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The Zen Experience
(New American Library,1980)“The best history of Zen ever written.”Library Journal Beginning with Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism it shows Zen as it was created by the personalities, perceptions, and actions of its masters over the centuries.Gradual and sudden enlightenment, shock enlightenment, the koan, the migration of Zen to Japan. With anecdote and memorable quotation, this long-needed work restores Zen to its living, human form.The truth of Zen has always resided in individual experience rather than in theoretical writings. To give the modern reader access to understanding of this truth, THE ZEN EXPERIENCE illumines Zen as it was created and shaped by the personalities, perceptions, and actions of its masters over the centuries.Beginning with the twin roots of Zen in Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism, we follow it through its initial flowering in China under the First Patriarch Bodhidharma; its division into schools of “gradual” and “sudden” enlightenment under Shen-hsui and Shen-hui; the ushering in of its golden age by Hui-neng; the development of “shock” enlightenment by Ma-tsu; its poetic greatness in the person of Han-shan; the perfection of the use of the koan by Ta-hui; the migration of Zen to Japan and its extraordinary growth there under a succession of towering Japanese spiritual leaders.Rich in historical background, vivid in revealing anecdote and memorable quotation, this long-needed work succeeds admirably in taking Zen from the library shelves and restoring its living, human Zen History, Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Zen History, Bodhidharma, Lin-Chi, Rinzai, Soto, Eisai, Dogen, Hakuin
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1980
454 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Hoover
31 books23 followersThomas Hoover has a doctorate in oceanography and served as senior vice president of an architect-engineering firm in New York, where he has lived for several decades. His vices include being an avid sailor and a recognized collector of the classical music of India. He began his writing career with two classic non-fiction books on Far Eastern art and religion and then moved into fiction writing with two critically acclaimed novels about English sailors in the early Seventeenth century.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 27, 2014
I was surprised by how readable and amusing I found this history of Chinese and Japanese Zen masters to be. I've been philosophically engaged with Buddhism for years, but I'd never been very interested in the "lineage" of any particular Buddhist school — I figured I'd just skim this book and move on. As it was, I found myself reading it with great interest; Hoover's approach to the subject is well-researched, honest, affectionate, and periodically amusing. He starts by discussing the interaction of Taoism and Buddhism to create Zen and then takes a run through history, offering brief biographical sketches of the major teachers from Bodhidharma to Ma-tsu to Lin-chi to Eisai. He's attentive to the political context in which various schools rose and fell and is frank about what's known to be true and what is apparently legend and myth. He even does his best to explain the masters' logic behind "shock" enlightenment, which can seem pretty mystifying to the non-practitioner.
If Zen Buddhism intrigues you but, like me, historical figures don't, you might want to give this book a try — it makes the subject more accessible and entertaining than you'd expect.
If Zen Buddhism intrigues you but, like me, historical figures don't, you might want to give this book a try — it makes the subject more accessible and entertaining than you'd expect.
August 17, 2014
“Words can point the way but the path must be travelled in silence.”
Hoover takes a very chronological approach, illustrating the gradual dawn of Zen Buddhism by plodding through the teachings of the ancient masters. Each master added to what would later become the modern version of Zen Buddhism that puts a lot of emphasis on the intuitive, non-verbal understanding that ultimately leads to sudden enlightenment. Enlightenment isn’t something that can be achieved by reading sutras and chanting mantras. All anybody can do is try to make their mind as “susceptible” to sudden enlightenment as possible;
“The traditional practices neither help nor hinder finding the way, since they are unrelated to the final flash of sudden enlightenment—which is in your mind from the beginning, ready to be released.”
This can only be done by exterminating the shackles of rationality and cognition that constrain our mind and instead embrace the insight that resides beyond these artificial construction. Ironically, there isn’t much to be learned from the actual teachings of the old Zen masters since “All that was worth handing on died with them; the rest they put in books.”
I confess, I would have preferred a little less history and a bit more philosophy in this book. Even though I tried to pay close attention, I can’t remember any of the names of the important teachers the book so meticulously examined, nor the dates or places. The book is very readable and concise but, given the nature of the subject it explores, I would have expected it to be a little more pensive. I enjoyed the bits where the author discussed the more elusive Zen concepts, such as “no-thought” and “oneness” immensely while the recapitulations of the various escapades that the ancient Zen masters stirred up felt a bit constrained, even tedious, at times.
