japanese military affected each other. Hetakes the writings of the leading Buddhists of the time to tell the story.A classical study on how religion and society influence each other., even asupposedly peace loving religion can be twisted into an instrument of thestate. Sheds some light on one of the forefathers of American Zen, D.T.Suzuki ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Buddhism - History    3. Buddhism - Zen    4. Eastern - Zen    5. General    6. History - General History    7. Religion    8. History / Japan    9. Japan    10. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

the medieval origin of the modern age
The issue concerning the legitimacy of the modern age was more pressing for the Europeans than for the Americans, largely because of the latter's historic distancing from Catholicism and the tradition of scholarship funded by the catholic church. Thus for the American reader the very notion that the modern age may be "illegitimate" somehow may ring hollow, if not outright absurd. This book defends the status of the modern age against any suggestion that somehow it may be an aberration, a condition gone awry. The modern age, in all its seeming anti-religious tendencies fueled especially by the scientific drive for the truth, is the 'legitimate' heir to the tradition of taking literally to heart,"Ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free". This book focuses on the philosophical foundations of Medieval theology and Nominalism that paved the way for secularization in the modern age. Blumenberg, with his astonishing scholarship and intellectual prowess makes it clear that, intentionally or not, much of what passed for pious and official christian theology during the middle ages actually had very little to do with "religion" per se (Christ's ethical teaching), and everything to do with Greek philosophy, especially Aristotle's, under the guise of church dogma. In serving theology, attributes of God in His omnipotence and omniscience were framed around the notion of absolutes, leading to unresolvable contradictions and paradoxes. For example, the idea that God should be omnipotent necessarily meant He ought to be capable of creating a rock so heavy that even He cound not lift it. This book is simply the most facinating and in-depth account of the strange doings of the Church Fathers in their relentless quest for the Truth. Blumenberg shows that it was ultimately the Church, in allowing astronomy as one of the topics to be studied, while forbidding others (curiosity itself was considered a sin, an 'extra-vagance', meaning, 'going outside the path'), provided the very possibility that led to secularization of the modern age. According to the author, the Church formulated its dogma primarily in response to and against Gnosticism, but failed in completely eradicating all the Gnostic elements, thus laying itself open to "infection" later on. The return of Gnosticism takes on the form of science, which makes a virtue of being clear about what it does not and cannot know, and questions the ground of any claim that arrogates omniscience. This work makes a compelling case for our age: For better or for worse, the fate of the modern age was decided a long time ago when the West became Christendom. ....

We need this book!
I must repeat the other reviewer and call this a neglected masterpiece--one that could be very useful to secular thinkers at the present moment.One need only shop around this site to see that Evangelical Christians are speaking out loudly and eloquently about a variety of cultural and philosophical issues.This is a welcome development that should be beneficial to cultural debate in the long run.However, if you are of a more secular persuasion (as I am), you want to have your dukes up, so to speak, in order to answer many of the claims that are being made.Sadly, many secular thinkers have gotten lazy in their habits of thinking about religion, resulting in stances that are intellectually shaky, not to mention needlessly disrespectful to persons of faith.Blumenberg's book emerged from a context that was highly sophisticated and highly Christian, intellectually speaking at least (see Wallace's excellent introduction).For this reason, he was forced to think through the philosophical conflicts between religion and the secular much more rigorously than we are used to doing, and his careful methods stand as a welcome corrective to our own.One of his major accomplishments is to tackle the argument from origins used by many Christian thinkers (the argument that because our nation/culture/university system was founded on Christian principles, any secularizing deviation from this system must be illegitimate).He argues against this notion very meticulously and at multiple levels.In conversations with intelligent Christians I have found his way of thinking very helpful.Blumenberg is weak on the issue of subjectivity, never really clarifying what he thinks a secular subject might be, and this is connected to a general lack of interest in any kind of politics.For this reason, he's been ignored by most secular thinkers here, who focus a great deal on questions of identity and subjectivity.His strength, though, is that he eposes gaps in Christian thinking so carefully that many gaps in our current secular thinking are exposed as well.In this way, I think he has more to teach us about our secular identities than many have assumed.A laborious, exhausting, and utterly eye-opening book.

