This accessible introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen Buddhism includes a program of study that encompasses practically every aspect o...
read full description
reviews
May 16, 2010
Heather
rated it: 
This is a book assigned to me by my lay zen teacher, Komyo. It lays out a method used at the rivers and mountains monastary in NY by the recently deceased John Daido Loori, abbot of the monastary. The method is that which is used to train serious long-term students of zen. There are 10 levels of training accomplishment, which he describes in the first few chapters of the book. It is interesting to read about how the long-term student progresses and how his/her teachers perceive and assess their
More...
May 23, 2011
Martin
rated it: 
This guide to spiritual practice at Zen Mountain Monastery by its founder is a very clear explanation of what to do, how the eight areas of concentration enable us to realize the mundane as transcendent. "The technique is very simple," the present abbot writes, "and, in that simplicity, very difficult ... There is no magic in the 'Eight Gates'; they are just a matter of how we use our mind." This is abook to read over and over again.
Dec 27, 2008
Leslita
rated it:
I like the personal narrative of this book as well as the discipline that it makes simple. Sometimes soto zen is just too still for me and I lose all momentum. It is quite a comfortable book and he is very very good at explaining the how to so that it is not all smoke and mirrors.
Jan 07, 2010
Merri-todd
rated it: 
The book that introduced me to this wonderful author, who died late last year.
Mar 28, 2008
Keegan
rated it:
My second time through this. Happened to read it this time while _at_ the author's monastery for a weekend.
The chapters on the actual eight gates program were brutally uninteresting, but the remaining chapters on zazen, work practice, body practice, etc., were all greatly beneficial in a very immediate sense, even though I've been casually practicing for years.
The book could be retitled "Zazen As A Practical Tool."
The chapters on the actual eight gates program were brutally uninteresting, but the remaining chapters on zazen, work practice, body practice, etc., were all greatly beneficial in a very immediate sense, even though I've been casually practicing for years.
The book could be retitled "Zazen As A Practical Tool."
Dec 17, 2009
Monkey
rated it:
a great introduction to the classical path of zen passed down through the rivers and mountains by dogen. breaks zen down into 8 disciplines of study.
May 08, 2009
Steve
rated it: 
interesting. but a lot more work to find enlightenment than i have the energy for.
Feb 02, 2012
Jan 31, 2012
Oct 09, 2011
Aug 23, 2011
Jul 26, 2011
Jul 09, 2011
Apr 14, 2011
Mar 21, 2011
Mar 07, 2011
Mar 04, 2011
Feb 14, 2011