Don’t get me wrong, the mini-biographies of these individuals were most entertaining. The life of a Buddhist monk serving under a master was a lot less… formal than I would have imagined from 8th century China. To demonstrate their point of implicit understanding, the masters could do all kinds of crazy things, such as shout, act dog or hit the students with a stick. Apparently, when caught off guard, the mind enters a nonplussed state that is most susceptible to sudden enlightenment. These violent practices were rendered obsolete later on as one of the most revolutionary Zen masters developed a method of asking his students paradoxical questions (i.e. What’s the sound of one hand clapping) or giving a completely nonsensical answer to a reasonable question (i.e. If I were to ask you what day it is, you would say “Donuts”). This served the same purpose of facilitating the transition between the rational mind and intuition.
This is a decent book for those who are semi-interested in understanding Zen Buddhism and its origins. For those who are looking for a more thorough account of either its history or its teachings should keep looking, however. In short, a good introduction for further study.
Hoover takes a very chronological approach, illustrating the gradual dawn of Zen Buddhism by plodding through the teachings of the ancient masters. Each master added to what would later become the modern version of Zen Buddhism that puts a lot of emphasis on the intuitive, non-verbal understanding that ultimately leads to sudden enlightenment. Enlightenment isn’t something that can be achieved by reading sutras and chanting mantras. All anybody can do is try to make their mind as “susceptible” to sudden enlightenment as possible;
“The traditional practices neither help nor hinder finding the way, since they are unrelated to the final flash of sudden enlightenment—which is in your mind from the beginning, ready to be released.”
This can only be done by exterminating the shackles of rationality and cognition that constrain our mind and instead embrace the insight that resides beyond these artificial construction. Ironically, there isn’t much to be learned from the actual teachings of the old Zen masters since “All that was worth handing on died with them; the rest they put in books.”
I confess, I would have preferred a little less history and a bit more philosophy in this book. Even though I tried to pay close attention, I can’t remember any of the names of the important teachers the book so meticulously examined, nor the dates or places. The book is very readable and concise but, given the nature of the subject it explores, I would have expected it to be a little more pensive. I enjoyed the bits where the author discussed the more elusive Zen concepts, such as “no-thought” and “oneness” immensely while the recapitulations of the various escapades that the ancient Zen masters stirred up felt a bit constrained, even tedious, at times.
Don’t get me wrong, the mini-biographies of these individuals were most entertaining. The life of a Buddhist monk serving under a master was a lot less… formal than I would have imagined from 8th century China. To demonstrate their point of implicit understanding, the masters could do all kinds of crazy things, such as shout, act dog or hit the students with a stick. Apparently, when caught off guard, the mind enters a nonplussed state that is most susceptible to sudden enlightenment. These violent practices were rendered obsolete later on as one of the most revolutionary Zen masters developed a method of asking his students paradoxical questions (i.e. What’s the sound of one hand clapping) or giving a completely nonsensical answer to a reasonable question (i.e. If I were to ask you what day it is, you would say “Donuts”). This served the same purpose of facilitating the transition between the rational mind and intuition.
This is a decent book for those who are semi-interested in understanding Zen Buddhism and its origins. For those who are looking for a more thorough account of either its history or its teachings should keep looking, however. In short, a good introduction for further study.
June 15, 2012
An enlightening history of particular ideas and practices migrating from India to China, then later retrieved by Japan, to form what we now know as Zen Buddhism. Particularly amusing were the Ch'an masters who taught by spontaneous yells &/or beating monks with a stick. Other favorite parts included the origins of koans.
August 14, 2021
Through this book, I learnt that there are a long history and many versions of Ch'an/Zen in many parts of the world. Not only in Japan but also in India, China, and Korea.
Also, not only Christianity and Islam, but it turns out Buddhism and Zen were also spread by politics...
Overall, I like this book. It is highly informative and well-researched. It can be boring at times, so I just skipped some passages here and there.
Also, not only Christianity and Islam, but it turns out Buddhism and Zen were also spread by politics...
Overall, I like this book. It is highly informative and well-researched. It can be boring at times, so I just skipped some passages here and there.
...in Zen the distinction between oneself and the world was the first thing to be dissolved. Consequently, mere self-love is impossible; it resolves naturally into a love of all things. Stated in this way, Zen teaching become in a twinkling, a profound moral philosophy. Where there is no distinction between the universe and ourselves, the very concept of the ego is inappropriate. We cannot think of ourselves without simultaneously thinking of others. Zen is not, therefore, an obsession with the self, but rather an obsession with the universe, with all things—from nature to the social betterment of all.
