Zen Awakening and Society

Zen Awakening and Society
Author: Christopher Ives
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 193
Release: 1992-06-18
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1349114944

Zen Buddhism has traditionally focused on monastic practice and the artistic expression of awakening (satori) but has paid little explicit attention to social ethics. This book considers the relationship between Zen and social ethics.

A First Zen Reader

A First Zen Reader
Author: Trevor Leggett
Publisher:
Total Pages: 234
Release: 2016-04-25
Genre:
ISBN: 9781138659001

When Zen Buddhism crossed from China to Japan in the twelfth century, it entered a phase of development that was not only to inspire a magnificent range of artistic achievement but also to exert a tremendous influence upon Japanese life itself and, eventually, to bring to the attention of the West a religious philosophy both unique and challenging in its power. 'Yet', as one of the contributors to this book (first published in 1960) expresses it, 'if asked what Zen is, to reply is very difficult.' It is the purpose of this anthology to suggest an approach to such a reply. The texts here translated will give a general idea of Zen theory and practice, and are outstanding selections from the treasury of Zen literature. To these, the anthologist has added a valuable 'Note on the Ways', in which he points out how 'the student keeps his Zen practice in touch with his daily life'. The exceptional interest of the text is further enhanced by twenty illustrative plates.

The Book of Mu

The Book of Mu
Author: James Ishmael Ford
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 351
Release: 2011-05
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0861716434

Examines the Zen principle of mu and presents the writings of over forty teachers on the practice of mu.

The Gateless Gate

The Gateless Gate
Author: Koun Yamada
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2005-06-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0861719719

In The Gateless Gate, one of modern Zen Buddhism's uniquely influential masters offers classic commentaries on the Mumonkan, one of Zen's greatest collections of teaching stories. This translation was compiled with the Western reader in mind, and includes Koan Yamada's clear and penetrating comments on each case. Yamada played a seminal role in bringing Zen Buddhism to the West from Japan, going on to be the head of the Sanbo Kyodan Zen Community. The Gateless Gate would be invaluable if only for the translation and commentary alone, yet it's loaded with extra material and is a fantastic resource to keep close by: An in-depth Introduction to the History of Zen Practice Lineage charts Japanese-to-Chinese and Chinese-to-Japanese conversion charts for personal names, place names, and names of writings Plus front- and back-matter from ancient and modern figures: Mumon, Shuan, Kubota Ji'un, Taizan Maezumi, Hugo Enomiya-Lasalle, and Yamada Roshi's son, Masamichi Yamada. A wonderful inspiration for the koan practitioner, and for those with a general interest in Zen Buddhism.

101 Zen Stories

101 Zen Stories
Author: Nyogen Senzaki
Publisher: Ravenio Books
Total Pages: 137
Release:
Genre: Religion
ISBN:

101 Zen Stories is a captivating collection of ancient tales and koans that offer profound insights into the essence of Zen Buddhism. Compiled by Nyogen Senzaki, these short stories and dialogues between masters and disciples illuminate the core principles of Zen, inviting readers to challenge their preconceived notions and awaken to the true nature of reality. Through paradoxical and often humorous narratives, this book guides readers on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to embrace the present moment and find enlightenment in the ordinary.

The Original Face

The Original Face
Author: Thomas F. Cleary
Publisher: Random House (NY)
Total Pages: 172
Release: 1978
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN:

Zen Koans, Paradoxical Awakening

Zen Koans, Paradoxical Awakening
Author: Norman McClelland
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Total Pages: 657
Release: 2021-04-25
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1977238084

What comes to mind when you hear the word “koan”? You probably know koans as paradoxes, and you may believe that they are therefore illogical or intellectually inscrutable—and therefore not useful to the average person. Zen Koans: Paradoxical Awakenings is the tool you need to correct your perceptions of koans and become aware of the benefits of koan practice. Embracing the paradox of the koan can give deeper meaning to life, as well as leading to the Buddhist awakening to your real, non-dual nature. With an experienced Zen teacher as your guide, you can enter more deeply into the three essentials of Zen: great faith, great doubt, and great determination.

The Mirror of Zen

The Mirror of Zen
Author: Boep Joeng
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 188
Release: 2006-12-12
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0834826410

The sacred radiance of our original nature never darkens. It has shined forth since beginningless time. Do you wish to enter the gate that leads to this? Simply do not give rise to conceptual thinking. Zen Master So Sahn (1520–1604) is a towering figure in the history of Korean Zen. In this treasure-text, he presents in simple yet beautiful language the core principles and teachings of Zen. Each section opens with a quotation—drawn from classical scriptures, teachings, and anecdotes—followed by the author’s commentary and verse. Originally written in Chinese, the text was translated into Korean in the mid-twentieth century by the celebrated Korean monk Boep Joeng. An American Zen monk, Hyon Gak, has translated it into English.

One Blade of Grass

One Blade of Grass
Author: Henry Shukman
Publisher: Catapult
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2019-10-15
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 1640092633

"If you've ever wondered how a messed up kid like you or me might master the wisdom of Zen, One Blade of Grass is the adventure for you. It's great company—and after reading it, you might recognize that you're further along than you imagined." —David Hinton, editor and translator of The Four Chinese Classics and author of The Wilds of Poetry One Blade of Grass tells the story of how meditation practice helped Henry Shukman to recover from the depression, anxiety, and chronic eczema he had had since childhood and to integrate a sudden spiritual awakening into his life. By turns humorous and moving, this beautifully written memoir demystifies Zen training, casting its profound insights in simple, lucid language, and takes the reader on a journey of their own, into the hidden treasures of life that contemplative practice can reveal to any of us. "This heartfelt and beautifully written memoir provides one of the most insightful, informative, and honest accounts of Zen practice yet to appear in English." —Stephen Batchelor, author of After Buddhism