Richard Ra
I am eighteen and I've recently become interested in Eastern religions through my philosophy classes and study of the martial arts. I have read a little on Zen Buddhism and found it inspiring and related to martial arts so I was wondering has anyone read any good books on the subject that provided a solid overall background? I am not set on converting yet but I am extremely curious and I want to start this journey with a book from a reputable author.
Answer
I would suggest three different books of three completely different kinds by three different authors from three different Zen traditions of three different countries:
1. Read about the Buddha's life, including his teachings, in the wonderfully poetic prose biography "Old Path, White Clouds" by the famous Vietnamese Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh: http://www.amazon.com/Old-Path-White-Clouds-Footsteps/dp/0938077260/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299890591&sr=1-2
2. The down-to-earthy practical handbook about Zen, "The Three Pillars of Zen" by the French Zen teacher Philippe Kapleau Roshi, the senior student of a famous Japanese Zen master, which includes a summary of the teachings and varieties of Zen, but also very practical instructions on how to start out your personal practice and meditation: http://www.amazon.com/Three-Pillars-Zen-Teaching-Enlightenment/dp/0385260938/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299890609&sr=1-1#_
3. The question-and-answer book "Orthodox Chinese Buddhism" by the Chinese Ch'an (the Chinese version of Zen, from which the Japanese tradition came) master Sheng-yen, one of the greatest masters of the last century who died two years ago, where you find excellent answers to all kinds of questions you might have about the practice, philosophy and beliefs of Mahayana Buddhism: http://www.amazon.com/Orthodox-Chinese-Buddhism-Contemporary-Questions/dp/1556436572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299890633&sr=1-1
I would suggest three different books of three completely different kinds by three different authors from three different Zen traditions of three different countries:
1. Read about the Buddha's life, including his teachings, in the wonderfully poetic prose biography "Old Path, White Clouds" by the famous Vietnamese Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh: http://www.amazon.com/Old-Path-White-Clouds-Footsteps/dp/0938077260/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299890591&sr=1-2
2. The down-to-earthy practical handbook about Zen, "The Three Pillars of Zen" by the French Zen teacher Philippe Kapleau Roshi, the senior student of a famous Japanese Zen master, which includes a summary of the teachings and varieties of Zen, but also very practical instructions on how to start out your personal practice and meditation: http://www.amazon.com/Three-Pillars-Zen-Teaching-Enlightenment/dp/0385260938/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299890609&sr=1-1#_
3. The question-and-answer book "Orthodox Chinese Buddhism" by the Chinese Ch'an (the Chinese version of Zen, from which the Japanese tradition came) master Sheng-yen, one of the greatest masters of the last century who died two years ago, where you find excellent answers to all kinds of questions you might have about the practice, philosophy and beliefs of Mahayana Buddhism: http://www.amazon.com/Orthodox-Chinese-Buddhism-Contemporary-Questions/dp/1556436572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299890633&sr=1-1
what is the official book of zen buddhism?
maria
this is still for my daughter.
Answer
There is no official book of Zen Buddhism. Traditionally, the teachings were imparted orally from master to student, and because each master taught differently, there became many different variations on Zen practice.
There are a few books that I would recommend for someone that wants to learn about Zen. The first is "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," by Shunryu Suzuki. It is a practical guide to Soto-style Zen meditation. The other is "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones." It is a collection of koans and Zen stories that can give great insight into Zen.
There is no official book of Zen Buddhism. Traditionally, the teachings were imparted orally from master to student, and because each master taught differently, there became many different variations on Zen practice.
There are a few books that I would recommend for someone that wants to learn about Zen. The first is "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," by Shunryu Suzuki. It is a practical guide to Soto-style Zen meditation. The other is "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones." It is a collection of koans and Zen stories that can give great insight into Zen.
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