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Zen or Ch'an
Books are listed alphabetically by author. Since this section includes many Asian names with the family name first, we've often underlined the first letter of the name by which the author is alphabetized.
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Robert Aitken, Taking the Path of Zen"The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or meditation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from this center. He discusses correct breathing, posture, routine, teacher-student relations, and koan study, as well as common problems and milestones encountered in the process. Throughout the work the author returns to zazen, offering further advice and more advanced techniques. The orientation extends to various religious attitudes and includes detailed discussions of the Three Treasures and the Ten Precepts of Zen Buddhism."
North Point Press, 1982 (newly revised and corrected 2000). 149 pages, about 5 x 8 inches, paperback.
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Robert Aitken, Zen Master Raven: Sayings and Doings of a Wise BirdIllustrations by Jennifer Rain Crosby
“The use of brief, thought-provoking stories to teach the key concepts of Zen Buddhism has a long and illustrious history.
“In Zen Master Raven, Robert Aitken, one of America’s best-known and most repected Zen masters, presents a brilliant introduction to Zen Buddhist teaching in over one hundred lessons told through the stories (and voices) of animals—from curious beginners like Mallard and Mole, to teachers-in-training like Porcupine, to the profound wisdom of masters like Brown Bear and Zen Master Raven himself.
“Together, the stories represent both a fascinating and extremely readable introduction to Zen thought, and the summation of the teaching of one of the most important figures in the history of Zen in America.”
Tuttle Publishing, 2002. 208 pages, about 5 x 7 inches, paperback. New.
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Martine Batchelor, Meditation for LifePhotography by Stephen Batchelor
“There are many good reasons to start meditating. Meditation can relieve stress, promote relaxation, and improve your outlook—but above all, meditation is about waking up to life, to all its choices and possibilities.
“With an engaging mix of anecdote, humor, and clear instruction, Martine Batchelor shows that you don’t have to be a Buddhist to benefit from meditation. She explains the life-enhancing techniques of three major Buddhist traditions, demystifying meditation and presenting it in a way that will speak to readers of any background.
“Each chapter of Meditation for Life contains a time-honored guided meditation on such themes as loving-kindness, equanimity, death—and even cooking!” The numerous photographs by Stephen Batchelor invite “us to see the world around us with new eyes.”
Wisdom Publications, 2001. 168 pages, about 8½ x 10 inches, illus., paperback. New.
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Martine Batchelor, Principles of ZenThorsons Principles Series
"Zen is referred to again and again in popular culture but how many people really know what it is? This straightforward introductory guide offers basic background information on Zen history, philosophy and practices as well as practical introduction to meditation. It demonstrates how meditation can help us connect (to ourselves and each other) and live more fully. It explains: what zen is, where it originated, how it is practiced, its relevance to our life today, where we can find out more."
Thorsons, 1999. 127 pages, about 5 x 7 inches, paperback. New.
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Charlotte Joko Beck, Everyday Zen: Love & Work Edited by Steve Smith.
". . . a warm, engaging, uniquely American approach to using Zen to deal with the problems of daily living—love, relationships, work, fear, ambition, suffering. Beck shows how to live each moment to the fullest."
HarperCollins, 1989. 214 pages, about 5½ x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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Arthur Braverman, Living and Dying in Zazen: Five Zen Masters of Modern JapanThe author went to Japan "to study Zen at its source in the early 1970s, concentrating his practice at the small temple of Antaiji in Kyoto. Under its unique abbot Kosho Uchiyama, Antaiji became a magnet for serious non-Japanese practitioners and played a crucial role in the transmission of Zen to America in particular. [This book] combines the life stories and teachings of five teachers—Kodo Sawaki, Sodo Yokoyama, Kozan Kato, Motoko Ikebe, and Uchiyama—associated with Antaiji and sthe story of Braverman and other Western students coming to grips with Zen, Japanese culture, and themselves. The deification of Zen teachers by their followers has been a problematic issue in American Zen; this book provides a healthy antidote, presenting four men and one woman who have lived and died in Zen within the rich context of their personal lives and their culture, so that we can fully understand what makes a Zen master in Japan."
Weatherhill, 2003. 174 pages, about 6½ x 9 inches, paperback. New.
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David Chadwick, Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki "A moving and eloquent biography of that quiet man who was to become the most widely revered Zen teacher in this country. Conveying his spirit lovingly and well, it becomes in itself a wonderful manifestation of his gentle teachings."—Peter Matthiessen
Broadway Books, 1999. 431 pages, about 5 x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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Philip Kapleau, editor and compiler, The Three Pillars of Zen Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment.