Neglected masterpiece
A masterpiece that defies summaries and labels.While MIT Press has, thankfully, translated four of Blumenberg's books, he is not "seeping" into the culture in spite of laudatory reviews byphilosophers like Richard Rorty.This can't be because he's"difficult" (and he is difficult - an eloquent) - difficultwriters like Derrida or Habermas have large (and largely academic)followings.Blumenberg rather resists "positions" around whichflags can be planted, battle cries formulated.Amazingly empathetic,Blumenberg "thinks with" and through the Western philosophicaltradition.His account of Late Medieval Nominalism as an irreparablerupture of Ancient and Christian cosmologies, presaging Descartes'"founding" of a distinctively modern epoch is worth the read - asis so much else.I can only hope Blumenberg's translator, Robert Wallacewill bring us more from this author, who died in 1996. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Civilization    3. Civilization, Modern    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Europe    6. General    7. History    8. Philosophy    9. Philosophy, Modern    10. Philosophy / General    11. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (6)

Great Intro to Zen
Before I bought this book I knew nothing about zen. As soon as I received the book in the mail I began flipping through the pages and I could not put this book down. An excellent guide to Zen
This book does a good job of clearly pointing to the Zen experience. It is careful to recognize the wordless quality of Zen enlightenment. The discussions are thought provoking and the exercises definitely guide toward the experience. It explains the background and development of Zen, then describes the basic themes in Zen. The third section has exercises and meditations that really inspired me on my Zen path. I really got a lot out of it and recommend it to anyone interested in Zen.

Strictly for the Tourists
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Spiritual life    6. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (5)

One of those books that deserves going over again and again
Whenever a person ponders Zen philosophy and it's practice, there is normally a list of names one runs through their mind concerning those they have looked to for guidance and inspiration over the years; Dainin Katagiri was just that sort of individual to me. Often overlooked, and even more frequently wholly unheard of, he was unquestionably one of the most prolific of Zen masters to have taught in the modern era. Fortunate for all of us, by 1990 (the year of his death) he had already touched countless of lives through his leadership at the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center as well as his travels all across the globe. He truly was, as some have described him over the years, a "living Buddha."
A master guide for a peaceful life!
One of the 10 best books I have ever read.Regardless of whichever point of your spiritual journey you are at, this book will provide the blueprint for a peaceful life.

A gem
Clear and concise, this book is one to carry with you any time.Katagiri beautifully elucidates right thinking and action in a compassionate, encouraging manner.Whenever I pick up this book I feel nourished andcalled to be a better person. ... Read more

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

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

Reviews (3)

Simplest wisdom
Sometimes it's so obvious we can't see it.Coming from a Christian background, when I first bought this book, it was impossible to see the simple threads that run all through these stories:patience of the little child awaiting a persimmon, the nun being turned away and then beholding the splendor of nature itself.The stories are simple, easy to read, and deeply profound. The artwork is insightfully accomplished.Most of us have had experiences which parallel the stories, and therein lies the power of this wonderful book!

beautiful!
This book is full of great storys full of wisdom. the best part is that no matter when you read them or what your going through these storys offer insight for everything! amusing and colorful!

Beautiful, Simple & Touching Book
I read this book while sitting in a book store one day after not being able to put it down. It is a compilation of simplified tales and fables from the Zen perspective. Though this is a book intended for children Ithink many adults would appreciate this book to and this would make a greatbook to read to a child. The tales are very simple yet hold a lot of deepmeaning and one could think about them a long time while gleaning newinsights. The illustrations are neat too. Over all a very gentle andbeautiful book which I would highly recommend. I am getting a copy for mymom for Christmas! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Religion    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Zen stories    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / General    10. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

