Customer Reviews

Zen Seeds: Reflections of a Female Priest

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This highly recommendable book by the Japanese female Zen priest Shundo Aoyama (translated by Patricia Daien Bennage) really lives up to it's title. It is indeed a collection of 'Zen Seeds', short, sparkling stories, thoughts and recollections breathing deeply from the very source of Zen - life itself. Those little gems are always down to earth, written as clear and poetic as mountains, wind and rain. If You'd like to inspire your meditational practice, or just enjoy some gentle thoughts while having a cup of tea - You should read this book.

The wisdom found on these pages is deceptively simple yet infinitely useful. Aoyama cuts though to the essence of each topic she discusses. Her immense sense of calm and tranquility is transferable to the reader due to her eloquent writing style and choice of accentuating quotes. If enlightenment could be bottled, this book would be that bottle.

Rather than provide worthless praise for this book I would like to comment on one aspect of spiritual practice on which I have some thoughts to share. On page 155-156 she writes, "For over thirty years the Chinese Zen master Ta-mei Fa-ch'ang secluded himself deep in the mountains and practiced zazen. People of long ago practiced zazen in this manner. We who are weak and fragile cannot practice in that way. Instead, we gather in a single hall...".

I think seclusion is actually an easier path to enlightenment because it is easier to forget the self when you are removed from society. Your ego only comes into play when you are in the presence of others. In the wilderness you will quickly forget yourself and Zen to discover pure existence which is beyond the social fabric and religion.