Zen Shin Talks (Paperback)

by Sensei Ogui (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
My life has been profoundly touched throughout the years by the simple, sincere and honest quality of Sensei's teachings. -- Allison Elliot, Librarian

Sensei's teaching is not what it appears to be; nor is it otherwise. -- Dennis Edwards, Geologist and administrator

Product Description
Zen Shin Talks is for people who want to explore their spirituality more deeply. "When you walk in the rain you get wet", says Sensei. This is true be you Buddhist, Christian, Moslem, Jewish, male, female, Black, White, Japanese, German, a mother , a dentist, or whatever.

Zen Shin Talks by Sensei Ogui is about spiritual practice in America today. Sensei Ogui teaches a down-to-earth form of Zen and Shin Buddhism. In these talks Sensei Ogui recounts stories and personal experiences with compassion and humor. He illustrates the way we human beings often disregard the aliveness of each moment and expresses with exceptional insight the Buddhist perspective on everyday life.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 267 pages
• Publisher: Zen Shin Buddhist Publications (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965835219
• ISBN-13: 978-0965835213
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,253,814 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Religion--a finger pointing to the beauty of the moon, November 26, 2000

By	Benjamin Talley "sureben" (Pendleton, OR United States) - See all my reviews

An 18 Generation Shin (Pure Land) Buddhist priest, and a highly respected student of S. Roshi, the voice of this master of these Buddhist schools is both unique and familiar. Sensei Ogui has been Shin Buddhist priest for 35 years in the USA. The book is a wonderful collection of talks given over several years. I had the great pleasure of hearing him speak in Oregon recently. Afterwards the audience bought every book contained in the 2 boxes he carried with him. His ease, sense of humor and personableness makes one feel like that he has always known you and visa versa.

Religion is a "finger pointing to the beauty of the moon" (giving rise to feelings of joy and contentment). We humans need words, such as "moon," to convey concepts that may then be shared. But then we often become victims of words. The author says it is important to recognize our differences, understand, accept, respect them all. Although different, we are also "the beauty in the moon." This goes for parenting too. Men and women are different too. It is "difference that makes harmony possible." Such an outlook makes those around us "comfortable and thus joyful". He urges us to be careful not to focus on form (finger), lest we then become insecure. When we do often we then "force blind beliefs" on ourselves and others.

Master of both schools, Sensei Ogui quips of each that: Zen--Suzuki Roshi said, "don't worry about it--sitting dicipline will take care of it." And similarly of Shin, "Don't worry about it--The infinite wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha will take care of it." They each share the wisdom of the "beauty of the moon." In this text the author offers insight into the practice of each school--practices that are definately not mutually exclusive.

Before buying all of his Zen Shin Talks stocks, the author offered this Zen koan to the audience--people of both schools who joyfully engaged with this master for 2 hours...

Blue sky cloud myself.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening to those whom are not yet enlightened, March 5, 2002

By A Customer

I am a person who is always in search of my spiritual being. I am not affiliated with any certain religion, but do have deep spirtual feelings within myself. This book introduced me to Buddhism in a way that was easy to understand. Reading this book has helped me to see things in a different way. Instead of always looking at problems in a negative light, this book taught me that there are no problems, only opportunies to learn. I am thankful for all it has taught me. This book has changed the way that I look at every facet of life, and has improved them all.

5.0 out of 5 stars wisdom, March 11, 2008

By	Mary Alice Green - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful, down-to-earth collection of short talks. I read one each day a a reminder of the wisdom found here.