Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Ch'an Buddhism [Paperback]

Sheng-yen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 1999

Master Sheng-yen, a dharma descendant from the founders of Buddhism in China, considers the concepts of suffering, enlightenment, and compassion; provides a glossary of key terms; and briefly recaps the history of Buddhism in China. But he goes beyond these issues to discuss contemporary matters and questions he has encountered in his years of teaching in the United States. Sometimes personal and always instructive, Sheng-yen's introductory work is perfect for those just coming to Buddhism, and for those who are already very familiar with the Tibetan and Zen schools.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This slim work by Master Sheng-yen, a Chinese monk who received his Ph.D. from Rissho University in Japan and who currently teaches in both Taiwan and the United States, nimbly introduces the fundamental concepts of Ch'an Buddhism. Ch'an is a form of Buddhism practiced in China. Its Japanese counterpart, Zen Buddhism, is so much more familiar to American audiences that Master Sheng-Yen's translation of Chinese names and terms into Japanese provides an invaluable reference point. It is clear that the author has taught in America, as his work explains and contextualizes Ch'an/Zen Buddhist ideas and practices that often confuse students not familiar with their culture of origin. Master Sheng-yen clarifies the details of the stages of practice in clear, concise and informative terms, repeating and elaborating on vital information throughout the book. He punctuates the narrative with questions, asking the reader to ponder the meaning of each story. This technique draws the reader into the Ch'an process and conveys Master Sheng-Yen's lecture style well. Another strength of this book is the stories the author tells of his own life and spiritual path. He describes his frustrations and difficulties in seeking enlightenment as well as his 10-year stint with the Nationalist army of Taiwan. This kind of personal detail, sprinkled with touches of humor, adds to the more technical expositions of Ch'an ideas, making this book a valuable addition to any religion bookshelf. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Ch'an Master Sheng-yen is a great teacher and I have great confidence in his scholarship and wisdom. I feel privileged to be his friend, and admire what he has been doing for the Buddhadharma in the East as well as in the West."
--Thich Nhat Hanh

"When I listen to Master Sheng-yen's presentation of Ch'an Buddhist teachings, my immediate and very profound feeling is that I am listening to words of wisdom from someone who is very experienced and a great practitioner."
--His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday (August 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385480458
• ISBN-13: 978-0385480451
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #818,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to Chinese Buddhism., October 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Ch'an Buddhism (Paperback)

I have studied Buddhism for over 20 years (mostly Zen), but was not all that familiar with authentic Ch'an Buddhism. Master Sheng yen was recommended by a friend and out of all his books I've found this the most accessible and most comprehensive. It's a great place to start if , like me, you want profound wisdom at an understandable level.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Einstein, March 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Ch'an Buddhism (Paperback)

Ah, he says Einstein is religious. I don't think that's true, is it? But, that little smudge aside, this book is, as has been said before, one of the best introductions to Ch'an buddhism you can buy. It outlines the major forms of zen practice, some you probably hadn't heard of (HuaTou, MoChao), as well as some autobiographical parts, explanations of core Buddhist belief, as well as a great chapter on compassion. In fact, the book gives an exercise in compassion you can practice each day to help you out with it. You don't find that much in Zen these days.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars meditation time, March 16, 2010

By 

C. Motil (Jacksonville FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Ch'an Buddhism (Paperback)

I am practicing Nicherin Buddhism and am always looking for ways to augment the teachings. saw this book at the library and found it very interesting. it predates and blends in with the Daishonins's teachings. if anyone is interested in learning in learning more about the Nicherin Buddhism, please go to [...].