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 a good easy to read book on Zen?
Brandon
One that is a really down-to-earth read and deals with things such as emotions, thoughts, life, etc.
Answer
There are three classic books on Zen that you might consider. While they may not address all your concerns, taken together they will give you an excellent view of the breadth, humor, energy and wisdom of the Zen tradition.
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Suzuki Roshi
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1590302672?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1590302672&adid=1F4QFZ21QKT199WF0BW3&
This book has probably had more influence on the development of Western Buddhism than any other. Wise and spacious.
"Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" by Zen Master Seung Sahn
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130526?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0802130526&adid=0NF60H43DFD9E1B5GRQH&
This book captures the vitality, humor, and directness of Zen teaching. Fun to read.
"Taking the Path of Zen" by Robert Aitken, Roshi
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0865470804?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0865470804&adid=1T62EWQYJXZM2NK7KXN7&
This book, by one of the first Western Zen masters, focuses on the practical aspects of Zen - how to sit, what to do when sitting, etc. Very helpful.
Best wishes on your path!
There are three classic books on Zen that you might consider. While they may not address all your concerns, taken together they will give you an excellent view of the breadth, humor, energy and wisdom of the Zen tradition.
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Suzuki Roshi
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1590302672?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1590302672&adid=1F4QFZ21QKT199WF0BW3&
This book has probably had more influence on the development of Western Buddhism than any other. Wise and spacious.
"Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" by Zen Master Seung Sahn
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130526?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0802130526&adid=0NF60H43DFD9E1B5GRQH&
This book captures the vitality, humor, and directness of Zen teaching. Fun to read.
"Taking the Path of Zen" by Robert Aitken, Roshi
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0865470804?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0865470804&adid=1T62EWQYJXZM2NK7KXN7&
This book, by one of the first Western Zen masters, focuses on the practical aspects of Zen - how to sit, what to do when sitting, etc. Very helpful.
Best wishes on your path!
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