by 10 people |
My Review
Together Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki have collected dozens of stories that show both the wonderful humor and stark simplicity that are Zen.They have taken four distinct volumes and made them into one.
1.101 Zen stories is a compilation of short tales, many derived from original koans, all of them illuminating and humorous.
2.The book's second section, entitled The Gateless Gate, is a selection of 48 ageless koans.
3.the third section, the famous 10 Bulls is an exquisite collection of minimalist paintings and verse that describe the stages of spiritual unfoldment.
4.The fourth and final section, called Centering, contains aphorisms and meditations from an ancient Sanskrit manuscript.
One thing that stands out about the book is the emphasis on preconscious awareness, a concept I never really understood until I heard Pema Chodin speak in her Getting Unstuck talk of a concept called "Shenpa" and upon hearing it I was moved toward understanding.
The book is one of those you can carry around in your back pocket to pull out whenever you have a minute. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Zen Flesh,Zen Bones
Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Japan Times
"Wraps up Zen as neatly as is possible."
The essence of Zen--as a way of life, a religion, an aesthetic--can be found in the works of the Zen canon. Reps draws short stories and vignettes from such classic works as The Gateless Gate and 101 Zen Stories to help listeners come closer to answering the question: What is Zen?
"whenever he expressed happiness
I only heard happiness
whenever he expressed sorrow
sorrow was all I heard"
Spotlight on The Three Pillars of Zen
The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/11/2009)
"The Three Pillars of Zen heralded the end of armchair Buddhism. With this practical guide to Zen meditation, Roshi Kapleau ushered in the first wave of American zazen practitioners. It was extraordinarily inspiring. It still is."--Helen Tworkov, founding editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and author of Zen in America
Rate it, if you dare...
Spotlight on Zen Mind Beginners Mind
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shambhala Library)
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 07/11/2009)
A respected Zen master in Japan and founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, Shunryu Suzuki has blazed a path in American Buddhism like few others. He is the master who climbs down from the pages of the koan books and answers your questions face to face. If not face to face, you can at least find the answers as recorded in Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, a transcription of juicy excerpts from his lectures.
It's All Right Here
A monk told Joshu, "I have just entered this monastery. I beg you to teach me." Joshu asked, "Have you eaten your rice porridge?" The monk replied, "I have." "Then," said Joshu, "Go and wash your bowl." At that moment the monk was enlightened.
Spotlight on Sit Down and Shut Up - Brad Warner
an American punk rocker, film maker and zen master
Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/11/2009)
Warner, a Zen priest, author (Hardcore Zen) and former punk rock bassist, has a very distinctive voice. It may be off-putting to some to think about Buddha and a bunch of Zen masters, including esteemed 13th-century Japanese Zen master Dogen, as dudes riffing on "whiz-bang-with-cheese-on-top-enlightenment." But for the patient, curious and those for whom Warner's slash-the-crap style is their cup of green tea, this Zen punk book offers provocation and reward.
Zen Monasteries in North America
Great Vow Home
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Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism
The Mountains and Rivers Order is an organization more...0 points
About the Zen Monastery Peace Center
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Shasta Abbey Buddhist Monastery Dharma Publications, Talks and Events
A Serene Reflection (Soto Zen) Meditation monaster more...0 points
San Francisco Zen Center
0 points
Blue Cliff Monastery Home
0 points
Ryumonji Zen Monastery
0 points
Deer Park Monastery
At Deer Park, we are nourished by the teachings of more...0 points
don't miss it!
- Paul Reps
- some letters and art from Paul Reps
- More Meditation Tips And Groups
- Meditation information on groups and techniques
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones Co-Author
Paul Reps (1895-1990) was an American artist, poet, and author. He is best known for his unorthodox haiku-inspired poetry that was published from 1939 onwards. He is considered one of America's first haiku poets.
In association with his writing, Reps was also a well-received artist. Many of his books have artwork influenced by Zen Buddhism displayed in association with his writings.
Reps was widely travelled and spent a large amount of his time in Asia. In Japan, his art was widely accepted and he often went there in association with the displays of his artwork in galleries and to reaffirm his Buddhist understanding.
In the later years of his life, Reps made his home on the island of Maui in Hawaii. In the two years before his death, he lived at the Haven Institute with his friends Jock McKeen and Bennet Wong .
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones Co-Author
Nyogen Senzaki (?? ??, 1876-May 7, 1958) was a Rinzai Zen monk who was one of the 20th century's leading proponents of Zen Buddhism in the United States.
Leave a Thought
got a thought, Zen or otherwise ?
Piksychick wrote...
I haven't read this particular Zen book. But the ones I have read never made sense at first. Understanding Zen came in steps. Reading, walking away thinking (or scratching my head), and then coming back to it later. After letting the stories simmer for awhile and then rereading them always gave me the most acute insight. Suddenly, or not, the stories made sense.
Thanks for the great review.
Posted February 07, 2008
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