And Not Just For Christians.
This is a small, but very wise and compassionate book.It is difficult to keep from reading it at a sitting, but even then it invites rereading perhaps many times, not just to try to penetrate the obscurity that necessarily cloaks all things Zen, but to rise to the challenges each chapter sets one's personal growth.The Catholic Church has discovered at Vatican II the working of the Spirit and the presence of the good beyond its borders and even the possibility that members ofthat Church might learn from those without.Who better to help that task along than Robert Kennedy who is both Catholic priest and Zen Roshi.In this book Kennedy comments on the ten traditional Zen ox-herding pictures, an allegory of the search for the true self. He illustrates their meanings with koans and stories of the Zen masters, but even more extensively with a wealth of modern poetry and literature.This is a guide for the searcher more than a theology for the theorist. The gifts he has in mind are: commitment to practice, transcending our latest theologies in an attitude of unknowing, self-reliance, accepting impermanence and constant change, self-mastery that is really vibrant living, experiencing the absolute incarnated in the relative, the coorigination of all things, finding the absolute within, being transformed into it, and compassionate service to others.These are Zen gifts Kennedy explains and commends principally to those Christians drawn by temperament toZen practice.But he writes in such a way that I think the book suitable for people of any and even of no particular faith, who yet feel some calling to the way of Zen.The book is written with elegance, grace, generosity and compassion.But if one pays too much attention to Kennedy's message, that compassion can be the compassion of ten firm strokes from the Roshi's keisaku (stick) that strike at our sloth, illusions, dependency, mediocrity, and self-centeredness.I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Spirituality - General    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Christian theology   

Reviews (2)

The Ultimate Ch'an Overview?
Master Sheng Yen has spent a lifetime devoted to understanding, mastering and teaching Ch'an. This book explicates as much as it outlines. Any Sheng Yen book tends to be an absolute find. I'd have to say that this book has impressed me most thus far, out of all the Ch'an books I own...(I own a LOT).
Compendium of Chinese Chan Buddhist Practice!
Hoofprint of the Ox is by far the best-written and presented systematic book on Chinese, especially Chan, Buddhism out there. Master Sheng-yen's words are so clear and specific. His voice combines the insight of an experienced Chan meditation retreat master and a knowledgeable Buddhist scholar.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Philosophy    6. Religion    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Zen meditations    9. Religion & Theology | Buddhism    10. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Re-discover your faith and yourself.
"Christian Zen" could also be called "Christian Meditation". It is not so much about Buddism but about how Buddists use Zen to find the path to truth. This books is good for those Christians trying to feel comfortable with themslves, with Christianity, and with Zen.It does not try tohomoginize these entities but finds commonalities that show us how to walk a path to the centeral truth of our lives.Christians believe that Our Lord God is the Truth and the Light. Don't fear that this book will convert you from Christianity.It is just a vehicle to rediscover yourself and your faith.

One of the worst books I ever read
This book lamely attempts to reinterpret Christianity according to the alien philosophical categories of Zen. So, the paradoxes of Jesus are like koans, etc. It is better to realize that Zen and Christianity have entirely different worldviews than to attempt to synthesize the antithetical. Christianity is not nondualistic; it clearly teaches the distinction of God and the univers--unlike Zen. Nor does Christianity claim that one must leave one's rational mind to know reality--as does Zen. God created the human mind to know God, oneself, and creation. The mind is damaged by sin, but not unredeemable. One could go on. For a good book on Christianity and Zen, read "Zen Way, Jesus Way" by Tucker Callaway.

A good place to start, and come back to
Christian Zen is a good place to start for someone who is interested in Christian applications of Zen, but doesn't want to spend years researching it.It also has a lot of insights that are not apparent on a first read that make the book worth coming back to over and over again.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - General    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Christianity and other religio    5. Christianity and other religions    6. Contemplation    7. Eastern - Zen    8. Meditation    9. Meditations    10. Religion    11. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    12. Zen Buddhism    13. CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER RELIGIONS_BUDDHISM    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    15. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    16. Religion / Christianity   

Reviews (13)

