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

Reviews (4)

Thomas Cleary removed from the 2nd Edition.
The book is identical to the First Edition, with the one difference being that all of Thomas Cleary's translations have been yanked out and replaced with versions by other translators. I assume there is some doctrinal or sectarian infighting going on that made such an editorial decision necessary. But if you're buying the book because the Editorial Reviews section on Amazon mentions Cleary's name, AND you are a Cleary fan, then order a copy of the First Edition, still readily available.
A shining collection of writtings from various masters
For those who fear being crushed under the weight of John Daido Loori's arrogance - fear not.This book is a fasinating display of writings from various masters.While the theme of each essay is the practice of Shikataza we are also offered a smorgasbord of other insights.The excellent editing of this book provides the reader with an assembly of some of the best Zen writings to be found under one roof.

A nearly compleat treatment of shikantaza
This is certainly not a book for somebody looking for a general introduction into zen budhism. But for those more accustomed with zen writings there is really much to find in this book. Everybody will enjoy to find new aspects of "shikantaza". The classical writings are welcomed, too, although not all are about the art of just sitting. So the book looks just compleat. Or is it? One point left me slightly annoyed: not one of the numerous modern authors comes from Europe. Seems like the Bush administration, J. Daido Loori is fine with the US and the old Europeans do not count. But there is a large and active school of Soto Zen in the tradition of Dogen in Europe, thanks to many years of teaching of T. Deshimaru Roshi, a disciple of Kodo Sawaki. A pity that none of his successors from Spain, Italy, France or Germany was invited to participate. Future editors of such books should do better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Meditation    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Sotoshu    8. Såotåoshåu    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

a valuable contribution
This is a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese Buddhist studies. It contains important papers from leading Buddhologists such as Luis Gomez. Also, any article by Robert Gimello is worth reading, as he is anextraordinarily careful scholar. Unfortunately, the typeset is quiteunattractive. Still, it is a great addition to any Sinological orBuddhological library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Hua yan Buddhism    4. Literary Criticism    5. Philosophy    6. Zen Buddhism   

Editorial Review

His name comes up in mentions of Zen's misty past, but without anywritings or authentication, modern authors have often referred to Bodhidharma assemilegendary. In 1935, D.T. Suzuki had rummaged through a number of newlydiscovered Zen texts dating back over a thousand years, but not until recentlydid scholars agree that some may contain the words of Bodhidharma himself. NowJeffrey Broughton has brushed off the dust for the English reading world. Inquestion-and-answer style anticipating later Zen classics like the Read more

Reviews (3)

The True Teachings of Tamo
This scholarly work on the teachings of Bodhidharma sets a new standard. Not only does Broughton provide clear translations, but the volume of informative commentary has made this text my number one Bodhidharma resource. Broughton provides quality with quantity here, explaining unusual phrases from the ancient texts at page bottoms, and endnoting items requiring more thorough treatment. (The endnotes are generally both useful and quite insightful. My only "wish" is that the endnotes could be footnotes instead. This way, the reader could have simultaneous access to both the root text and Broughton's research. As it is, you have to flip back and forth a bit. This is a really minor quibble though, as footnoting everything would have the drawback of making the root text harder to read on its own - mostly by making the pages too "busy.")
excellent
I live in the Buddhist hell of Too Many Zen Books. This nicely accompanies all my other ones, andclearly stands out in its own right.

The Bodhidharma Anthology: The Earliest Records of Zen
Thorough and enlightening.Brilliant insights! Where has Prof. Broughton been all of these years? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Early works to 1800    3. Eastern - Zen    4. General    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval    9. Religion / General   

Reviews (4)

Good Book/Nice Artwork/Beneficial Exercises
I highly recommend David Fontana's book to the "just starting out" or "seasoned" Zen practitioner. It's possible the first few times you pick this book up you will not think too much of it. I am a big fan of writings by some mdern Zen Masters like Seung Sahn-or Zen Master Dae Gak- both Kwan Um Zen. I love my school of Zen an awful lot, and these teachers point in some very, very clear ways for anyone up for listening. But I suppose I too was looking for a more simplified version of it all, not that understanding is a huge issue. The sun rises, not too much to understand in that. A WONDERFUL book to read, ponder...and BEHOLD
Trying to learn Zen from books can be ABSOLUTELY maddening. Some are clearly for people who already know something or know a lot and, to the beginner, these books often don't make sense. Then there are the "cutesy" books that talk down to the readers as if they have been lobotomized. I have to admit that I have been absolutely confused (or frustrated) about most of the many I have read....until now: An interesting (and illustrated) approach
The illustrations in this volume add a significant amount of content to the message that Fontana is making.I really enjoyed his exercise-based approach to Zen.He holds your hand for the first couple of steps and then really lets the reader understand and explore various zen koan throughout the book.This was only my second book on Zen Buddhism that I have read (the first being Suzuki's Introduction to Zen Buddhism), but I find myself with a much better understanding than when I started. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. Meditation    3. Philosophy    4. Self-Help    5. Spiritual life    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Mind, Body, Spirit    8. Philosophy / Zen   