December 19, 2021
The Zen Experience — Thomas Hoover (4 parts/ 19 titled chapters + Notes) Dec. 5-18, 2021
This is a systematic history chronicling the creation and development of Zen. The book is split into 4 titled section, and within each section is broke down further.
Though I am neither an expert in Zen nor a historian, I found Zen history fascinating to read even though the patriarchal founding fathers lives and teaching are mostly unknown. There are five of these founders and each builds upon the next. The book proceeds this way with each section a building upon the last.
Also, I appreciate the way the author breaks certain of these fathers down to a relatable person in Western Civilization culture. (One was like Constantine in influence and one was like Martin Luther in influence.) That was very interesting.
This book starts at the beginning and leads all the way through to Japanese Zen. It is very academic in reading (neè boring,) but still a wonderful insight into the blending of eastern faiths into what is now known as Zen.
Four stars.
This is a systematic history chronicling the creation and development of Zen. The book is split into 4 titled section, and within each section is broke down further.
Though I am neither an expert in Zen nor a historian, I found Zen history fascinating to read even though the patriarchal founding fathers lives and teaching are mostly unknown. There are five of these founders and each builds upon the next. The book proceeds this way with each section a building upon the last.
Also, I appreciate the way the author breaks certain of these fathers down to a relatable person in Western Civilization culture. (One was like Constantine in influence and one was like Martin Luther in influence.) That was very interesting.
This book starts at the beginning and leads all the way through to Japanese Zen. It is very academic in reading (neè boring,) but still a wonderful insight into the blending of eastern faiths into what is now known as Zen.
Four stars.
July 22, 2017
An interesting linear history of zen from its Taoist roots in China to Buddhism in Japan. A lot more entertaining than I thought it would be. Heavy on names and dates so I'm thankful for Wikipedia: it is worth reading up further on some of the historical figures and religious nomenclature. What really stands out for me is how much humor is involved in zen study: there are historical anecdotes about the trials & tribulations of zen masters throughout that frankly read like Monty Python sketches. Buddhism is not just about dissolution of self through meditation and lifelong study: it's about mastering some kind of higher level irreverence where sarcasm and wit appear to be essential skills in perceiving all things in the abstract (rather then their immutable, physical manifestations). It's hard to know if the original masters even took themselves seriously-perhaps that is the central riddle to be solved.
February 21, 2021
Zen and its koans and satori stories had always been baffling and mysterious to me until I read this quickie little history of the origins of Zen, from its roots in the Chinese-ification of Theravadan Buddhism to its later flowering in medieval Japan. While I'll probably never understand koans (because they're beyond rational understanding by definition), I appreciate much more now the aim and legacy of the various Zen sects I've encountered in my reading about dharma.
January 4, 2023
An Enlightening Read
While not quite what I was expecting this book provides a in-depth accounting of the development of Zen out of Buddhism.
It takes great care in laying out the lines of succession, the contributions made by each successor, as well as the key points of contention.
A read I thoroughly enjoyed and would unquestionably recommend as an entry point for Zen understanding.
While not quite what I was expecting this book provides a in-depth accounting of the development of Zen out of Buddhism.
It takes great care in laying out the lines of succession, the contributions made by each successor, as well as the key points of contention.
A read I thoroughly enjoyed and would unquestionably recommend as an entry point for Zen understanding.
May 28, 2021
Excellent recounting of Ch'an leading to Zen
Great read. Enjoyed it. I normally don't read this kind of book but this kept my interest. I recommend to anyone wanting a strong background on how Ch'an came to be.
Great read. Enjoyed it. I normally don't read this kind of book but this kept my interest. I recommend to anyone wanting a strong background on how Ch'an came to be.
November 13, 2022
A long read
While this book has a lot of useful information, it is written like a textbook so it won't be exciting unless you actually know the material or are interested in the history of Zen
While this book has a lot of useful information, it is written like a textbook so it won't be exciting unless you actually know the material or are interested in the history of Zen
November 25, 2018
It flows well. I've learnt a lot about the history of Zen. Very good book!
February 21, 2021
Too dry for me. But I guess that's understandable
March 16, 2021
Wonderfully informative and enjoyable history of Zen Buddhism. Read it for the second time.
March 26, 2021
I thought it was enjoyable. I had already read this but I kinda forgot as my phone didn't say I did but I had all my highlights in it. :)
I love reading about Zen.
I love reading about Zen.
November 5, 2023
A good read
Written really well. This would be better as an introductory to Zen. This book is ment for a history of Zen and good for learning Zen.
