The Art of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza [Paperback]

John Daido Loori (Editor), Taigen Dan Leighton (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2002

This comprehensive and unparalleled volume brings together a wealth of writings, from Bodhidharma and Dogen to the most prominent modern teachers, collecting the substantial core of centuries of Zen teachings.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Loori, now abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery, began his Buddhist practice, he couldn't find much written on the subject of zazen (sitting meditation). This anthology's 22 selections seek to fill that perceived void. Eight ancient voices such as the Fourth Ancestor of Chinese Zen Great Master Dayi (A.D. 580-651) and Eihei Dogen (A.D. 1200-1253), the most important Japanese Zen master, are translated by accomplished scholars such as Thomas Cleary. Beyond a half dozen supporting texts in the glossary, the other selections are by contemporary authors such as Shunryu Suzuki (Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind). Taken together, the writing spans 1,500 years, all pointing to the practice of "just sitting," whereby no object (breath, candle, mandala, mantra, etc.) is used as a meditation focus. Differing from the other type of zazen wherein koans are studied, shikantaza-just sitting-is less pointed in its intent and methods. There are specific instructions here for location, posture and mental state, which will be helpful for beginners. Advanced practitioners can benefit from the more esoteric thoughts about "non-thinking." Minor flaws include repetitions about technique and contradictions about breath, the need for a teacher and so on. In the main, however, Loori has compiled a useful guide to "just sitting," promising "if you were to live for a hundred thousand years, you would never find in this life anything more powerful, more healing, [and] more empowering..
- more empowering."
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Daido Loori has gathered the essence of true meditation into this jewel of a book. We should not miss it." -- Joan Halifax Roshi, Head Teacher, Upaya Zen Center

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications; 1st Widsom Ed edition (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861713273
• ISBN-13: 978-0861713271
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,347,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thomas Cleary removed from the 2nd Edition., May 23, 2006

By 

eurydike (Santa Cruz, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Just Sitting, Second Edition: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza (Paperback)

The book is identical to the First Edition, with the one difference being that all of Thomas Cleary's translations have been yanked out and replaced with versions by other translators. I assume there is some doctrinal or sectarian infighting going on that made such an editorial decision necessary. But if you're buying the book because the Editorial Reviews section on Amazon mentions Cleary's name, AND you are a Cleary fan, then order a copy of the First Edition, still readily available.

Both editions are impeccable and adamantine of course. One is just Clearyless.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Collection of seminal teachings, November 5, 2002

By 

John D. Buksbazen "daishin" (Santa Monica, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza (Paperback)

Roshi John Daido Loori has assembled the single most comprehensive treasury of writings on the subject.

Often misunderstood, the practice of shikantaza is authoritatively presented and carefully examined in two dozen essays by Chinese, Japanese, and American masters, along with an appendix of six seminal classic texts.

This volume, spanning the centuries since Shakymuni Buddha to the present day, will prove indispensable to meditators and scholars alike.

John Daido Loori has given us a rare treasure.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A shining collection of writtings from various masters, December 12, 2004

By 

Daiun (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza (Paperback)

For those who fear being crushed under the weight of John Daido Loori's arrogance - fear not. This book is a fasinating display of writings from various masters. While the theme of each essay is the practice of Shikataza we are also offered a smorgasbord of other insights. The excellent editing of this book provides the reader with an assembly of some of the best Zen writings to be found under one roof.