Manual of Zen Buddhism

by D.T. Suzuki

Here are the famous sutras, or sermons, of the Buddha, the gathas, or hymns, the intriguing philosophical puzzles known as koan, and the dharanis, or invocations to expel evil spirits. Included also are the recorded conversations of the great Buddhist monks—intimate dialogues on the subjects of momentous importance. In addition to the written selections, all of them translated by Dr. Suzuki, there are reproductions of many Buddhist drawings and paintings, including religious statues found in Zen temples, each with an explanation of its significance, and the great series of allegorical paintings “The Ten Oxherding Pictures.”

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Japan

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1934

About the author

Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki (鈴木 大拙 貞太郎 Suzuki Daisetsu Teitarō; rendered "Daisetz" after 1893) was Professor of Buddhist philosophies at Ōtani University. As a translator and writer on Buddhism and Eastern philosophy, he greatly helped to popularize Japanese Zen in the West.

Reviews

[Kyle]

Satori can happen at any moment for anyone, offering a glimpse of insight into everything, and it is good to know the thoughtful Daisetsu provided a manual to let us in the West know what to do when it happens, how it connects to a revered practice of meditation and inner peace made popular in parts of Asia. This book is more than a Hitchhikers’ Guide to far out wisdom of the Far East, but a rather more sensible understanding of the many incarnations of Buddha, the Bodhisattva and Arhats who inspired such contemplative devoting across India, China and Japan. There is also the intriguing notions about space and time, particularly an understanding of place in both the past and future, that is understated throughout the prayers, teachings and admonitions that curiously get treated like it ain’t no thing, and perhaps there is some subtle proof that then and there is no different than here and now.

[Elie]

very rough around the edges.

[Christopher Mattick]

Despite the title, not really a manual, and not the right book for the complete novice.

[Tony Ferraro]

Jesus!

Starts off nice and easy and then whammo! Right into the thick .. If you can make it through all the triple-non-logic then you may find some choice gems .. Last sections seem skippable but don't skip'm .. The two Ox sequences are good ..

And, for- what i thought was- a 'cool' 'non-religion' there sure are a many "don't"s and "nor"s and "[it is and it is not]"s .. Hahaha

Overall:
Nice reminder to chill out

[Trisha Roberson]

I am not sure I was ready for this book as I was hoping for more of an introduction to Buddhism and in this found many of the texts. I found it dense and difficult to understand, with many words I don't know or recognize. However, I was moved by several sections, including the taming of the ox (mind?!) and koans.

[Tina]

Not for anyone new to Zen. it is not a manual in the sense of a hold-your-hand instruction for the path. it seems to be more of a curated collection of excerpts of classical zen texts. I found many of them deeply meaningful, and it definitely helped my practice.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Coralie]

I did not make it far before it got too superstitious for me.

[living1000lives]

Torture to read.. I’ve learned nothing of value from this book and that’s the opposite of Buddhism

[Conor]

More primary sources of Zen Buddhism rather than a manual but still extremely valuable and I learned a lot

[Kay]

The companion volume to Suzuki's Introduction to Zen Buddhism, this is mostly of collection of source materials and quotations from great Zen masters like Dogen or Hakuin. For this reason it's better to read the other book first if you can, although there are still some notes and explanatory sections here.



"There is really nothing to argue about in this teaching;

Any arguing is sure to go against the intent of it;

Doctrines given up to confusion and argumentation

Lead by themselves to birth and death."

[Manny Furious]

I felt this book started off rather slowly with the Indian Sutras and whatnot. They were a little to imaginative and difficult for me to digest. However, once it got into the Ch'an masters, it became quite a boost to the soul. Some of the art and explanations on Japanese Zen, later in the book, were highly interesting, as well.

[Jenna]

TORTURE! I don't think religion should be so abstract and mystical. Good grief this was hard to understand. I've known wonderful Buddhists in my life, but this manual? Not accessible for me. I think religion should be accessible.

[Sean A.]

critical metaphysics.

[Jason]

A great reference book for important Zen writings.