Great Book. Read Between the Lines
I have read over the Amazon.com reviews on Samurai Zen and I believe that they are all enlightening and present a unique perspective from the point of view of each reviewer.Though these reviews each present an interesting appraisal of the book,there is a serious problem with the review placed here on November 11, 2003.This review must be addressed as it presents untrue and incorrect facts about Master Scott Shaw and his book Samurai Zen. Not only does the reviewer make a completely false statement, which he has no basis for, about the training background of Master Shaw, but he also states incorrect facts about the book. These falsehoods must be addressed. Waste of Money
... First of all in severial pictures, his grip was incorrect.Secondly, the text disagreed with the pictures.For example, the text stated to go down on the right knee first and in the picture he was on his left.No the picture wasn't reveresed.I checked the sword was in the propper place.Speaking of the sword.When he placed the sword with in the Obi, he used his left hand with the right hand on the belt.As I have been taught and all of the other books on the subject have shown and stated, you use the left thumb to hook the belt and the right hand slides the sword home.His terminology was correct, but that was about it....As far as the spiritual part of the book, it was good, however that does not make up for the errors of the sword.For the record, I have studied Iaido and Isshin-ryu Karate for about four years.Now if someone is interested in books on Zen or Iaido, I would suggest.Zen and the Sword, Flashing Steel, and Iaido: the art of the Japanese Sword.To name just a few of the good books on the subject. Excellent Book
This is an excellent book.What I find most appealing about Samurai Zen is how the meditation techniques presented within its pages are so accessible.They are detailed in a manner that they can be practiced by everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial arts    4. New Age    5. Reference    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. Religious life    9. Samurai    10. Spiritual life    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Zen Buddhism    13. Oriental martial arts   

Editorial Review

Shhh. Quiet. I'm meditating on my computer. You can too. In Read more

Reviews (6)

Zentastic -
It could be argued that Philip Toshio Sudo is formuliac. But I have to say he has found a great formula, having read Zen Guitar,Zen Sex and now Zen Computer, I had a pretty good idea what to expect and Zen Computer delievers. Sudo writes in a warm reassuring voice and gives a beautiful Ying Yang balance to each chapter, encouraging you to focus on the small detail and the big picture equally. And despite the fact that he repeats himself I think that he is worth listening to and re-reading again and again and again. In fact I finished ZEN COMPUTER and started reading it again when I got to the end. It is rich and simple and I thoroughly recommend it.

?Ain?t Dead Yet?-- ...so many lessons.-- Sudo lives!
I've been working in and around computer systems and networks for a long time and it still always amazes me how much there is to `take in' when solving any particular issue.I wonder if a well-prepared zen mind is especially suited to success in computer endeavor. The author, Mr. Sudo, possesses both zen sense and computer sense -so sometimes what he says seems like non-sense -until you mull over it (and then you smile!). Ahhh, Zen... Disappointment after reading "Zen Guitar"
I have to disagree with the other reviewers who have posted so far.I didn't like "Zen Computer" at all.This, coming from someone who found Sudo's "Zen Guitar" a very interesting and enlighteningbook.I have read a lot of books on Zen and have worked with computersextensively for many years.After reading this book, I feel like I haven'tlearned anything new about either Zen or computers.Or about not lettingthe occasional difficulties caused by computers to get to me.Itseemed like this book couldn't make up its mind: was it a book on Zen setin a computer context, or was it a book on computers set in a Zen context? Perhaps the appropriate answer is "yes".I had anticipatedsomething as least as informative and profound as "Zen Guitar",but that was not the case.Much of what I read seemed trite, even so sillyat times I wondered if Sudo was trying to be humorous and I was taking itall too seriously.I strongly recommend "Zen Guitar" insteadof "Zen Computer".At least in "Zen Guitar" theprinciples of Zen more naturally come forth because playing a guitar or anymusical instrument is an art, and touches us in deep ways.I believe therecan be mystery behind technology and its use, but that didn't come out in"Zen Computer".For anyone wanting to read about *that*, Irecommend "Techgnosis" by Erik Davis. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Computer Bks - General Information    3. Computers - General Information    4. Eastern - General    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Philosophy    7. Social Aspects - General    8. Philosophy / Zen   

Reviews (1)

Postmodernism and Zen
This book is not a harsh discourse on deconstructionalism and the radicalism associated often with youthful postmodernism. Rather it is a beautiful discourse on the many parallels of Zen and philosophy in the 1900s. Strongly recommended. Also see Benoit's Zen and the Psychology of Transformation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. History & Surveys - Modern    3. Philosophy    4. Postmodernism    5. Religious aspects    6. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

what else could you want?
This is real Zen, not the nonsense that goes on now, and went on then, in the name of Zen; real non-dual, don't-believe, don't-meditate, don't-seek wisdom from some, a long long time ago, who knew what they were talking about. This is one of the best editor-translators of Zen we have, Cleary. This is a Shambhala pocket edition without being listed as such, the best kind of inexpensive, portable books made (why have they not been imitated more?) What else do you want? For it to come with fries and a drink? Go ahead and get it!