Written really well. This would be better as an introductory to Zen. This book is ment for a history of Zen and good for learning Zen.
November 12, 2024
"Samurai Strategy" by Thomas Hoover offers a fresh take on leadership and strategy, linking samurai principles to modern business. Hoover mixes historical stories with practical advice, which makes the book both engaging and relatable. His focus on discipline, honor, and adaptability really hits home, especially in today’s fast-paced world. That said, some readers might find his approach a bit idealized, as it romanticizes the samurai way without fully addressing the complexities we face now. Overall, it's an interesting read for anyone interested in strategy and leadership. While it provides valuable insights, it could dig a bit deeper in some areas.
July 8, 2025
Thomas Hoover’s The Zen Experience stands as a seminal introduction to the rich tapestry of Zen Buddhism, weaving together historical narrative, doctrinal exposition, and primary texts with a clarity that belies the profundity of its subject. First published in 1969 and later revised, Hoover’s work occupies a unique space between scholarly monograph and accessible anthology, inviting both the novice and the seasoned student into the paradoxical world where “nothing special” is everything.
Summary of Content
Hoover organizes the volume into three interlocking sections. The first traces the life of the legendary Bodhidharma through the Flower Sermon of Mahākāśyapa, sketching Zen’s roots in Indian Mahayana before its transplantation to China. The second surveys major figures—Hui-neng, Lin-chi, Dōgen—and schools—Rinzai and Sōtō—highlighting the evolution of practice and poetics. The final section presents an anthology of Zen writings: koans, poems, and excerpts from shōbōgenzō, allowing the reader to encounter Zen not as a mere doctrine but as living, breathing practice.
Historical and Cultural Context
Hoover’s work emerged during the 1960s, a period of Western fascination with Eastern spirituality. Unlike contemporaneous popularizations that often exoticized Zen, Hoover rooted his narrative in careful scholarship. He acknowledged the sociopolitical currents of Tang- and Song-dynasty China, demonstrating how Zen responded to shifting power structures and monastic regulations. By foregrounding primary sources—translated with erudition and attention to linguistic nuance—he respected Zen on its own terms rather than filtering it through Western preconceptions of mysticism.
Literary and Philosophical Analysis
From a literary standpoint, The Zen Experience excels in texture and tone. Hoover’s prose moves between measured academic narrative and the terseness befitting Zen itself. His chapter on koan collections, for instance, juxtaposes crisp summaries with Chinese verse, allowing the voices of Lin-chi’s abrupt shouts and Hakuin’s playful verses to resonate. His translation choices—favoring clarity over archaic diction—enhance the immediacy of the texts without sacrificing their poetic ambiguity.
Philosophically, Hoover respects the foundational paradox of Zen: that enlightenment eludes conceptual capture. He refrains from flattening Zen into a set of axioms, instead illustrating how Zen masters employed shock, humor, and silence to dismantle the very frameworks through which the student sought understanding. Hoover’s commentary on kenshō (seeing one’s nature) is particularly illuminating: he frames it not as a final goal but as an ongoing practice, a lens through which ordinary life unfolds with fresh intensity.
Scholarly Contributions and Limitations
Hoover’s greatest strength lies in his balanced integration of narrative and text. The reader gains both a chronological roadmap and direct access to Zen’s poetic heart. Moreover, his extensive notes and bibliography—though now dated—remain a valuable springboard for further study.
However, a contemporary reader might note certain limitations. Hoover’s focus is almost exclusively on Chinese and Japanese Zen, with scant attention to later Western adaptations or the dialogue between Zen and other Buddhist schools. Additionally, while his translations are clear, they sometimes smooth over the textual ambiguities that scholars today might relish. A modern edition enriched by footnotes on alternative readings or linguistic quandaries could deepen the experience.
The Zen Experience continues to serve as a touchstone for those seeking a rigorous yet evocative introduction to Zen. Hoover’s fusion of historical narrative, scholarly apparatus, and curated primary texts invites readers into an immersive encounter with a tradition that prizes direct experience over theoretical exposition. Though subsequent scholarship has expanded and nuanced our understanding, Hoover’s volume remains a testament to the power of clear, compassionate, and literarily attuned scholarship—an invitation to “see into one’s own nature” that still resonates across decades.
