Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin [Paperback]

Norman Waddell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 23, 1994

A fiery and intensely dynamic Zen teacher and artist, Hakuin (1686-1769) is credited with almost single-handedly revitalizing Japanese Zen after three hundred years of decline. As a teacher, he placed special emphasis on koan practice, inventing many new koans himself, including the famous "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" As an artist, Hakuin used calligraphy and painting to create "visual Dharma"—teachings that powerfully express the nature of enlightenment. The text translated here offers an excellent introduction to the work of this extraordinary teacher. Here, Hakuin sets forth his vision of authentic Zen teaching and practice, condemning his contemporaries, whom he held responsible for the decline of Zen, and exhorting his students to dedicate themselves to "breaking through the Zen barrier." Included are reproductions of several of Hakuin's finest calligraphies and paintings.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (August 23, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877739722
• ISBN-13: 978-0877739722
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,021,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Firebrand of Authentic Zen, August 7, 2000

By 

Michael P. McGarry (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin (Paperback)

The "golden age" of Zen was in the T'ang Dynasty (619-906) in China. By early eighteenth century, what was left of Zen in Japan wasn't much. But the strength of Zen is in the individuals, the truly liberated spirits, it produces, and early eighteen century Japan saw one of the greatest ever: Hakuin Zenji (1685-1768). This book is a translation of what is considered the most important text by this legendary exponent of the Rinzai Zen tradition. Hakuin was a man of high standards, and he had little patience for the soft soothing "Zen" of his day. He pulls no punches in his criticism: "At present, this country is infested with a race of smooth-tongued, worldly-wise Zen teachers who feed their students a ration of utter nonsense" (pp. 24f); "Now that's not even good rubbish" (p. 52); "Phffmp! What graveyard did you pillage for those old left-over offerings?" (p. 92). (Waddell's lively translation contributes to one's appreciation of this dynamic personality.) For Hakuin, what was most important was the breakthrough *kensho* experience, reached after years of rigorous meditation practice; apart from *kensho*, the words and ideas of Zen are worthless and meaningless. Hakuin's Zen represents a level of authenticity consonant with the height of Zen in the T'ang Dynasty. It is a Zen that focuses on the central matter relentlessly, and has absolutely no use for anything that serves to distract from this. In this respect, Hakuin's words may be a useful corrective to some of the more diffuse, feel-good, self-satisfying elements of the New Age. I would not necessarily recommend this book to someone who knew nothing about Zen; at least a cursory knowledge of classical Zen is useful in making sense of Hakuin's many references to great Zen Masters of the past. Not the best starting book, but any serious study of Zen will eventually involve confronting this fiercely determined defender of authentic Zen, and this book is undoubtedly the best English introduction to Hakuin.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A priceless contribution to Western Zen sources, April 4, 2005

By 

Hakuyu "Ikeda" (Kyoto, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin (Paperback)

Currently Professor of International Studies at Otani University in Kyoto and editor of 'The Eastern Buddhist,'Norman Waddell has made a name for himself with some sterling translations of Buddhist material('Unborn:.The Life & Teachings of Bankei.'Hakuin Zenji's 'Itsumadegusa' etc.). He has excelled himself with this latest endeavour, a translation of Hakuin Zenji's (1686-1769)'Sokko-roku Kaien Fusetsu' - a key text from the renowned reformer of Zen in the Tokugawa.

For convenience sake, Waddell has titled this work 'The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin.' It is certainly that, of course, but it shows Hakuin's indebtedness to his precursors, being Hakuin's commentary on the records of the Chinese Sung master Sokko (Chin. Hsi-keng, 1185-12699), more commonly known in Japanese Zen circles as Kido Chigu - or simply 'Kido.' Texts of this sort have been required reading for Zen students - as a spur to their training. Happily, this translation is the nearest you could get to reading the original text - and, as such, it will undoubtedly fulfil similar needs among Western Zen students.

Waddell has captured well the terse, relentless flow of Hakuin's thought - geared up to encourage Zen practice. As such, it will seem like being thrown at the deep end, to a reader taking a first glimpse into Zen material, but such was Hakuin's purpose. Seasoned practitioners will derive immense benefit from this text. The English translation, with extensive notes, appendices and index, amounts to a mere 137 pages, but so much energy has been compressed into Hakuin's words, this little text seems rather like one of those mysterious, tiny white stars, emitting radiation seemingly disproportionate to their size. In the hands of a less skilful translator, that effect would have been dissipated - but,Waddell has made Hakuin's words live, all over again, in this sterling piece of translation. The extensive notes and appendices are very helpful -without being tedious or cumbersome. I recommend this text to anyone, with a serious interest in Zen. It will take its place as a classic in Western Zen sources.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure blood and guts Zen, June 7, 2008

By 

Ted Biringer "Author of The Flatbed Sutra of ... (Anacortes, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin (Paperback)

If you are looking for some straight talk on Zen, Hakuin dishes it up without ketchup.

Essential for the library of all Zen students. And a fascinating read for anyone interested in Zen, eastern religion, traditional wisdom, or just fresh perspectives on the nature of life, death, reality and the human condition.

Norman Waddell has done us all a great service by providing this lovely translation of the Zen teachings of this popular, no holds barred Zen master. Pure blood and guts Zen from page one right through to the index!