The Eye Never Sleeps: Striking to the Heart of Zen

by Dennis Genpo Merzel, Dennis Genpo Merzel

The radical challenge of Zen Buddhism is to drop all assumptions and prejudices and experience the truth directly. American Zen teacher Dennis Genpo Merzel brings new life to this ancient wisdom through his commentaries on a classic Chinese Zen scripture, "Verses on Faith-Mind," by the Third Patriarch of Zen, Sosan Zenji. The author strikes to the heart of Zen with clarity and force, expressing in modern terms, to an American audience, the essential wisdom and compassion of Sosan Zenji's famous poem. Full of colorful Zen lore and personal anecdotes from Dennis Genpo Merzel's life, these talks impart the Buddha's teaching directly and intimately, illuminating in simple words the timeless questions and problems of day-to-day life.

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction

162 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 1991

Reviews

[Matt Shake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whereas The Miracle of Mindfulness represents the pragmatic aspect of Zen Buddhism (with it's down-to-earth narrative and emphasis on practicality of meditation), this book focuses on the more insane element of Zen! With it's impassioned pleas to drop all preferences (even for life over death or good over evil, for example) this book is an intense questioning of all of the assumptions that we hold to be our most sacred, untouchable truths. I think that reading these two books in tandem shows the depth, complexity, diversity, and brilliance of the Zen philosophy.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this disarmingly open and accessible set of dharma talks around a beautiful ancient Zen poem by Sosan Zenji. The subject, enlightenment and the Zen path to attainment.

Well worth reading.

[Madi Vorkink · Rating 5 out of 5]

simple and brilliant. The way Zen Buddhism philosophy is explained is grounded in nothingness (iykyk) and it was a delight to read/study.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first I liked this book and some of the concepts but the further I got into the book the more I realized - wow, this does not ring true for me! At times, the writing was too crass as I believe the author was trying to make a point through shock value which just didn't do much for me. I am glad I read 95% of yhe book, I just coukdnt reAd the last chapter. It was interesting but it is one book I don't ned to read again.

[Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Genpo Roshi writes. I personally have a much easier time connecting to spiritual teachers who are from the same culture as me. They know how to speak to me, in a voice that's familiar. I simply find it far easier to digest the ideas when presented by this kind of individual. Genpo Roshi is such a person. Absolutely love his writing.

[Rhiannon Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on Western Zen. Written in common language, easy to digest. Can be read in small snippets, good for a daily dose of Zen.

[Livinlite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Zen reflections.

[K.S.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely commentary. Wonderful Zen contemplations and teachings and many questions and quotes about faith that remind me of the teachings of Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel on the subject.

[Jerry Wall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Buddhist