Sit: Zen Teachings of Master Taisen Deshimaru [Paperback]

Taisen Deshimaru (Author), Taisen Deshmaru (Author), Philippe Coupey (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1996

An enlightening account of a session held in France under the guidance of the renowned Japanese Zen Master, Taisen Deshimaru (1914-1982). This book answers pressing questions and provides vital instruction and inspiration for both beginner or long-time Zen practitioners and those using meditation as part of their spiritual path.

Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Hohm Press (May 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934252610
• ISBN-13: 978-0934252614
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #400,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Look of the Buddha, March 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sit: Zen Teachings of Master Taisen Deshimaru (Paperback)

Here, from Taisen Deshimaru, who helped to bring Buddhism to Paris from the Orient, comes a unique teaching of Soto Zen. Philip Coupey, one of his most ardent students and translators, has compiled this book of teachings from Deshimaru's seshins near the Loire Valley in France. Deshimaru had the look of the Buddha when he sat in zazen, and his teachings reflected a deep wisdom and understanding of the cosmos which is in more our bellies, less our minds.

John Stevens, currently a Buddhist Monk in Paris, knows Monsieur Coupey and attends and helps with the seshins regularly, even though Deshimaru has passed away. While Mr. Stevens is not in this book, his example of selflessness, his sense of humour, and his dedication to zazen as outlined here by Deshimaru, has led me to this wonderful book of zen wisdom.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't sit it out..., October 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sit: Zen Teachings of Master Taisen Deshimaru (Paperback)

One of his best works. Glad I bought it, it has all his fundamental philosophy and practice, plus his view of Dogen.

While having reading the "Shobogenzo" by the latter which is beautiful but tedious, this work has a much more modern and pragmatic application. I recommend it to anyone who is searching for zen practice who wants to live it instead of ruminate upon it like another koan.

Kwat!!!!

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kwatz!, February 16, 2001

By 

J. Anderson (Monterey, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sit: Zen Teachings of Master Taisen Deshimaru (Paperback)

This is a great book. A collection of the retreat teachings of Zen master Taisen Deshimaru that hits like a shot of sharp sun! Lovingly edited by Deshimaru's long-time student, Philippe Coupey, page after page reveals the Soto master at the apogee of his deep success. For a practitioner, it's a joy to experience the thunder of Deshimaru's method, his keen intellect, and his profound religiousness. As the retreat progresses, the pages are increasingly penetrated with descriptions of the physical aspects of meditation in the dojo in the mountains of Val d'Isere, in France- the flowing water outside the zendo, the natural sounds of the sangha. It's a beautiful, remarkable book in the line of Shunryu Suzuki's teaching, and what's finer than that?! Deshimaru says: Zazen is dry wood without thinking. The deep wisdom arises. The blue mountain stands alone. Looking like a modern day Bodhidharma (there are some great photos in the book!), the best and deepest sense of Deshimaru the buddha never leaves you from the instant you start reading, indeed even once you've finished. Useful, timeless spiritual reading.