Customer Reviews

Zen - The Religion of the Samurai

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For those who wish to gain a better understand of oriental philosophy and an understanding of Zen in particular, this book, Zen - The Religion of the Samurai, does an excellent job of describing the evolution of Zen Buddhism from its beginnings in India some 500 years before the Christian era and its growth as it spread across China and into Japan. The story of the evolution of Zen in becoming the dominant set of beliefs and practices of Japan is well documented and carefully presented. The elements of Buddhism are shown in their proper historical context and augmented by lessons and examples from the most significant teachers, sages and masters.

Too many Westerners have the mistaken notion that Zen is monolithic and uniform. This excellent historical analysis of the evolution of Zen Buddhism will quickly dispel that notion and provide detailed information on the various historical forms and sects. Here you will find solid information on what is and what is not Zen Buddhism.

This book is highly recommended not only for its value as a comparative religion reference, but also as a general guide to the philosophy of the East.

I have not read very much of it as of yet so so far it is a good source.