Why Lazarus Laughed: The Essential Doctrine, Zen--Advaita--Tantra [Paperback]

Wei Wu Wei (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2003

Why Lazarus Laughed explicates the essential doctrine shared by the traditions of Zen Buddhism, Advaita, and Tantra. Wei Wu Wei has become an underground spiritual favorite whose fans anxiously await each reissued book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The identity of Wei Wu Wei was not revealed at the time of the publication of his first book. But we now know a few background details that help put the writings into context. He was born in 1895 into a well-established Irish family, was raised on an estate outside Cambridge, England, and went to Oxford. Early in life, he pursued an interest in Egyptology. This was followed by a period of involvement in the arts in Britain in the 1920s and 1930s. Having exhausted his interest in this field, he turned to philosophy and metaphysics, traveling throughout Asia and spending time at the ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi. In 1958, at the age of 63, he saw the first of the Wei Wu Wei titles published. Over the next 16 years, seven more were published, including his final work under the new pseudonym O.O.O. During most of this later period, he maintained a residence with his wife in Monaco. He is believed to have known, among others, Lama Anagarika Govinda, Dr. Hubert Benoit, John Blofeld, Douglas Harding, Arthur Osborne, and Dr. D. T. Suzuki. He died in 1986 at the age of 90.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sentient Publications (December 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591810116
• ISBN-13: 978-1591810117
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #852,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, April 13, 2004

By 

Steve Bennet (North Haverbrook, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Lazarus Laughed: The Essential Doctrine, Zen--Advaita--Tantra (Paperback)

"Man is a river...never the same for two consecutive seconds" says Wei Wu Wei in this collection of enlightening essays. Packed with insights and encouragement, every page of this book has something to offer. Why Lazarus Laughed focuses on what Zen, Advaita, and Tantra have in common; what essential doctrines they share. This focus provides a refreshing look at the common questions that we all share as human beings and gives us the inspiration we need to continue on our own personal journey of understanding. Wei Wu Wei helps us come to terms with and accept the inherent uncertainty in our uncertain world. Anyone needing inspiration on their search towards self-discovery should be sure to read this book at least twice!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The End of Reading, February 20, 2008

By 

Dillon Masters (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Why Lazarus Laughed: The Essential Doctrine, Zen--Advaita--Tantra (Paperback)

Cut to the quick! Read this and you won't need to read further. Doesn't matter whether or not you think of yourself as a student of Zen. Wei Wu Wei goes to the heart and throws it in your face so clearly that the only way you won't "get it" is if you resist. If that is the case then stop reading all together. Save your money and buy insurance. A brilliant classic!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerfully Stilling, October 11, 2004

By 

Steve Ray "Stevie Ray" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Lazarus Laughed: The Essential Doctrine, Zen--Advaita--Tantra (Paperback)

This book is another gem from Wei Wu Wei. It is a fine collection of Zen Advaita and Tantra. It is a must have for anyone interested in the nature of THAT beyond the words or concepts.