Reviews (1)

The Living Lineage of Soto Zen
From Shakyamuni Buddha through fifty three generations of successors to Koun Ejo, the lineage of Soto Zen Buddhism unfolds.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Early works to 1800    4. Eastern - General    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Priests, Zen    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Sotoshu    10. Såotåoshåu    11. Religion / Zen Buddhism    12. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Reality Check for Soto Buddhism
This book was a fine example of scholarship in many ways, especially in the way it brings Soto Zen Buddhism down to earth andhelps fill in the gaps in our knowledge of Tokugawa Period Buddhism (usually ignored as "decadent"--an ahistorical slur that sheds no light on the issues). In some ways it reminded me of the fine work Gregory Schopen has done with Indian Buddhism, or with what Bernard Faure might achieve if he would learn to write and stop dropping names of French Postmodernists.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - History    2. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    3. Buddhism - Zen    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Philosophy    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Social aspects    9. Sotoshu    10. Såotåoshåu    11. Anthropology    12. Asian and Asian American Studies    13. Religion / Zen Buddhism    14. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful
Frankly I did not know what to expect before reading this book, since I am new to the world of Zen.This book is a great experience on numerous levels, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has questions about Zen. ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Great book as Issa said
Issa was one of the haiku greats as well as a reviewer. This is a nice concise book. I vastly prefer the first although I don't understand reviewer "Issa"'s remark:
a fresh and illuminating book
Whether you practice zen meditation or not, this book offers a fresh and illuminating look on the somewhat mysterious practice of zen kongans, different from the customary heavyly-academic overly-intellectual 'white man' analysis .

Very clear introduction to Korean Zen
I don't know about the last review -- I know what s/he intends to mean, but to a beginner s/he maybe makes it sound like this is a practice about blindly following a kind of cult leader."Close your eyes; don't look behind the curtain, this teaching is above your judgment."Maybe not so helpful.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. History    4. Korea    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Buddhism    9. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Precepts as self-expression, not as rules
Editor Sara Jenkins compiles questions, answers, comments, and confrontations between Zen teacher Cheri Huber and some of her students during a retreat focusing onthe first ten Buddhist precepts. "10,000 against us, minus one."
This 135-page book contains transcribed dharma talks from a Zen retreat devoted to the Buddhist precepts.In her Preface to the book, editor Sara Jenkins writes that the precepts are not rules.Rather, "they are more like signposts on the path that leads away from suffering and toward our own goodness" (p. 10).Zen teacher, Cheri Huber, explains that the precepts are "about opening to life.They address areas in which people tend to be closed down;we have a lot of childhood conditioning locked in us around stealing, sex, dishonesty, intoxication, judgment, greed, religion" (pp. 11-12).Read more

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

Reviews (6)

A very solid, clear explanation of Mahayana Buddhism
This book explains with great depth and insight the specific words from one of the main sutras (the words of Buddha) in the Mahayana tradition.I find this book has brought a lot of balance and insight into my understanding of Buddhism, especially the teachings about bodhisattvahood.

one of the more important sutras for serious cultivators
This is the definitive translation of one of the most important sutras in the Mahayana literature.A previous translation by Charles Luk and published through Samuel Weiser did not capture some of the nuances anddepths that the current version portrays.The translator, Ven. Guo-Gu Shi,did a wonderful job.Cultivators who do not practice will have a hard timeunderstanding the importance of this Sutra.However, for seriouscultivators, this Sutra provides important and step-by-step guideposts thatare critical for one's own verification and further progression.ThisSutra will have to be studied many times until its meaning can becompletely digested.Master Sheng-yen's commentary is given in simplelaymen's language and is a joy to read.In the past few years MasterSheng-yen has clearly emerged as one of the main masters of Ch'an (Zen) inthe Western world.

