Zen Buddhism

Zen koans, beginning some 1500 years ago, refer to stories or questions arising in encounters between monks and old Chinese and Japanese masters, and include commentaries designed to help the Zen practitioner awaken. Koans like HakuinsWhat is the sound of one hand clapping? are well-known, and the word koan has even gone mainstream.

A comprehensive, accessible guide to the fascinating history of Zen Buddhism--including important figures, schools, foundational texts, practices, and politics.

A collection of charming and funny stories on how to turn the awareness we find on the meditation cushion into wisdom for every day.

The record of Rinzai's teaching... .shows a character of immense vitality and originality, lecturing his students in informal and somewhat 'racy' language. It is as if Rinzai were using the whole strength of his personality to force the student into immediate awakening...

In 1966 David Chadwick began Zen practice with Shunryu Suzuki, the Zen master whose words form the gristle of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, one of the most widely used books on Zen practice. Suzuki was a pioneer of Buddhism in America, founding San Francisco’s Zen Center, and inspiring a movement that continues today.

A visual journey through Zens influence on Japanese life, from calligraphy to the martial arts

From a living treasure of Japanese Zen, an inspiring collection of teachings about the power of Buddhist practice to help you transform suffering and touch the marrow of your life.