Trust in Mind: The Rebellion of Chinese Zen [Paperback]

Mu Soeng (Author), Jan Chozen Bays (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2004

Trust in Mind, the beloved poem that has again and again welcomed generations to the practice of Zen Buddhism, is often considered the first historical "Zen" document and remains an anchor of Zen Buddhist practice to this day. Here, scholar and commentator Mu Soeng explores the poem's importance and impact in three sections: The Dharma of Trust in Mind, The Tao of Trust in Mind, and The Chan of Trust in Mind. Finally, a brilliant line-by-line commentary brings the elements of this ancient work completely to life for the modern reader. Trust in Mind is the first book of its kind, looking at this very important Zen text from historical and cultural contexts, as well as from the practitioner's point of view.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (June 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861713915
• ISBN-13: 978-0861713912
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #683,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant and scholarly review and commentary, May 14, 2005

By 

David A. Rutz (Springdale, UT USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Trust in Mind: The Rebellion of Chinese Zen (Paperback)

This book is a treasure of feeling and experiencing the spirit of Sengcan and his Xinxinming. The author in a scholarly, yet feeling manner gives us the historic and philosophical background of this work and gives us insight into the connections of buddhism, taoism, and chan in this great poem. This is not a quick read, but can be savored slowly. I always felt happier and see glimpses of "The Great Way" when I read and experience the wisdom of Sengcan. The Xinxinming and this book are to be read again and again.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trust in Mind, Faith/Mind sutra, June 22, 2008

By 

M. Ennis "yaicha" (saugerties, ny) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Trust in Mind: The Rebellion of Chinese Zen (Paperback)

The Faith/mind poem or sutra is a well loved and important piece written by Sengcan or Sosan Zenji, the 3rd Zen Patriarch. This poem is rich and accessible, and no matter how new or old to zen practice a student might be the sutra contains many levels of teachings.
What is wonderful about this book by Mu Soeng, is that he not only includes numerous translations of the poem by zen masters such as Suzuki and Sheng-yen, but he also delves into the history of zen at the time this poem was written. I tend to find history a dry subject, but Mu Soeng keeps it interesting and pertinent. This book is valuable not only for the sutra it contains, but also for the great insight into the evolution of zen practice.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in deepening their practice or anyone interested in how what we know as Zen has come to us in the form that it has.

6 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars More Chan Buddhism = psychotherapy, April 29, 2008

By 

Jughead (Boulder, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trust in Mind: The Rebellion of Chinese Zen (Paperback)

Another tiresome 'psychotheraputic' commentary on one of Chan Buddhism's most revered poems. To believe this writer all Chan Buddhism has to offer is confirmation of Freud and Jung's theories (with new and exciting ways to put them into practice). All the wonders of Chan Buddhism reduced to psychology. What a pity!

I am not suggesting that psychotherapy isn't helpful, only that there may be more to Chan than just resolving such issues, and if so, then this 'psychologizing' may stand in the way of something wholly different and more wondrous, as Chan's long and glorious past might suggest.