Roaring Stream (Ecco Companions) [Hardcover]

Nelson Foster (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Now, thanks to Zen teacher Foster and Shoemaker, the editor in chief at Counterpoint, the masterpieces of Zen Buddhist writings are available in a single volume. The editors include writings from the Chinese Ch'an Buddhism out of which Zen grew as well as poetry and other writings foundational to the Japanese Zen traditions. The collection gathers voices as diverse as Bodhidharma, the Indian Buddhist monk who brought Buddhism and tea to China, and Basho, the great Japanese Zen haikai poet. Each selection is introduced by a brief essay setting the writers in context. Because of its range and the wealth of its materials, this volume will be the standard introduction to Zen Buddhism for years to come. Highly recommended.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 374 pages
• Publisher: Ecco; 1 edition (August 21, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880013443
• ISBN-13: 978-0880013444
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,162,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the Living Stream, December 15, 2004

By 

T. Furneaux (Earth) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Roaring Stream (Ecco Companions) (Hardcover)

This is the single best collection of Zen writings published in english. This book has a heartbeat; the life of the tradition is felt through the voices of these ancestors. I have loved this book since it first appeared in print. Highly recommended.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compendium captures the history and spirit of Zen., December 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Roaring Stream (Ecco Companions) (Hardcover)

"Zen" ... if there is a more widely-used buzzword, perhaps misused, we don't know it. Much more than just the sound of one hand clapping, Zen is an ancient and venerable system of thought and perception that transcends religious and national boundaries. This exceptional volume unfolds the history of Zen chronologically. And artistically. A major aspect of Zen is poetry, and the translations here are excellent -- often better than other volumes devoted to ancient Eastern poetry. One of our very favorite "finds" of this past year -- or any other year!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Zen Tradition, June 27, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Roaring Stream (Ecco Companions) (Hardcover)

This anthology is a rich, comprehensive compendium of writings by major Zen teachers spanning the last fifteen hundred years. Excellent, brief introductions are provided for each teacher. Highly recommended