Hakuin's Precious Mirror Cave: A Zen Miscellany

by Norman Waddell (editor)

The two great streams of Zen Buddhism are the Soto sect, known as the School of Quiet Reflection, and the Rinzai school of rigorous koan study. Dogen established Soto Zen in Japan, and his work is widely known in the West with many of his books translated into English. Hakuin is credited with the modern revival of the Rinzai sect and is its most important teacher. Hakuin’s life has been a great inspiration to the students and practitioners of Zen in the West, his writings offering great authority and practical application.

Norman Waddell, the translator of this new selection, has devoted a large part of his life to translating and publishing work by and about Hakuin. This collection of six diverse and independent works contains five pieces never translated into English before, some of which have been—until quite recently—unknown, even in Japan. One piece offers the most detailed biographical account of his life, from birth to death, and another is his earliest spiritual autobiography. A rich and various group, the offerings here will be important to seasoned practitioners as well as attractive to newcomers to Zen and spiritual seekers of all faiths.

Genres: Buddhism, Zen

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Lori Shinkō Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Wild Ivy more, but this book includes the story of the precious mirror cave - which is a really cool parable for faith. This book is a combination of stories and histories, so will be a reference for years to come. Norman Wadel is a true scholar of Hakuin. Many bows. I gave this fewer stars as it didnt hold me - as i had just come off reading Wild Ivy - so the information that was repeated here wasn’t thrilling. Maybe had i read this one first, i would have given it more stars. Ha. Sorry.

[Jeffrey Covey · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much partisan sniping and pandering to superstition. Not enough to make me swear off Hakuin forever, but I hope the next selection I try gets back to the directness of “Wild Ivy”.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoughtful work about Zen Master Hakuin by Norman Waddell. i am starting to think that no one does this better than Waddell!