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
Advice on beginning Zen meditation?
Chris
I'm looking at getting into zen meditation, but I don't have the time to take an actual class or really join any groups. Does anyone have any advice on how to do this solo? Any books to read or sites to visit? Thanks in advance.
Answer
I think the whole "zen" thing is about no advice or books or Sites or 'getting into it' I think anyone who gave you advice would steer you in the wrong direction, and any book you read would take you farther from it etc. Even this here will point you in the wrong direction. If i was a teacher i would say... " lean closer and i will tell you." then i would slap the shitt out of you. So give up, live your life, forget about zen, and you fill find it. The zen that is spoken of is not the true zen.
If you are a total loser like the totaly lost guy above me and can't understand anything i just said and you want to misunderstand Zen and have books on your shelf and have lots of meaningfull self important conversations about it instead of having silence in your mind and heart, then read Zen Flesh Zen Bones and then slap yourself in the face, wake up, and knock it off and get on with your life.
I think the whole "zen" thing is about no advice or books or Sites or 'getting into it' I think anyone who gave you advice would steer you in the wrong direction, and any book you read would take you farther from it etc. Even this here will point you in the wrong direction. If i was a teacher i would say... " lean closer and i will tell you." then i would slap the shitt out of you. So give up, live your life, forget about zen, and you fill find it. The zen that is spoken of is not the true zen.
If you are a total loser like the totaly lost guy above me and can't understand anything i just said and you want to misunderstand Zen and have books on your shelf and have lots of meaningfull self important conversations about it instead of having silence in your mind and heart, then read Zen Flesh Zen Bones and then slap yourself in the face, wake up, and knock it off and get on with your life.
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