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    Zen Essence

    The Science of Freedom

    Author Linji, Dahui, Xuedou, Yuanwu
    Translated by Thomas Cleary
    Look inside
    Paperback
    $21.95 US
    Shambhala
    6"W x 9"H x 0.36"D   | 7 oz | 24 per carton
    On sale May 02, 2000 | 136 Pages | 9781570625886
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    Drawn from the records of Chinese Zen masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, this collection may surprise some readers. In contrast to the popular image of Zen as an authoritarian, monastic tradition deeply rooted in Asian culture, these passages portray Zen as remarkably flexible, adaptive to contemporary and individual needs, and transcending cultural boundaries.

    The readings contained in Zen Essence emphasize that the practice of Zen requires consciousness alone and does not depend on a background in Zen Buddhism and Asian culture. The true essence of Zen resides in the relationship between mind and culture, whatever that culture might be. This unique collection of writings creates a picture of Zen not as a religion or philosophy, but as a practical science of freedom.
    "The essential Zen teachings, selected from the voluminous Zen canon, known for their accessibility, their clarity and above all, their practical effectiveness in fostering insight. A truly rewarding book for all earnest seekers of the way to liberation."— East and West Series
    Thomas Cleary holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. He is the translator of over fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and Arabic.
    Linji View titles by Linji
    Dahui View titles by Dahui
    Xuedou View titles by Xuedou
    Yuanwu View titles by Yuanwu

    About

    Drawn from the records of Chinese Zen masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, this collection may surprise some readers. In contrast to the popular image of Zen as an authoritarian, monastic tradition deeply rooted in Asian culture, these passages portray Zen as remarkably flexible, adaptive to contemporary and individual needs, and transcending cultural boundaries.

    The readings contained in Zen Essence emphasize that the practice of Zen requires consciousness alone and does not depend on a background in Zen Buddhism and Asian culture. The true essence of Zen resides in the relationship between mind and culture, whatever that culture might be. This unique collection of writings creates a picture of Zen not as a religion or philosophy, but as a practical science of freedom.

    Praise

    "The essential Zen teachings, selected from the voluminous Zen canon, known for their accessibility, their clarity and above all, their practical effectiveness in fostering insight. A truly rewarding book for all earnest seekers of the way to liberation."— East and West Series

    Author

    Thomas Cleary holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. He is the translator of over fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and Arabic.
    Linji View titles by Linji
    Dahui View titles by Dahui
    Xuedou View titles by Xuedou
    Yuanwu View titles by Yuanwu

    Other Books by this Author

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