An Introduction to Zen Buddhism, by Daisetz Teitaro (D.T.) Suzuki. Written in English, 1934.
A monk once went to Gensha, and wanted to learn where the An Introduction to Zen Buddhism, by Daisetz Teitaro (D.T.) Suzuki. Written in English, 1934.
A monk once went to Gensha, and wanted to learn where the entrance to the path of truth was. Gensha asked him, "Do you hear the murmuring of the brook?" "Yes, I hear it," answered the monk. "There is the entrance," the master instructed him.
Suzuki, a scholar in Buddhist philosophy, Zen practitioner, and polyglot (he wrote this book and many books in English), is largely known for "bringing Buddhism to the West" from its roots in China and Japan. His influence spread through Europe and North America, and his students include other well known western Buddhist philosophers, notably Alan Watts, who went on to write scores of books on Zen, philosophy, and mysticism. It was through Watts' work (of which I've read 3 of his books) that I came to his teacher, Suzuki. I'm glad I did.
In these 9 essays, Suzuki provides a straightforward framework of Zen and its tenets, its anti-logical/rational basis, the concept of satori, the use of koans in meditation, touching in mindfulness practice, the daily lives of monks.
"Zen wishes to storm this citadel of topsy-turvydom and show that we live psychologically and biologically and not logically." . "If I'm asked what Zen teaches, I would answer, Zen teaches nothing. Whatever teachings there are in Zen, they come out of ones own mind. We reach ourselves, Zen merely points the way." . . I chose to include this book in my #JanuaryinJapan reading list since Suzuki was a leading Japanese figure in Buddhism, because it's been on my shelf for a few years (I bought in Vancouver on 2017), and because the Zen practice permeates Japanese literature, history, art... and in many ways, the entire psyche.
In the foreword of this book, preeminent psychologist Carl Jung says Westerners will have a very hard time conceiving of Zen. But that's the point. Break down. Disrupt. Jumble. Get out of the rational mindset....more
Happiness The sound of laughter is still clear in my memory. Spring has come, Someone hoes the soil and plants flowers. Sunlight awakens, White flowers opHappiness The sound of laughter is still clear in my memory. Spring has come, Someone hoes the soil and plants flowers. Sunlight awakens, White flowers open to branch tips. I come home in this immense universe.
Contemplative poetry of the Zen Buddhist tradition - simplistic themes with emphasis on mindfulness and peace. The collection is a dual translation: Vietnamese on the left, and English on the right. Many of the poems are also annotated by Giac Thanh, sharing events in his life that inspired them, his spiritual practices, and dedications to teachers, family, and loved ones....more
This is one I'll read again: developing, growing, and practicing.
A beautiful book on conflict resolution, sharing love and compassion, and learning toThis is one I'll read again: developing, growing, and practicing.
A beautiful book on conflict resolution, sharing love and compassion, and learning to ask for help.
I especially enjoyed the six mantras: - I am here for you. - I know you are there, and I am very happy. - I know you suffer, and that's why I am here for you. - I suffer. Please help. - This is a happy moment. - You are partly right....more
I am alone, and yet not alone, for I am together on this planet with trillions of living creatures, all as eager as myself for happiness, all as af
I am alone, and yet not alone, for I am together on this planet with trillions of living creatures, all as eager as myself for happiness, all as afraid of pain and sorrow as I am, all presumably the same right to grasp happiness and flee pain and sorrow to the maximum possible extent. How ought I to relate to these fellow sentient beings in a positive, constructive way?
Big questions and this book is full of them. Of course, with a subtitle that includes "Existentialist Approach...", I expected it. Not an entry-level text or survey, this book assumes a lot of philosophical and theoretical knowledge, and a good working history of Buddhism....more