A must for practitioners of all Buddhist tradition!
It is rare to find such clarity in Buddhist teachings from a contemporary master. Most books out there on Buddhist practice lack depth. From the advice and viewpoint presented in this book, it really seems like MasterSheng-yen practice what he preaches.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Commentaries    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Mahavaipulyapurnabuddhasutr    6. MahÃ¥avaipulyapÃ¥urnabuddhasÃ¥utraprasannÃ¥arthsÃ¥utra    7. Philosophy    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Sutrapitaka    11. SÃ¥utrapiòtaka.    12. Tripitaka    13. Tripiòtaka.    14. Religion / Zen Buddhism    15. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

What is Zen
A remarkable book in description and clarity for the western reader. Once this has
A Great Introduction and Synopsis of Zen
This book is another in a series of great books that are compilations of lectures of the late Alan Watts by his son Mark.It is an excellent introduction to Zen, and it is also a very good synopsis for those who have studied Zen in detail for many years.With his typical genius for getting to the heart of the matter, Dr. Watts describes exactly what is the essence of Zen in the first chapter.Later on he even gives a tip for understanding the sometimes puzzling behavior of that unique species of human beings, the Zen master.Watts stresses the need for us to set up an environment where we can stop thinking or talking to ourselves, which is meditation, and he clearly describes a good technique for doing this.The state of mind that is a result of this suspension of thought is not a blank mind, but rather a mind that is deeply aware of the world as it is.Finally, Watts sums it all up by showing us how the Zen mind is not only a mind that can most effectively deal with those infamous Zen koans, but also with all of life's situations. A Great Introduction and Synopsis of Zen
This book is another in a series of great books that are compilations of lectures of the late Alan Watts by his son Mark.It is an excellent introduction to Zen, and it is also a very good synopsis for those who have studied Zen in detail for many years.With his typical genius for getting to the heart of the matter, Dr. Watts describes exactly what is the essence of Zen in the first chapter.Later on he even gives a tip for understanding the sometimes puzzling behavior of that unique species of human beings, the Zen master.Watts stresses the need for us to set up an environment where we can stop thinking or talking to ourselves, which is meditation, and he clearly describes a good technique for doing this.The state of mind that is a result of this suspension of thought is not a blank mind, but rather a mind that is deeply aware of the world as it is.Finally, Watts sums it all up by showing us how the Zen mind is not only a mind that can most effectively deal with those infamous Zen koans, but also with all of life's situations.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Essence, genius, nature    4. Philosophy    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (6)

Breaking through
Among the many topics touched in this fascinating book there is one that everyone who is in the business world will immediately noticed: The Structure and The Anti-Structure. Steven Heine explains in detail how to become part of the structure of a company and even more importantly he details how to "break-through" the structure and make it work for one's benefits.
Business the Zen way: sharper than you think
Building on Buddhist parables and using sources as diverse as St. Augustine and Alice in Wonderland, author Steven Heine offers a little book with big ideas, such as applying the Zen values of detachment and resilience to workplace dynamics. He tells stories to illustrate intricate, thoughtful ways to assess and react to various business scenarios and disputes. Then, with a relatively low dose of philosophical double-speak and, perhaps, a few too many oblique Eastern-sounding aphorisms, he encourages you to take the high ground. We recommend this illuminating guide to those of a philosophical or spiritual bent. Heine's knowledgeable explanation of the practical application of Zen ideas in business will help you remain philosophical in the face of workplace triumphs, puzzles or setbacks. While it is hard to see the Buddha inside a bull-headed rival, it may help to try.

turn foxes into Buddhas
Steve Heine has succeeded in writing a book that is accessible, enjoyable, practical, and funny. If you struggle to integrate your spiritual teachings into your daily work experiences, then this book is for you. Heine masterfully weaves Zen teachings, references to contemporary culture, personal anecdotes, and humor to create a delightful read.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Zen    4. Business    5. Business / Economics / Finance    6. Business Life - General    7. Eastern - General    8. Eastern - Zen    9. Leadership    10. Management    11. Management - General    12. Religion    13. Religion - World Religions    14. Religious aspects    15. Advice on careers & achieving success    16. Religion & Theology | Buddhism    17. Religion / Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. 1268-1325.    2. Biography    3. Buddhism - General    4. Denkåoroku    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Keizan,    7. Philosophy    8. Priests, Zen    9. Religion    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Såotåoshåu    12. Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Intelligent, engaging, practical.
This book is one of the most engaging books on Zen that I have had the good luck to discover. In addition to providing a concise discussion of the relationship between the foundational notions of modern psychoanalysis and the day-to-day work of Zen practice, Magid provides a lively discussion of twelve famous koans. Not only does Magid use his experience as a psychoanalyst to inform his view of Zen practice, he uses his experience of Zen practice to elucidate concepts in psychoanalysis. Best of all, he has written a book that is intelligent, engaging, and practical! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism and Psychoanalysis    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Movements - General    5. Movements - Psychoanalysis    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy - General    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Psychoanalysis & psychoanalytical theory    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy   

Reviews (9)

Easy Reading
An easy to understand book, which describes how the author reached a place of being able to defend himself against several attackers, blind-folded, using aikido moves not learnt but occuring naturally from the self within. It did not deal with many day to day issues common to every day living, but then it was called 'soul sword', so it was always going to be about defending one's self the natural way. I enjoyed the simple style of writing.

