Roar of the Tigress: The Oral Teachings of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, Western Woman and Zen Master, Vol. 1

by Jiyu Kennett, Daizui Macphillamy (Editor)

Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett was one of the first Western women ever to be recognized as a Zen Master. These are her words, as transcribed from the lectures she gave during her life. In this first volume, Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett speaks of the basic aspects of Soto Zen in her down-to-earth, practical, and good-humored way. For those who did not have the opportunity to meet her, the book gives some of the flavor of what it was like to study with this remarkable Buddhist teacher. For those who did, it will add a new richness to their appreciation of her teaching.

Genres: Buddhism

299 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Trevor Lockwood]

Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennet is an inspiration, having founded the major Soto Zen abbey in England at Throssel Hole, Northumberland, http://www.throssel.org.uk/.
The book is well-edited, having selected appropriate audio recordings made by Jiyu-Kennet which are pieced together to provide a biographical flow.
On the way the reader learns a lot about the meditation, Soto Zen and how it all fits into the Buddhist way. Her character and sense of humour are always apparent.
Sh was a remarkable lady, and this book helps to paint a picture of her life. More were promised, as she left a considerable quantity of material that could be used.
An interesting read.

[Tom Booker]

Kennett is a very wise teacher who emphasises the "Third Position" or the "Eternal", which is really the Unborn. I find Eternal an unfortunate name since the Buddha warns against nihilism and eternalism, so I think Unborn is better, but that is just a semantic issue. I like her teachings on gratitude and all the different ways aspects of the householder life can be turned into a ceremony. She clearly respects the tradition but recognises the need to adapt it for Western culture. She seems like a good-natured person and sensible teacher, giving teachings for "spiritual adults". She also emphasises that being a Buddhist means being responsible for one's karma. Making mistakes is also an inevitable part of life, but we have to apply the precepts in the way we think we should, and accept the karmic consequences.

I didn't love the editing style (adding laughter and coughs and things of that nature), but it didn't distract too much.