Updated and revised with a new afterword by Bodhin Kjolhede, 2000 (35th Anniversary Edition).
“This [new] edition of The Three Pillars of Zen will be welcomed by new readers and by those who have taken the book to heart already. . . . Roshi Kapleau was the first Westerner standing within the Zen tradition to compose a book on Zen. He demonstrated that Zen practice and its fruits are accesible to anyone of sincere intent, that enlightenment is not restricted to spiritual geniuses of former ages. Because the Zen way is “walked, not talked,” one of the most important sections of the book explains and illustrates seven meditation postures of varying difficulty. The message is clear: sit and experience it for yourself.
“In these pages readers will also find a wealth of material on Zen, Buddhism in general, and other Asian spiritual traditions. . . .” —from the Preface to a previous edition.
Anchor Books, 2000. 441 pages, about 5 x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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Philip Kapleau, The Zen of Living and Dying: A Practical and Spiritual Guide "The renowned Zen teacher Philip Kapleau explores the subject of death and dying on a personal level, revealing how we can learn to live life fully at every moment and die serenely." This is a revised edition of The Wheel of Life and Death.
Shambhala, 1998. 273 pages, about 6 x 9 inches, paperback. New.
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Taizan Maezumi, Teaching of the Great Mountain: Zen Talks by Taizan MaezumiEdited by Anton Tenkei Coppens
In this book, the author “addresses the essence of Zen—the vital question of how we can perceive true nature in every moment. Given in the style of teisho, or “presentations of dharma,” his intimate, poetic teachings cover a broad range of topics, including koans, God, sutras, ceremony, and sitting meditation. Maezumi Roshi’s direct and evocative teachings will inspire beginners and adepts alike.”
Published by Tuttle (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment), 2001. 145 pp., about 5½ x 8½ inches, paperback. New, bargain remainder.
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Peter Matthiessen, Nine-Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals: 1969-1982 Here in this work is the celebrated writer, naturalist, and explorer's own experience with Zen, from the time he returned home from a journey in Africa to find three Zen masters, guests of his wife, in his driveway to his ordination thirteen years later. Along the way he fills us in on the history of Zen, takes us to the Himalayas (including excerpts from his book The Snow Leopard) and Japan, and gives us what may be called Zen gossip—vignettes of the people practicing Buddhism in America presented honestly and sometimes comically.
Matthiessen is the one writer whose work encompasses more of the featured subjects of Mindbird Maps & Books than any other. Specifically, his works feature the subjects of natural history, geography, literature, and writing, and Buddhism too, of course.
Shambhala, 1985. 288 pages, about 6 x 9 inches, paperback. New.
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Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace"Every day we do things, we are things, that have to do with peace. If we are aware of our life-style, our way of consuming, our way of looking at things, we will know how to make peace right in the moment we are alive."
This is a collection of the Vietnamese Zen Master's talks given during the fall of 1985. Edited by Arnold Kotler, with illustrations by Mayumi Oda.
Parallax Press, 1996. 115 pages, about 5½ x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of Understanding: Commentaries on the Prajnaparamita Heart SutraClear and insightful commentary on understanding the Heart Sutra, itself little more than one page long and summarized as "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form." Typical of Thich Nhat Hanh's writing, this book helps us understand the essence of Mahayana teaching—and the interrelationship of all things.
Parallax Press, 1988. 54 pages, about 5½ x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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Thich Nhat Hanh, The Long Road Turns to Joy: A Guide to Walking Meditation
A pocket-size guide to the simple practice of walking meditation. "Thich Nhat Hanh offers instruction in this most basic meditation practice—walking just for the enjoyment of each step, each breath, the blue sky, and the sights and fragrances along the path."
Parallax Press, 1996. 74 pages, 6 x 4 inches, paperback. New.
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Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of MeditationTranslated by Mobi Ho, with eleven drawings by Vo-Dinh Mai
“In this beautiful and lucid guide, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness—being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peacefulness.”
To the publisher’s description just quoted, let me add that Nhat Hanh’s writing in this work is steeped in Buddhist learning, and is not a mere popularization of the topic—engaging as it is. For example, he discusses such concepts as the Five Aggregates which are often passed over as too subtle in shallower works. Also, about the last one-fifth of the book is given to selections from Buddhist sutras, the verses traditionally attributed to the Buddha himself.
