No other Eastern religious tradition has influenced Western thought more than Zen Buddhism. This collection contains the luminous essays and lectures of contemporary Zen masters, as well as several personal accounts of the experience of enlightenment. Since 1965, this pioneering classic has had a profound impact on the development of Zen in the West, inspiring countless Westerners to undertake Zen practice.
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"The practical nature of the first part is inspiring. Up to page 161 covers a small group of short talks on very useful points such as delusions that can be experienced in sitting, types of sitting, motivation in sitting and so on. This is followed by a series of transcripts of interviews between teacher and student during a sesshin - it functions like FAQs of zazen. However, the struggles of these students are quite inspiring - real questions, issues and problems and how they are faced or not by the individual. This is followed by a selection of letters that show how the experiences described today are very similar to those of earlier 'sitters'. This pattern is repeated with experiences of those who have gained some degree of enlightenment. My only real criticism is that the focus is almost entirely on those who have been enlightened using koans, especially 'Mu'. This makes the reader feel that the type of full on spiritual warfare described by these sitters is the only way to move forward. Some interviews with those who practice shikantaza would have balanced things a little. Indeed - at the start of the book several types of zazen are mentioned but only the kensho seekers get highlighted." — Stewart (5 out of 5 stars)
"The practical nature of the first part is inspiring. Up to page 161 covers a small group of short talks on very useful points such as delusions that can be experienced in sitting, types of sitting, motivation in sitting and so on. This is followed by a series of transcripts of interviews between teacher and student during a sesshin - it functions like FAQs of zazen. However, the struggles of these students are quite inspiring - real questions, issues and problems and how they are faced or not by the individual. This is followed by a selection of letters that show how the experiences described today are very similar to those of earlier 'sitters'. This pattern is repeated with experiences of those who have gained some degree of enlightenment. My only real criticism is that the focus is almost entirely on those who have been enlightened using koans, especially 'Mu'. This makes the reader feel that the type of full on spiritual warfare described by these sitters is the only way to move forward. Some interviews with those who practice shikantaza would have balanced things a little. Indeed - at the start of the book several types of zazen are mentioned but only the kensho seekers get highlighted."
" This classic -- see photos. For a picture of a young Tangen Roshi "
" to write a review on a book about zen, just isn't zen. but philip did an excellent job. "
" I've read this over and over, and I still need to read it over and over. "
" A really down to earth approachable book for understanding Zen Buddhism. It provides stories and excellent explanations. "
" A truly practical "textbook" for the devout student of Zen (i.e., "The Dummies Guide to Zen" it is NOT), i found this book to be an informative and comprehensive (though at times redundant) study of zazen and the Buddhist path to enlighnment. "
" A kind of handbook for those who wish to endure the rigors of sitting zazen. A must read for any serious zendo sitters. Perhaps with enough practice and the realization that the one hand clapping is your own, you will be fortunate enough to lose this book and get on with life. "
" The first person to introduce meditation to me, Laura, also introduced me to this book. Grounded, practical, classic. "
" Deeply moved by this book when I read it in 1967. "
" This was fantastic. I you have an interest in learning zen and how to practice, this books is for you. "
" I would not hesitate to recommend this book for anyone interested in beginning serious zazen practice. I find it more inspiring with each read. It grows with you. "
" Crisp, straightforward and to the point. Kapleau is like the zen archer who hits the target without appearing to aim. "
" Very good content but a dry read. "
" One of the best books I've read on Zen. Makes it real and accessible. "
" I bring this with me on any extended trip. It is the most practical guide to Zen and Zazen out there..full of interviews and commentary. "
" This is a great book everyone read it i recommend it "
" Good introduction to Zen Buddhism. "
" Read this way back about to read it again, that's how good it be. "
" One of the first books to get me interested in Buddhism. But very specific to the Japanese Zen tradition -- perhaps not representative of a wider range of Buddhist practice. "
" I read this one many years ago, back when I first started reading Asian religious literature. I remember that it was a very good introduction to buddhism. "
" Story of Soto Zen with the perspective of both a historian and someone seeking understanding of the meaning of zen Buddhism. "
" highly recommend to anyone interested in Zen or meditation "
" an OK read if you are interested in various religions. "
" This book was a coming home for me. My re-introduction to a "Way" both illusive and familiar. "
" The book that introduced me to Zen and Buddhism generally. I'd love to visit the Rochester Zen Center some day. "
" Good stuff! ~~~ Not that I pretend to understand it all. ... at all ...? +++ "
" If you are interested in Zen you must read this book. More information the one can comprehend in one read. I'm on my 3rd time thru it. "
" The writing is 'westernish' heavy handed - I have now read enough to know that Kaplan has missed the lightness of Zen by making it ponderous. "
" I enjoyed this, but I read it for information. I am not a zen practicer and as such much of it was over my head. "
" Good general introduction to both Soto and Rinzai schools including zazen, koans, dokusan, and reflections students' experiences. "
Philip Kapleau was one of the founding fathers of American Zen. He made it his life’s work to transplant Zen Buddhism into American soil, bridging the gap between theory and practice and making Zen Buddhism accessible to all. His books include Straight to the Heart of Zen and The Zen of Living and Dying.
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