Words for the Heart
The Heart Sutra is chanted at almost every Buddhist occasion. Most serious practitioners have it memorized from reciting it so often. Some may even think they understand it because they know it word for word. Hakuin saw the error of such a view, so he wrote some notes in the margins to test their understanding, to push them to their utter limits. His comments may have a sting, but the cleansing action is second to none.
On 11.27.05, In Books, By site admin
On 09.27.05, In Books, By site admin
Shinji Shobogenzo
Dogen studied Buddhism as a kid, but he did not hold the “True Dharma-Eye Treasury” until he returned from China. Dogen is synonymous with Zen teaching in Japan and even America today, but he stands on some mighty shoulders. His collection of 301 Zen stories, or koans, collected from several chinese anthologies provided inspiration and examples throughout his career of writing and lecturing. This collection has been ably translated by Gudo Nishijima, and his comments illuminate the spirit of each koan, providing a direct approach to the heart of Zen practice. Examining the sayings and actions of Zen giants has been a tradition for generations, and this is the encyclopedia for generations to come.
Popular collections like the Gateless Gate or Blue Cliff Records have accumulated pointers, verses, puctuating phrases, and reams of commentary. This collection lays the cases bare, and points to the heart of the exchange in plain language. This is a valuable book for Zen practitioners of any tradition.
On 09.19.05, In Books, By site admin
The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin
In a Zen monastery, a designated week of intensive practice (Sesshin) can be unswervingly intimidating. The monks dread the long disciplined hours sitting and the seemingly relentless interviews with the Zen Master. Knowing the sorry state of affairs of the Buddhist practice in the surrounding temples, Hakuin decided to shoot for the moon. He wanted his students to tackle the most exhalted collection of koans, The Record of Kido Chigu. But before he could approach such lofty ideals, the monks needed to be inspired to seek such high standards of themselves. Hakuin gave the lectures included in this book in an informal manner, without all the bows and drums of a formal lecture. I can almost picture a roomful of baldheaded young men crowded around the tall chair of their master. Hakuin is leaning over the monks at his feet, spilling his heart, gently gesturing to make his points clear. This is what he was saying.
On 08.19.05, In Books, By site admin
This book takes on the inner workings of Bodhisattvas, and helps us find them inside ourselves. Indeed, it is through the outer workings, that you can truly know the inner intent. By exploring seven prominent Bodhisattvas, you and I can find leadership by examples. All we have to do is find our own strengths and work without thinking of ourselves. Trying to be a Bodhisattva is vanity, it is something that you should naturally uncover through practice.
Looking around in today’s world for the kind of example the Buddha’s disciples had is fruitless. Despite this, Taigen Daniel Leighton pulls into focus the aspects of Bodhisattvahood inherent in us all, and shows type specific examples for us to model. The selections from our lifetime create recognizable patterns that we can emulate. Complete with seven examples and tons of orientation material, this selection is a great way to dig a little deeper into the Buddhist paramita practice.
On 08.14.05, In Books, By site admin
Great disciples of the Buddha
The Buddhist teachings first fell on the ears of great men and women. They were not prepared for the depth and utter liberation they would experience. Through thousands of years, their efforts have been multiplied and transformed. This book examines the Noble Disciples and how they became the examples we know today.