The Zen Experience (A Plume book) [Paperback]

Thomas Hoover (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Plume book | Publication Date: April 1, 1980

(New American Library,1980)
“The best history of Zen ever written.”
Library Journal

Beginning with Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism it shows Zen as it was created by the personalities, perceptions, and actions of its masters over the centuries.

Gradual and sudden enlightenment, shock enlightenment, the koan, the migration of Zen to Japan. With anecdote and memorable quotation, this long-needed work restores Zen to its living, human form.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: Plume; First edition. edition (April 1, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452252288
• ISBN-13: 978-0452252288
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #668,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Read, November 14, 2011

By 

Michelle - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Zen Experience (Kindle Edition)

An absolute gem of a book. And it's free!

I have to admit, I sort of held that against it at first (if it's free how good can it be? but I was low on cash, wanted something to read and am interested in Zen Buddhism).

The book is a history of Buddhism in China and Japan. It should be required reading for any zen enthusiast. Starts off a bit slow but keep going. It's interesting, educational and thoroughly enjoyable.

I also intend to purchase the hard copy because I love the cover so much.

5.0 out of 5 stars more than i wanted, January 28, 2012

By 

Raine Castle - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Zen Experience (Kindle Edition)

I'm digesting this one a little more slowly than I would have liked.

I thought I was getting a general overview of Zen and not a concise history text book. However the humor in it keeps me coming back to it. I Am studying all forms of Buddhism to help my clients. This is all you ever need to know about Zen and more. There are things in this reading that have brought flashes of insight. Not a fast read for me but a good read. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know how Zen evolved and the way it can be practiced. Listed are the many monks that contributed to this evolution and their often strange and wonderful ways of helping people, "get it"

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible book, January 1, 2012

By 

Dan Welsch (Madrid, Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Zen Experience (Kindle Edition)

This book is so good, I can't believe it's free! The whole history of Zen Buddhism is contained in it, told in a friendly style with lots of those typical Zen anecdotes. I would easily pay money for something this good! Thanks to the author for taking the time and effort to write it.