Customer Reviews

Working Toward Enlightenment: The Cultivation of Practice

5 star:		(11)
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2 star:		(1)
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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

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.

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).

I would give 6 stars, instead of just 5.

I just finished reading this book for the 3rd times. It is true: Master Nan's book is definitely not for beginner who knows little or nothing about Zen/Chan and its history. I would recommend readers first to have some basic background understanding of Surangama Sutra, Diamond Sutra and Heart Sutra. This book complement my studies of Sutras and my appreciation is beyond words.

Thank you Master Nan!

During the first perusal of this book, I could not believe that it was written by a contemporary Buddhist master. Master Nan's scope of understanding and wealth of knowledge far outstrips any contemporary expert in the study of Buddhism. What is characteristic of this bursar of knowledge is the accessibility of the reader to the content of the book. Although possibly diluted through translation, the genius of Professor Nan's organization of content carefully guides the reader in his/her self cultivation. Despite Master's reputation as a renown statesman in Asia, and despite the popularity of his books amongst Buddhist practitioners and the academia, this treasure house of information has been a well kept secret amongst the public.

This book was written by a person who practices what he said,
and really knows Buddhism. It may be difficult for beginners, so if you are not interested in Buddhism, or if you want some light reading, this is not a book you'll like. But if in-depth introduction is what you expect, than this is a great choice.

I'll add my praise of Nan Huai-Chin to that of other reviewers. This is a treasure trove of cultivation information. It's full of specific, detailed information about the enlightenment path. I'm not a student of his, but Wow do I wish I was. Finally someone who can explain this most complicated of subjects with depth and clarity. What's more amazing is that if you are an actual cultivator then as your experience grows so does the value of Nan Huai-Chin's books. I'm not kidding, they are so rich with information that you'll exhaust yourself long before you ever begin to exhaust their depths.

At one point he said that if you can't find an enlightened teacher than this book, and its companion, will serve as one. This from a man who is not only recognized as an Enlightened Zen Master, but also as an Enlightened Esoteric Buddhist AND Taoist Master. If you're looking for the real dharma, this is it.

If you are like me, that is, trying to make sense of what is means to be enlightened and how to get there (i.e., lost) this book will set you back on course. In a clear (and sometimes thankfully repetitive) prose, Master Nan hands you precise guidelines to continue the quest. I have never read ANYONE who has the depht and clarity of Master Nan's insights into the dharma. His description of the meditative realms (dhyanas) are so clear that you feel you can just walk in there!
Definitely the best book out there - enjoy!

It has taken me a long time to write a review on this book, since reading it 4 years ago. In this book Master Nan gives us so much other material to learn from, that if one really practices, I don't see how they can miss the mark. Cultivation of seeing the TAO requires long and steady study of many texts, to get a grasp on exactly what seeing the TAO really is. Master Nan, a recognized enlightened Master, takes you on the journey and points out the highlights of many texts that will help you understand what seeing the TAO is. If one really puts this knowledge to practice this book with be a corner stone to ones development

Sometimes you need a whack on the back when it comes to your practice. Master Nan Huai-Chin adeptly smacks you on the back with pointed, wise, and clear instructions on the cultivation of enlightenment. While not the easiest to read book on Zen I have ever read, this book easily helped me with some difficult to understand concepts and theories. This is the first book in the series on cultivation of enlightenment. I am eager to continue on with the next book. I highly recommend, you will not be dissapointed.