Holding the Lotus to the Rock: The Autobiography of Sokei-an, America's First Zen Master [Hardcover]

Michael Hotz (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 24, 2003

Sokei-an Sasaki (1882-1945), in many respects, was the original Dharma Bum: a sculptor, poet, Zen student, and journalist, whose favorite subject was America. He arrived in San Francisco in 1906 with the mission of bringing Zen to America. After his teacher returned to Japan in 1910, he wandered alone through the American West and lived a wild bohemian life in the Greenwich Village of the Roaring ‘20s. His accounts of his childhood in Meiji, Japan, his struggle to transform himself through Zen, his experiences teaching Zen to New Yorkers — which led to the founding of the First Zen Institute of America — his run-in with the FBI, and his internment on Ellis Island are all conveyed with charm and humor in this autobiography of one of the great pioneers who introduced Zen Buddhism to America. Photos are included.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Four Walls Eight Windows (March 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156858248X
• ISBN-13: 978-1568582481
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,932,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Autobio/Philosophy of Early Pioneer of Japanese Zen in America, October 4, 2006

By 

Alexandra (NORTHAMPTON, Morocco) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Holding the Lotus to the Rock: The Autobiography of Sokei-an, America's First Zen Master (Hardcover)

They say that Sokei-An established the first Zendo in America.
This beautifully written book also presents a treasure trove of
Zen philosophy: whether it's through legends, parables or
life experiences as Sokei-An recounted them; or simply a diary
of his impressions of the U.S.(especially SF and NYC) and a look at
his inner thought processes on Zen. I especially like the cover photo
where it looks like he's meditating with a cat in his lap! Many other
photos, as well.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Craggy and Intense, May 19, 2003

By 

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

This review is from: Holding the Lotus to the Rock: The Autobiography of Sokei-an, America's First Zen Master (Hardcover)

...real Woody Guthrie Dharma, the zazen version of "On the Road," a salt-encrusted hatband of a book, seasoned with the dust of the vagabond highway, and as sweet as a bite into the juice of a windfall apple. THIS is the perfect backpack book for the diamond path that leads to the rainbow's end of the mind. Lock eyebrows with this guy. He's the perfect companion for your trailworn copy of "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind."