The Roaring Stream: A New Zen Reader

by Nelson Foster, Jack Shoemaker

The Roaring, Stream: A New Zen Reader is a groundbreaking, immensely readable anthology drawn From the vast corpus of Ch'an and Zen Buddhist literature. It offers readers a tour through more than a millennium of writing, presenting one masterpiece after another in chronological progression. "You can dip into the waters of this stream, again and again, at any point Finding refreshment and perspective, " notes Robert Aitken in his introduction. "A year From now you can dip in again and find treasures that were not at all evident the First time." From lectures to letters, brief poems to extended disquisitions, this collection is an ideal point of entry For newcomers to the Zen tradition, and an essential sourcebook For those who are already " on the way."

"Now the masterpieces of Zen Buddhist writing are availa6le in a single volume," applauds Library Journal. "[This] will be the standard introduction to Zen Buddhism For years to come."

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Eastern Philosophy

374 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Bill]

This is a perfect introduction to Zen for English readers. There is no need for a review.

[Tom Booker]

This book really illustrates the wide variety of Zen, such as the lifestyles these men lived, the way they taught, and their spiritual, cultural and literary legacy, among other things. I like that both Rinzai and Soto figures are included, as well as important lay figures.

The book is already quite long, but it could be better if important pre-China Zen figures were included, such as Nagarjuna, Vasabandhu, and Shakyamuni Buddha. I also appreciated the inclusion of interactions that these Zen masters and poets had with women, but a greater inclusion of women would improve this (though I know volumes on Zen women are now available as well).

[Mclintoc]

If you are to read one book on Zen, read this one.

[Rich Kooyer]

Stories contained within the covers were revelatory to the time periods which they were written. Short context were given with each section of writing so you were never reading koans without context or some back story of how the Master came to be where he was at the time of the writing. The book does reflect Zen in general in that ti is somewhat dry in spots and lacks dynamic scale. Overall it is a great piece of combined, collaborated writings that gives a good overview of Zen Buddhism throughout the ages and anyone who is looking to study Zen would be lost without having it on-hand. It was required for the class that I took and it would come highly recommended but there would be better sources if a novice is interested in the subject who would be interested in the readings without all of the additional information contained in this thick volume.

[Joe]

Excellent introductions and annotated bibliographies accompany each of the 46 anthologized authors. Over half of the selections are Ch'an selections from China. Women, hermits, monks, poets and lay teachers all find a place in the way.

[Anthony]

The literature of the path. Read it or don't.

[Don]

Excellent book. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning about the old Zen masters.