Wind Bell: Teachings from the San Francisco Zen Center - 1968-2001 [Paperback]

Michael Wenger (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 5, 2001

In the 1960s, the San Francisco Zen Center established itself as a focal point for the study and practice of Zen Buddhism. Lectures and talks given at the center and compiled for this collection cover such topics as applying Zen to family life ('Karma, Dharma, and Diapers'), to other disciplines ('Facing the Darkness in Buddhism and Psychotherapy'), and to artistic creation ('Creation in an Instant').

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From its simple mimeographed beginnings 40 years ago, the San Francisco Zen Center's subscription magazine, Wind Bell, has matured to celebrate its great reach in this first-ever, handsome treasury. It is ably edited by Wenger (Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness), the San Francisco Zen Center's Dean of Buddhist Studies and Zen Center Publications. He has crafted an open door for the curious, the nostalgic and the devoted to see the seminal work of this Zen center, arguably the foremost in America, in a city whose Zen history can be traced back more than a century. After Gretel Ehrlich's sweeping, clarifying foreword, the first section contains four selections from Wind Bell's "one consistent touchstone": founder Suzuki Roshi's lectures. The second section embodies the center's dharma as expressed through its former abbots, abbesses and teachers. Section three features visiting teachers such as Robert Thurman, the first ordained American-Tibetan Buddhist monk, and the venerable Vietnamese spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hahn. Section four explores elements of traditional practice, including dharma transmission, while the final section, "Everyday Zen," embraces the commonplace sublimeness of child-rearing, cooking, painting, the lessons of trees and much more. Through graceful, quiet design, this book's ample illustrations reveal the places and faces of Buddhism's American foundation. This simple, rich book captures Zen's durable and ephemeral strength.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The San Francisco Zen Center is one of the most important Zen institutions in the United States. For years, its newsletter, Wind Bell, has contained some of the most profound and useful writings available on Zen practice. In this first, welcome collection of those writings, Wenger, the center's dean, presents the teachings of both monks and laity and essays on topics as diverse as Zazen (sitting meditation) and apple crisp (which includes a recipe as well as a brief account of life in a Zen monastery). Opening with four talks by the center's founding abbot, (Shunryu) Suzuki Roshi, the book also features articles by various Zen teachers associated with the center, including "Four Views of Love" and "Buddha's Miraculous Power"; talks by several visiting Americans, including Robert Thurman; works on traditional practice like Dharma (teachings of the Buddha) transmission; and other wonderful essays applying insights from Zen to everyday life. This insightful anthology demonstrates the range and depth of Zen teachings in this country and is highly recommended. [For a recent history of the center, especially the abuses of former abbot Richard Baker, readers are directed to Michael Downing's Shoes Outside the Door, LJ 10/1/01. Ed.] David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (December 5, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556433816
• ISBN-13: 978-1556433818
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,067,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cushion comfortable, April 14, 2002

By 

John D. Daniels (Reno, Nevada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wind Bell: Teachings from the San Francisco Zen Center - 1968-2001 (Paperback)

Satuday "Public" sessions at the San Francisco Zen Center could include: a tour of the Beginner's Mind Temple, basic instruction for sitting meditation, a talk given by a staff member or by a guest at the Center, a question and answer session for the talk, informal socializing on the patio and , of course, lunch. Announcements of special lectures, workshops and ceremonies were followed with an open invitation to the Public: "Just knock on the door, someone will let you in!".

WIND BELL represents this open, positive and supportive environment through 38 artcles, selected and commented on by Michael Wenger, from its 40 year history. Not only are talks given by Shunryu Suzuki and other early members, but also current staff, and with guests as varied as Thich Naht Hanh and Lama Govinda. These articles cover sitting meditation, applying Zen to everyday life, ceremonies, and Buddist concepts both simple and complex.

This book can supply enjoyment for years, just browsing (including the fine photographs), developing favorites for inspiration or studying pieces in depth. One reason for the success of ZEN MIND, BEGINNER'S MIND was the loving care put into its preparation. I believe WIND BELL has been treated as well.

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful! Deep! Great Read!, July 31, 2007

By 

Cat Smiles (western city) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wind Bell: Teachings from the San Francisco Zen Center - 1968-2001 (Paperback)

Shunryu Suzuki is one of my teachers, but I was not near the center in San Francisco. This book allows me to know more of the individuals, hear their experiences. I am getting teachings, hearign warm tales, and the whole book is a delight. I have given it as a gift already --

BUY IT!