Two Arrows Meeting in Mid-air (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment) [Paperback]

John Daido Loori (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this masterful study, Zen teacher Loori, abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery in upstate New York, lucidly demonstrates the power of the koan (a poetic riddle that, lacking a logical answer, disrupts the reason of the hearer so that enlightenment may follow). In an introductory section, Loori traces the history of dharma (wisdom about harmony with the cosmos) in Zen Buddhism. In the remainder of the book, he collects 21 koans from classical and modern sources and then teaches them through his extended dharma discourses. Loori's teachings sparkle with the insight of one who has been illuminated by the constant challenge of the koans; and his collection, both in its variety and its authority, greatly surpasses such previous books as Thomas Cleary's No Barriers: Unlocking the Zen Koan. In sum, a beautifully illuminating meditation.

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

In this collection of lectures, Loori, the abbot of a Zen monastery, speaks on the uses of koans (unanswerable thought questions) in Zen Buddhist training. There are 21 chapters, each explaining the history, thought, and importance of a single, well-known koan. This collection does not attempt to be a purely historical or comprehensive study or an encyclopedia on Zen koans; it is aptly described as a ``Zen workbook'' to be used by the practitioner, not necessarily the academic. The language is conversational and pedagogical. A minor drawback is the use of the classical Zen expository style, which may make the discussions seem confusing and nonsensical to those unfamiliar with Zen philosophy and its writings. Yet for the initiated, this book is a good reference source for koans and their exegesis. Recommended for public and theological libraries.-Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; 1st edition (April 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804830126
• ISBN-13: 978-0804830126
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,230,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for the openminded reader., May 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Two Arrows Meeting in Mid-air (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment) (Paperback)

This is one of the best explanations of Zen koans you will find. In clear and vivid language, Loori demystifies koans, making them understandable. However, judging from the other reviews, not everyone got it. To undertake koan study, Zen study, is not the same as undertaking, say, the study of literature. To study Zen is to attempt to become Zen, become the koan, become the teacher. You can't just learn about koans, you have to let your mind take the shape of each koan. You will change. In contrast, the study of literature is designed to make you a critic or a teacher, not necessarily a great writer. You won't change; you'll just be the same person with some extra knowledge. If your study of Zen has turned you into a critic of Zen masters, then you have wasted your time.

6 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Only a westerner ..., March 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Two Arrows Meeting in Mid-air (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment) (Paperback)

The purpose of the koan is to free the student's mind from its "normal" way of thinking.

Since enlightenment is neither in the koan, nor in the answer, how can there be a book of answers?

Only a westerner with no understanding could have written this.

Buy his book and he will take both your money and your enlightenment!

Better to break his begging bowl so that you can both attend the banquet.

1 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Poor binding, March 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Two Arrows Meeting in Mid-air (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment) (Paperback)

This book is poorly made. The binding split in the middle half of the book, which made several pages surrounding the split very loose and eventually seperate from the binding completely. All of this after I very lightly skimmed through the middle parts of the book. The physical shelf life of this book is not to be trusted.