Zen Questions

by Robert Allen

Outside teaching; apart from tradition, not founded on words and letters, pointing directly to the human mind, seeing into one's nature and attaining Buddhahood - traditional definition of Zen. Filled with anecdotes, stories and meditations drawn from both the ancient and the modern world, "Zen Questions" serves as a wake-up call to the true self, and contains all the guidance and encouragement you will need on your journey to peace, harmony and understanding. Illustrated throughout with graceful sumi-e paintings, this beautiful book provides a delightful visual stepping stone to an enlightened state.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Zen, Religion

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2002

Reviews

[Alison S ☯️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I have read a lot of books about Buddhism and this is one of the most accessible. It manages to make something as indefinable and mysterious as Zen a lot clearer. The prose is quirky and illuminating and the sumi-e paintings are beautiful. Here's a description of Zen meditation or Zazen: "Have you ever learned a language? Zazen is the same but backward ... In zazen each day you unlearn a little. You unlearn more and more until you reach Don't Know. This is not ignorance; this is real knowledge."

[Gor “Gorki” Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A near perfect little tome. Robert was a great writer and certainly he’s missed. A natural successor to Alan Watts but speaking in a straightforward Scottish manner. There’s nothing to be found online at all of exactly how and when he passed and it was a sad surprise to realise he’d gone. A proper 21st century Brit Zen master.

[Jennifer Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I have several books on zen koans, and this is very readable, and explains well.

[Gen Mos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written without a lot of mumble jumble words that know one really understands. Allows for a simple obtainable understanding of zen for those who apply a little awareness to their daily journey.

[Ryan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very concise book that makes ideas about zen very accessible. I love the format of this book too.

[Malena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The simple q&a format, engaging writing and beautiful illlustrations made it a wonderful end-of-day read. It answered several questions I had regarding zen and enlightenment. The book found me in the shoe aisle at TJ Maxx. I kid you not. I knew I was meant to read it. Will reference it as I write Type A to Zen.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to get passed your Western upbringing? This will help.