Buy it now!!
Words cannot express how wonderful this little book is. It has 217 or so pages and no Big type either, no big, fancy letters saying "MIND IS BUDDHA". These are actual translations of the works of Chinese and Japanese Zen masters and each one of them is a gem! I also recommend Zen Essence by the same translator. Buy it!

freedom
Do you want to be free?I mean really free beyond anything you can imagine? It's the truth. I'm not joking. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

Fishhook Zen
Actually toward the end of his teaching career, Hui Neng had learned to read and write fairly well (which is when he wrote this Sutra). Now on to the translation at hand. Thomas Cleary has a plethora of books on all sorts of Oriental wisdom ranging from samurai literature to important Zen texts; his contributions to all of us here in the West are incalculable and, by in large, he always does a relatively good job at making translations which we can all come up with the money for. So he's doing us all an incredible service, along with Shambhala publications, whom also deserves credit for taking upon the task of providing us with literature that is both accurate and affordable. not the words of an illitterate kitchen-boy
this is an amazing sutra, well worth reading, but keep in mind that hui-neng was not a harvard educated man with a enormous vocabulary.my guess is that hui-neng spoke using much more simple words than are employed in this translation.this sutra is not about snooty, rich person vocabulary, but rather that a dishwasher can become enlightened (it is of course "about" many other things as well).this should not be forgotten upon reading this wonderful sutra.

the life of the master
In the world of Buddhism only the words of the Buddha and the life of Hui-neng are sutras. If thats not a good enough reason to get this then get it because Hui-Neng was a beautiful man and a great teacher. an illiterate woodcutter he became enlightened by just hearing a phrase from the Diamond sutra. he later worked in a monestary hidden away because the master knew if others knew of his great achievement they'd probally kill him but aventuallly he not only became the 6th patriarch but a great teacher and one of Zen's most beloved ancesters. ... 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   

Reviews (2)

Koan commentaries for the Western mind
Gerry Shishin Wick's commentary on the Book of Equanimity is wonderful and an indispensable text for any Zen practitioner wishing to unlock the wisdom contained in this anciet work.The references in this book of koans are often cryptic and Shishin Wick helps the reader to unravel them with solid background information placed in a historical context.Together with his deep insight into the koan itself and his elegant writing, it makes the book an absolute MUST for any serious Zen practitioner involved in koan work. As a Zen teacher, I recommend the book wholeheartedly.
Excellent intoduction to Zen for the Western reader
I've read quite a few introductions to Zen, and I've found that most of them require considerable understanding of the culture in which the koans and commentaries were written, which is usually Chinese culture, and ancient Chinese culture to boot.This is the first book I've read where the images and symbolism are carefully explained, without diluting the message to pop level.I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a sophisticated explanation of the Zen canon that does not require a deep knowledge of Chinese culture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1091-1157    2. 1091-1157.    3. Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Buddhism - Zen    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Koan    7. New Age    8. Reference    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Tiantong Jue he shang song gu    11. Zhengjue,    12. Philosophy / Zen    13. Religion / Zen Buddhism    14. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

A great treasure of Zen literature
This book is one of great treasures of Zen--or for that matter, spiritual--literature.Yuanwu was one of the greatly enlightened beings, a true Buddha.Most Zen masters, for good reason, couched their teachings in language designed to help "wake up" their students, but which is usuually impenetrable to all of us who are decidedly on the unenlightened side.But in this marvelous book, Yuanwu speaks directly to Zen students in a way that both reveals his own transcendent state while giving spiritual guidance in earthy, practical, yet utterly inspiring words. This is a book that I dip into often for inspiration and guidance. I highly recommend it to you.

