The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment [Paperback]

Roshi P. Kapleau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 1980

With essays, lectures, and accounts of personal experiences of enlightenment, this is a guide for all spiritual seekers and an excellent introduction to Zen Buddhism. 2 cassettes.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Anchor Books; Revised & Expanded edition (February 7, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385147864
• ISBN-13: 978-0385147866
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Among the very best on Zen and meditation, September 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment (Paperback)

This unarguably authoritative book is absolutely
convincing in its easily readable exposition of Zen BR> Buddhism, it's methods and goals. Practices of Japanese
Zen masters, both modern and historic,
are set forth as they were actually spoken to Zen classes
in Japanese temples. It is easily the best book I have read on meditation generally or Zen specifically

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Three Pillars of Zen, May 13, 2001

By 

Roland Barrett (Victoria, BC Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment (Paperback)

I have read the "Three pillars of Zen" on a number of occasions including the anniversary edition. On each occasion I have found it to be more and more informative and revealing of ones own Zen practice. It is an excellent beginners book into the world of formal and not so formal Zen as well as for anybody who has an interest in "what is Zen anyways?". This book not only gives insight into the question "Zen?", but, also answers the how and why's.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Three Pillars of Zen, June 9, 2000

By 

M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment (Paperback)

I first read Roshi Philip Kapleau book on the summer of 1980. I feel it is still one of the most informative books wriiten on Zen Buddhism. I am sure it must be considered a classic by now. I find myself pulling this book off my shelf every few years and re-reading it. I feel that it is one of the few books written that introduce westerner's to the journey along the road of zen.