Customer Reviews

Roaring Stream (Ecco Companions)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

"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!

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

This text shows us that the lives and teachings of the masters have direct relevance for Buddhists today. Our own lives, in work and play, are cut from the same fabric as the tales recounted herein. Pick it up and read anywhere. Be inspired. The rest will follow. Old Chao-Chou would be pleased enough to whack the authors over the head with it.

The book was very informative and insightful. It contained poems written by Zen masters from China, Japan and Korea. There was a briefing on the lives of Zen masters but over all it was very interesting to read. It helps you understand Zen a bit better. Who knows maybe you'll realize that "it is useless to pray to the gods about your destiny" What will happen will happen. We as humans have no control over it, so it is best to accept things as they are.