Working Toward Enlightenment: The Cultivation of Practice [Paperback]

Nan Huai-Chin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1993

In this important and fact-filled treatise for contemporary students, Master Nan Huai-Chin details the principles and practices behind the various schools of self-realization. Many Westerners have biases regarding works by Confucius and Mencius; even contemporary scholars misunderstand the philosophical approach that covers the spiritual cultivation path to enlightenment- the practice involved in attaining realization.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel / Weiser (November 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877287767
• ISBN-13: 978-0877287766
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,013,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Manjursi reborn!! and his heart to heart talks, September 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Working Toward Enlightenment: The Cultivation of Practice (Paperback)

Ever since D.T. Suzuki the great Zen scholar died no one had been able to take his place introducing the heart of Buddhist practice. Master Nan is not only a comprehensive practitioner of wide range of Buddhism, Varjrayana, Chan Buddhism, Yogacran and also Taoist Qigong practitioners. He bridged the very needed insight into the treasure house of ancient Chinses wisdom injecting a new vigor to the Beat Zen mumble jumble of talking Buddhist that is so pervalent of our time. The Book is a translation of his dharma talks during one of his intensive retreat period. In between the lines, the reader can feel the great love and compassion he had toward his students and all beings. He has tremendous humor and many time laugh with us at our own hazy moon of enlightenment nature. Like what he sayed that spiritual awaken sometime is a fine line between crazy wisdom or just plain craziness. Insanity has also a very convincing subjective self nature. This book will be like drinking a glass of cool water and a antidote to the excessive intellectual college professor Buddhism that is overflooded the earth and media. If you are a sincere practitioner then this book is for you. Also having the privilege and honor to study with some of his students, Buddhist monks, I personally experience their clarity and simplicity, they emanate their teacher's fragarence like the taste of a pure glass of spring water.

Dan Tao

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must-have book for all practitioners of cultivation, August 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Working Toward Enlightenment: The Cultivation of Practice (Paperback)

This book carries the weight of a lifetime of personal cultivation. Known amidst oriental circles as probably the most influential cultivator living today, Master Nan is famous for his non-denominational/non-sectarian teachings. His wealth of knowledge can be seen clearly through the lectures that comprise this book. The reader will note that the many quotes cited in the text were given spontaneously by Master Nan without any consultation---a feat that no other modern master can possibly match. Master Nan's words make the many Buddhist and Taoist teachings of the past come to life. They become powerful reference posts and guides for those who are serious practitioners. It's truly expedient means in action! It is a pity that few of Nan's books have been translated. He is currently the best-selling author in China, as he has been for many years in Taiwan and Hong Kong. More than 15 million copies of his books have been sold in China alone.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book, October 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Working Toward Enlightenment: The Cultivation of Practice (Paperback)

This is a book "written" with a very unique approach -- most of it are actually impromtu lecture notes recorded by his students during a series of lecture he gave in Taiwan in the late 70s. Quoting freely from his personal experience and extensively from scriptural sources, this book serves as an excellent pointer in the cultivation of the Buddhadharma. The author repeatedly emphasized that his lectures were meant to be an INTRODUCTION and guide for a journey into the ocean of scripture (which will help one along the way of serious cultivation).