Published by Beacon Press, 1987 (first published 1975). 140 pages, about 5½ x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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A. F. Price and Wong Mou-lam (translators), The Diamond Sutra & The Sutra of Hui-neng"The Diamond Sutra, composed in India in the fourth century C.E., is one of the most treasured works of Buddhist literature and the oldest extant printed book in the world. It is known as the Diamond Sutra because its teaching is said to be like a diamond that cuts away all dualistic thought, releasing one from attachment to objects and bringing one to the further shore of enlightenment. The Sutra of Hui-neng, also known as the Platform Sutra, contains the autobiography of this pivotal figure in Zen history and some of the most profound passages in Zen literature. Hui-neng (638-713), the Sixth Patriarch of Zen in China, is often regarded as the true father of the Zen tradition. A poor illiterate woodcutter, he was said to have attained enlightenment upon hearing recitation of The Diamond Sutra. Taken together, these two scriptures present the central teachings of a major Buddhist tradition and are essential reading for all students of Buddhism."
Forewords by W. Y. Evans-Wentz & Christmas Humphreys
Shambhala, 2005 printing. 166 pages, about 6 x 9 inches, paperback. New.
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Zen Master Seung Sahn, The Compass of Zen "[This book] is a simple, clear, and often hilarious presentation of the essential teachings of the main Buddhist traditions—culminating in Zen—by one of the most beloved Zen Masters of our time. In his many years of teaching throughout the world, Zen Master Seung Sahn has become known for his unique ability to cut to the heart of Buddhist teaching in a way that is strikingly clear, without relying on esoteric or academic language. In this book, based on his talks, he presents the basic teachings of Buddhism in a way that is wonderfully rich and accessible for both beginners and long-time students."
Shambhala Press, 1997. 394 pages, about 6 x 9 inches, paperback. New.
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Zen Master Seung Sahn, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha: The Teaching of Zen Master Seung Sahn Compiled and edited by Stephen Mitchell.
"Consisting of dialogues, stories, formal Zen interviews, Dharma speeches, and letters using the Zen Master's actual words in spontaneous, living interaction with his students, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha is a fresh presentation of the Zen teaching method of 'instant dialogue' between Master and student that, through the use of astonishment and paradox, leads to an understanding of ultimate reality."
Grove Press, 1976. 232 pages, about 5½ x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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Zen Master Seung Sahn, Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Seung SahnRevised Edition edited by Hyon Gak Sunim
"Here is the inimitable Zen Master Seung Sahn in action—in letters to students taken from the correspondence that is one of his primary modes of instruction. In his thirty years of teaching Zen in the West, he has responded by mail to literally thousands of students' questions about Zen practice—and also about family, life, work, and relationships—applying wisdom, compassion, and his limitless energy to each interaction."
Shambhala, 1999. 230 pages, about 5½ x 8½ inches, paperback. New.
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Master Sheng-yen, Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Ch'an Buddhism "Ch'an Master Sheng-yen is a great teacher and I have great confidence in his scholarship and wisdom. I feel privileged to be his friend, and admire what he has been doing for the Buddhadharma in the East as well as in the West."—Thich Nhat Hanh
"When I listen to Master Sheng-yen's presentation of Ch'an Buddhist teachings, my immediate and very profound feeling is that I am listening to words of wisdom from someone who is very experienced and a great practitioner."—His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Doubleday, 1999. 139 pages, about 5½ x 8½ inches, paperback. New.
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Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's MindInformal talks "about how to practice Zen as a workable discipline and religion, about posture and breathing, about the basic attitudes and understanding that make Zen practice possible, about non-duality, emptiness, and enlightenment." A classic, one of the most frequently recommended books on Zen practice.
Weatherhill, 1999 revised edition, 2005 printing. 138 pages, about 5½ x 8 inches, paperback. New.
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Thich Thien-An, Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice "Presents the two dynamic aspects of Zen—its philosophy and its way of life. Providing a sound foundation for understanding, Dr. Thien-An traces the history of Zen within the general context of Buddhist thought, then focuses on the essential union of theory and practice, sitting and action, wisdom and compassion."
Dharma Publishing, 1975. 179 pages, about 5½ x 8½ inches, paperback. New.
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Gary Thorp, Sweeping Changes: Discovering the Joy of Zen in Everyday TasksIn this book, the author “shows how the principles of Zen can bring harmony and peace to your life at home. You don’t need special surroundings or to sit quietly in a formal posture to achieve the tranquility of Zen; you can find it anywhere—in the action of dusting a shelf, organizing your closet, or feeding your cat. As Thorp conveys in sparkling prose, many everyday activities provide an opportunity for Zen practice, satisfaction, and spiritual growth. Whether you live in a small room, and apartment, or a palace, this delightful, insightful book will not only change your feelings toward housekeeping, it will help you see your home, and your place in it, in a new and nurturing light.”
Broadway Books, 2000. 159 pages, about 5½ x 7 inches, paperback. New.
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