Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

Book(s) on Zen?

JavelinJavelin
edited June 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Does anyone know of any good introductory books on Zen Buddhism? I'm sure I could find websites with info and such but I'd prefer an actual book if there's a decent one around. Thanks.

Comments

  • SherabDorjeSherabDorje
    edited May 2010
    Alan Watts' The Way of Zen.
  • PietroPumokinPietroPumokin
    edited May 2010
    zen keys by thich naht hanh
    zen mind beginner's mind by shunryu suzuki
    compass of zen by seung sahn
    fundamental verses of the middle way by nagarjuna
    how to be a pimp and not stink by HH the DL
    HAHAHAHA
  • JavelinJavelin
    edited May 2010
    Thanks Sherab & Pietro.
  • jinzangjinzang Veteran
    edited May 2010
    fundamental verses of the middle way by nagarjuna

    NOT an introductory book. Also should consider Brad Warner's "Sit Down and Shut Up."
  • RichardHRichardH Veteran
    edited May 2010
    "Nothing Special" Charlotte Joko Beck. Simple, straight-up. It is a book that inspires doing it, as opposed to thinking about doing it.
  • PietroPumokinPietroPumokin
    edited May 2010
    jinzang wrote: »
    NOT an introductory book. Also should consider Brad Warner's "Sit Down and Shut Up."
    :type:
  • lightwithinlightwithin Veteran
    edited May 2010
    Javelin wrote: »
    Does anyone know of any good introductory books on Zen Buddhism?

    The books by Steve Hagen show a Zen view of Buddhism and meditation that I find very interesting. I've read "Meditation, Now Or Never" and "Buddhism, Plain And Simple" so far and they were great, specially the meditation one.
  • DazzleDazzle
    edited May 2010
    Javelin wrote: »
    Does anyone know of any good introductory books on Zen Buddhism? I'm sure I could find websites with info and such but I'd prefer an actual book if there's a decent one around. Thanks.


    'Everyday Zen' by Charlotte Joko Beck





    .
  • JavelinJavelin
    edited May 2010
    Which would be better, Everyday Zen or Nothing Special? From what little I've found out, Nothing Special focuses more on the actual practice..... anyone know personally?
  • DazzleDazzle
    edited May 2010
    <TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 108263" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1>Which would be better, Everyday Zen or Nothing Special? From what little I've found out, Nothing Special focuses more on the actual practice..... anyone know personally? </TD></TR><TR><TD class=thead colSpan=2></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


    Sorry, I don't know, Javelin. I've only read one of them. You might be able to get more help about books to read in the beginners section of the Zen Forum International discussion site.




    .
  • JavelinJavelin
    edited May 2010
    It's all good. Thanks for the suggestions everyone. :)
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited May 2010
    Going Nowhere Doing Nothing by Thich Nhat Hanh is intelligable in its message while at the same time it has examples of discourses between master and student which I find interesting and very 'zen' if that can be said..
  • Subjectivity9Subjectivity9
    edited May 2010
    Javelin,

    If you like the idea of free books:

    Zen Buddhism by D T Suzuki

    This is not a newish book, and is more apt to be in the library because of that. Suzuki is very prolific, as well as an excellent writer, so his works are both easy to read, (although he is a well recognized scholar), and enjoyable. Also his books are just jammed full of great quote by the ancient masters.

    Also try:

    The Three Pillars of Zen by Roshi Phillip Kapleau (A classic)

    Again this is not a new book, so may very well be at your library. He also wrote Zen: Dawn in the West, among others.

    Yes, I read all of these, and reread these repeatedly over the years, and they are still in my personal library as keepers. So they are a gift that keeps on giving. ; ^ )

    I couldn't see if you were a USA citizen, but if you are, there is a service called “Inter-Library Loan” where they will get you many books that just don’t seem to be at your local library if you cover the mailing charge. Last time I did this, it was only 2 bucks. That pretty cheap, and opens a whole lot more variety to your fingertips. ; ^ )

    Happy reading,
    S9
  • sambodhisambodhi
    edited May 2010
    Zen Meditation in Plain English

    Link: http://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Plain-English-Daishin-Buksbazen/dp/0861713168
  • dontknowdontknow
    edited May 2010
    The Compass of Zen by Zen Master Seung Sahn is an excellent book explaining Hinayana, Mahayana, and Zen Buddhism. But ultimately, if you want to understand your true self or your buddha-nature then these books can only show you the way. If you put it all down (your opinions, beliefs, ideas, views, everything!) then you are already enlightened. Then you don't need these books or even buddha! You already have anuttara samyak sambodhi or perfect unexcelled enlightenment. Just put it all down and practice keeping a not-moving mind.
  • TheFoundTheFound
    edited May 2010
    I'd suggest the invisible teachings of ....

    'Teh Fund- Roshi' Vol.4-7

    Don't need anything else..
  • JavelinJavelin
    edited June 2010
    Thank you all again. I think I'm good for now. :)

    Namaste
  • Floating_AbuFloating_Abu Veteran
    edited June 2010
    Javelin wrote: »
    Thank you all again. I think I'm good for now. :)

    Namaste

    :) Should be with all those suggestions! :D

    Don't forget to try to include some zazen into your daily schedule.

    Blessings and Gassho.
Sign In or Register to comment.