A Spirit Warrior Has No Enemy
What is a Trinity?Is it Soul, Mind, and Body?Is it the Father, the Holy Ghost, and the Son?Is it the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha?
Soul Sword is mosly about the author, not about zen/ bushido
I ordered this book for my son to teach him more about Zen and the Martial Arts.What I got was an ego filled recounting of one man's unsupported accounts of stories that seemed to be right out of the movie, The Last Dragon.The stories seemed egotistic, self promotional and unbelievable, certainly nothing evidencing any zen enlightenment.Furthermore, he brings God into every aspect of this book, which has nothing to do with zen or bushido.There is very little classical zen here and I can't help but question some of his Steven Segal like fantasies.He even misspells the name of one of the most famous New York martial artists, Jiu Jitsu Master Moses Powell, not Power (p. 54).I really have never heard of Mr. Turner and wonder if it were his friends who wrote these extremely positive reviews.On the jacket cover he includes himself in the same sentence with the Dali Lama. I'm sure he's a wonderful person and martial artist, but I find that this book has very little to do with zen and too much to do with ego and self promotion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Religion    5. Spirituality - General    6. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    7. Zen Buddhism   

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

Subjects:  1. 1870-1945    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Nishida, Kitaro,    5. Nishida, Kitaråo,    6. Philosophers    7. Philosophy   

Reviews (2)

Brilliant translation of a neglected Zen master
Prior to this translation, not much was known in the English-speaking world about "Korean" Zen. J.C. Cleary's introduction is useful and informative in revealing Zen as practiced in Old Korea--the first penetration of Zen from China across national boundaries (followed by its subsequent movement into Vietnam and then Japan)--and his introduction serves as a counterbalance to our unwitting orientalism of Zen by re-newing the words of T'aego, an authentic, historical voice for a vibrant and living practice.Cleary's translation is rich in its insinuations and ultimately startling in its clarity.Here is a passage from "How to Study Zen":"The days and months go by like lightning: we should value the time.We pass from life to death in the time it takes to breathe in and breathe out: it's hard to guarantee even a morning and an evening.Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, do not waste even a minute of time.Become ever braver and bolder....Mind is the natural Buddha: why bother seeking elsewhere?Put down your myriad concerns and wake up." Here it is: instant Zen: you wake up.

Good Book, But Slow in Beginning
For about 60 pages, in the start of this book, we basically get a history of Korea. Which is fine, great, no real problem. The thing is, I bought the book to find out about T'aego. Perhaps I criticize too harshly, for J.C. Cleary delivers in this book eventually, but after what is in my view a chapter of narcolepsy. It is not until page 79 that we start hearing what T'Aego actually had to say. These sayings of T'Aego save what was destined to be a quite boring book through and through. The only reason I give the book 4 stars instead of 5, is for the beginning.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Philosophy / Zen    6. Religion / Zen Buddhism    7. Religion-Buddhism - Zen   

Reviews (4)

Will this Keisaku help?
His "Book Description" states....
Beautiful Observations
Ken Kushner is a professor at the University of Wisconsin's School of medicine who has been practicing Zen Buddhism since 1978. In 1981 he began learning the art of kyudo, or Japanese archery. The main thrust of this book is showing us the "oneness" of life in archery and life in zazen. The point is not to promote archery as the ultimate path towards liberation, but rather, to demonstrate how any task we do can become a spiritual practice with the right attitude. Yet he does use many analogies by means of archery to make points about life in general. The arrow may not hit, but it does not miss
The traditional Japanese school of archery -- Kyudo -- is more than a technique to have an arrow hit a distant target. As one of the classic Ways, like flower arranging or kendo, it is an exploration into oneself. The author, now a Zen teacher and university professor, is not some a kid talking about how a day of Zen turned him into a Judo machine; rather this is a well thought-out, well-written journey of both Zen philosophy and martial arts practice. We follow Kenneth to Japan where he sits cleans the dojo, sits in zazen meditation, and becomes expert in Kyudo.Read more

Subjects:  1. Archery    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Religion    6. Japan    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Zen Buddhism