Informal advice from a Zen Master
Yuanwu (Japanese "Engo", 1063-1135) was the Chinese Zen Master whocompiled the great koan collection, "The Blue Cliff Record".This volumepresents Yuanwu's wisdom in a much more accessible form: it is a selectionfrom his letters to monks & nuns and lay disciples.This is a ZenMaster speaking directly and intimately with the people who depend on himfor spiritual guidance.Few writings of the classical Zen tradition aremore straightforward and uncomplicated than Yuanwu's words in these lettersto his disciples. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

A Launch Pad For ThePossible.
Why keep an idea log? To clear your head of old ideas and welcome new ones. To give your ideas an important place to grow. To clarify, to let ideas flow and build. To provide a personal resource for your own creative imagination. To organize your time and priorities so you can better manage opportunity. Most importantly, this idea log and workbook is a worthwhile purchase for any creative artist, entrepreneur or dreamer because it is a means for making ideas happen. I cherish this book from cover to cover and have been changed by a simple statement Rubin and Gold direct; "If it's not broke-break it. Dent the universe." There is the best advice for anyone who has an idea but are leary to go against the status quo. This book is proof that one good idea leads to another.

Great Idea
While book browsing for ideas that could further my intention I came across the Zentrepreneur's Idea Log and discovered what could be a true starting point for my dreams and aspirations. This is a great book to cast a side the clutter of a busy mind and deliver yourself to what it is that you truly want. The writing is motivational, inspirational and thought provoking. After purchasing this book I've relegated my Franklin Planner to my desk drawer and the Zentrepreneur Idea Log to my nightstand where it belongs to help me capture dreams and new ideas. If you are looking for a true help in exploring possibility start here.

AN IMPORTANT SUCCESS TOOL
As a follower of these motivational and business entrepreneur-Zentrepreneur Guide's series of books I look forward to the advice, knowledge and encouragement that these books continue to offer, but wasn't sure what to expect from something called an Idea Log. Like all of these books of guidance and inspiration, I should learn to expect the unexpected from these two authors. The Idea Log is a beautiful resource for keeping track of your own creative imagination so that you can make tangible your insights and give your right-brain a respectful, classy, deserving tool to work with. It is a place that encourages you to break the rules for what exists by clearing away old ideas and offering a space for new ones. This is a brainstroming, planning room to get personal with your ideas for business and life and not a medium for communicating with others. The art and the writing in the book is inspiring and challenges you to be the best that you can be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business Life - Inspirational    5. Business/Economics    6. Eastern - Zen    7. Entrepreneurship    8. General    9. Marketing    10. Motivational   

Reviews (5)

I'm a northerner who prefers the southern school...
This is Shunryu Suzuki's commentary on the Sandokai. The Sandokai is a poem by Zen master Sekito Kisen on the inseparability of the relative and the absolute.
Getting the Spirit of the Sandokai
To get a glimpse of Shunru through this text is very gratifying. He deftly communicates the paradoxical aspects of ji-the apparent-and ri-the unseen. The text takes the reader through subtle aspects of zen thinking mind, but without being overly analytical. When he hears himself getting too conceptual, he pulls away with humor and a very special humanness that communicates beyond words, which is actually the context of the Sandokai! I enjoy picking up Branching Streams and reading it for clarity and inspiration every day, and you will too.

A wealth of insight to be found
This book is largely a well-executed editing effort of a number of talks that Suzuki Roshi gave of the Sandokai, a poem written in the early zen years. The poem, written by the Eighth Ancestor in China, Sekito Kisen, was intended to bridge a perceived (and I am hesitant to say) 'philisophical' gap between two zen schools of the time. One appealed to the 'clever', and the other appealed to the 'dull'. The Sandokai reveals that Buddha-nature transcends all such interpretations.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - History    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Poetry & poets: classical, early & medieval    7. Religion / General    8. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Misleading title, but still an interesting book
/Zen and the Art of Well Being/ is more interested in well-being than lots of blathering about Zen. A lot of what is presented in this book is not really Zen or Buddhist at all, with the author preferring to cover a variety of subjects on wellness - both physical and spiritual. Most of the material *is* inspired by Eastern technique and philosophy though. A Breath of Fresh Zen
I was thoroughly pleased to find Zen and the art of well-being surprisingly fresh.How many times does one purchase a book on the topic and find the pages littered with useless information or worse yet, filled with to-do's and not to-do's.Eric Chaline's brevity and insight into his own experiences, I believe, are easy to understand and relate to.I felt this book allowed me to ponder the ideas instead of studying the text,and I highly reccomend this to anyone begining their research into Zen.

Common sense wrapped in flowery language
The author's flowery prose really came down to three things you need to do to achieve "well being".Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Diets - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Health    5. Healthy Living    6. New Age    7. Religious aspects    8. Zen Buddhism