Zen Bridge: The Zen Teachings of Keido Fukushima

by Keido Fukushima, Grace Schireson (Editor), Peter Schireson (Editor)

A funny, poignant, and illuminating masterclass on Zen philosophy and practice from a beloved teacher.Zen Bridge collects Dharma talks given by the Zen master Keido Fukushima Roshi. Fukushima Roshi's anecdotes on his own training are humble, hilarious, and full of wisdom. His reflections on classical teachings intermingle with personal stories, allowing them to be accessible to all readers while at the same time transcendent. The power and authenticity of this true Zen master shines through in his words. This book includes black and white illustrations of basic sitting and hand posture for meditation as well as selections of Fukushima Roshi's calligraphy.

Genres: Buddhism, Zen

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2017

Reviews

[Ruskoley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time reading this book. As with most books "similiar" to this one (in subject and delivery), I think it is difficult to discuss it in terms of good/bad. What do readers expect/want out of this book? Like, when they approach it and open the first pages, what is lingering in the back of their minds? I open this review oddly with this question because there is this review on Amazon for this book. Its very short: "Not a bad attempt. But not particularly useful." - they gave it three of five stars. And that review is so fascinating to me because it is so self-reflective, as well!

I have read so much religion, philosophy, theology, etc. that I am rather desensitized to having expectations. More often, I am reading with a FAR FAR too critical eye. Finding the arguments - deciding if these are valid, invalid, justified... wondering if the arguments could be groundwork for larger arguments, etc. Its instinctually academic with me.

All of that being said, this book is one of the few where I sincerely say I wish I knew the "author." Fukushima was definitely someone I would want to hang out with, study with, converse with, etc. So, I did find a lot of insights or interesting perspectives in this work. I did. It is not the same as the bulk of "Buddhism" stuffing the public consumption shelves. But more than the insights, I felt like I really would like to have known this Zen master.

The worrying part is that maybe that is the influence of the translator/editor of the work, Schireson. Every time someone touches a text... etc. etc. etc.

In any case, I don't know how "useful" the book is. It seems ridiculous to ask. But, then, maybe, that is the precise question to ask! I dunno! What is zen!

[D.J. Desmond · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some stuff to carry through life, like losing your ego, but otherwise not fun to read honestly. He repeats everything, is too religious, and 2/3 of the book is just personal stories. Bleh

[Tony D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, easily digestible anthology of a Zen Master's teachings; presented in short chapters, and written in simple language with concrete explanations. I've been on a solo mission in my Zen studies for about a decade, learning whatever I can from books and any other materials I can find. It's often been a struggle to find quality information that is not cloaked in hazy, disconnected, or overly esoteric language. Not so here. I can say that this little gem of a book pushed forward my understanding of many Zen concepts quite a bit, especially regarding "Mu" and what it means to live a life of freedom (experiencing that "Every day is a fine day" ala Zen Master Ummon).