Customer Reviews

Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice (Reflections on Buddhism in the)

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A little known gem in a sea of literature referring to zen buddhism. A book i find myself referring back to more often than any other i own. The first time i read it i gained more insight into the history of zen, where it was coming from, and the people it arrived through. Most importantly at the end of every chapter is a method of practicing zazen. This, along with the stress on practicing zen principles in daily life is why i would highly recommend this book to the beginning zen practitioner.

This is one of the best books on Zen Buddhism that has ever been published. Not only does it detail the history and evolution of Zen but it provides the reader with a great set of techniques. This book is a necessary addition to any library on Zen Buddhism.

(full disclosure - I'm an ordained priest in the Vietnamese Lam Te Zen School of Dr. Thien An, at least in part due to my own discovery of this book)

An excellent introduction to basic Buddhism, including a series of directions for various meditation practices. Although the book has a decided Zen flavor, Dr. Thien An was a great believer in the possibility of a pan-Buddhist understanding. A valuable resource if you haven't yet found a temple/practice center or a teacher.

Reading about Zen is like reading about swimming: truly useful only if if you act the practice.