Buddhism and Zen

by Nyogen Senzaki, Ruth Strout-McCandless, Robert Aitken (Introduction)

This primer, first published in 1953 and long out of print, is a concise compendium of essential information for the seeker who wishes to explore Zen Buddhism.

Written for the neophyte who has no prior knowledge of the subject, Buddhism and Zen defines basic terms, translates key words, and answers the ten most frequently asked questions that are posed by Westerners interested in Zen Buddhism.

Much of the Western world's interest in Zen is based on our growing awareness that the literal, the pragmatic, and the rational, while useful, often fail to explain the phenomena of the emotions, the unconscious, and the subconscious. Insights gleaned from psychoanalysis and various other forms of therapy have better prepared us for noncognitive enlightenment and paradox and non sequitur--it is no longer an unthinkable step from "The first shall be last and the last shall be first" to "The way that can be described is not the true way" and "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The Buddha said, "If you try to see me through my form, or if you try to hear me through my voice, you will never reach me and will remain forever a stranger to my teaching."

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, Nonfiction

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Nyogen Senzaki (千崎 如幻, 1876–1958) was a Rinzai Zen monk who was one of the 20th century's leading proponents of Zen Buddhism in the United States.

Reviews

[Victoria Wilde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won’t pretend that I understood everything, but it was very interesting and I want to learn more.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet memories of the beginnings in the "West." Monk Nyogen's life story is a heart-full reminder of humanity's inmost request.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I was new to Buddhism, I would be more confused after reading this. It's a mix of approaches and sects of Buddhism without explanation of what goes with what. The ten questions at the start sidestep and fail to mention fundamental key concepts.

There are many better introductions. Without too much theory Kornfield's work such as A Path with Heart, anything by Adyashanti, Chrodron's work and HHDL's How to practice. With a zen flavor: Watt's The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are and Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is quick and dirty. It doesn't explain much, glosses over some of the finer points, and avoids some of the more esoteric ideas altogether. This is by no means a complete instruction in Buddhism or Zen in particular, but it does serve well as a short introduction to some, albeit not all, of the central ideas. Given how brief it is, it's worth the read regardless.

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ground-level introduction to the primary tenets of Budhist philosophy. It's a quick, uncomplicated read. And though not particularly in depth, it's quite servicable as a launching point for a novice taking his or her first tentative forays into Eastern philosophy.