Summary of Content
Hoover organizes the volume into three interlocking sections. The first traces the life of the legendary Bodhidharma through the Flower Sermon of Mahākāśyapa, sketching Zen’s roots in Indian Mahayana before its transplantation to China. The second surveys major figures—Hui-neng, Lin-chi, Dōgen—and schools—Rinzai and Sōtō—highlighting the evolution of practice and poetics. The final section presents an anthology of Zen writings: koans, poems, and excerpts from shōbōgenzō, allowing the reader to encounter Zen not as a mere doctrine but as living, breathing practice.
Historical and Cultural Context
Hoover’s work emerged during the 1960s, a period of Western fascination with Eastern spirituality. Unlike contemporaneous popularizations that often exoticized Zen, Hoover rooted his narrative in careful scholarship. He acknowledged the sociopolitical currents of Tang- and Song-dynasty China, demonstrating how Zen responded to shifting power structures and monastic regulations. By foregrounding primary sources—translated with erudition and attention to linguistic nuance—he respected Zen on its own terms rather than filtering it through Western preconceptions of mysticism.
Literary and Philosophical Analysis
From a literary standpoint, The Zen Experience excels in texture and tone. Hoover’s prose moves between measured academic narrative and the terseness befitting Zen itself. His chapter on koan collections, for instance, juxtaposes crisp summaries with Chinese verse, allowing the voices of Lin-chi’s abrupt shouts and Hakuin’s playful verses to resonate. His translation choices—favoring clarity over archaic diction—enhance the immediacy of the texts without sacrificing their poetic ambiguity.
Philosophically, Hoover respects the foundational paradox of Zen: that enlightenment eludes conceptual capture. He refrains from flattening Zen into a set of axioms, instead illustrating how Zen masters employed shock, humor, and silence to dismantle the very frameworks through which the student sought understanding. Hoover’s commentary on kenshō (seeing one’s nature) is particularly illuminating: he frames it not as a final goal but as an ongoing practice, a lens through which ordinary life unfolds with fresh intensity.
Scholarly Contributions and Limitations
Hoover’s greatest strength lies in his balanced integration of narrative and text. The reader gains both a chronological roadmap and direct access to Zen’s poetic heart. Moreover, his extensive notes and bibliography—though now dated—remain a valuable springboard for further study.
However, a contemporary reader might note certain limitations. Hoover’s focus is almost exclusively on Chinese and Japanese Zen, with scant attention to later Western adaptations or the dialogue between Zen and other Buddhist schools. Additionally, while his translations are clear, they sometimes smooth over the textual ambiguities that scholars today might relish. A modern edition enriched by footnotes on alternative readings or linguistic quandaries could deepen the experience.
The Zen Experience continues to serve as a touchstone for those seeking a rigorous yet evocative introduction to Zen. Hoover’s fusion of historical narrative, scholarly apparatus, and curated primary texts invites readers into an immersive encounter with a tradition that prizes direct experience over theoretical exposition. Though subsequent scholarship has expanded and nuanced our understanding, Hoover’s volume remains a testament to the power of clear, compassionate, and literarily attuned scholarship—an invitation to “see into one’s own nature” that still resonates across decades.
March 17, 2016
An introductory book about one of the world's great religions and, with all such works, it's all a little breathless and without narrative character. But if, like me, you don't really know anything more about Zen than you picked up from the Beat writers, the read is well worth it.
Hoover starts with a very brief history outlining the major Buddhist and Taorist influences on Zen, from Buddha himself, onto Lao Tzu through to Tao-Sheng and Chuang Tzu. Bear in mind that the Buddha lived back in the 6th century BC.
Of all the initial accredited Zen Masters, or patriarchs, those who took Buddhism to China and first redefined it, the Indian monk Bodhidharma who came to China around 520AD and established the idea of pi-kuan, or 'wall-gazing', was the first.
He had a disciple, Hui-k'o, who was said to have lopped his own arm off in order to get his master's attention.
The early years of China's adoption of Buddhism, and eventual metamorphosis into the Ch'an, was based around the 'conflict between the teachings of gradual enlightenment and sudden enlightenment, between intellectual and intuitive knowledge; geographically a conflict between the North and the South'.
Ma-tsu was the first master to administer shocks and blows in order to bring about enlightenment, Huai-hai founded the first wholly Ch'an monastery and Nan-ch'uan with his pupil Chao-chou, who both introduced irreverence as a form of teaching:
'A monk asked, "Since all things return to One, where does this One return to?" "When I was in Tsing-chou, I had a robe made which weighed seven pounds" replied the Master.'
The Ch'an flourished for three centuries in China, but then it lost support, caught up in the political struggles of the day. As with so many religions, it took its strongest hold as an export, in neighboring China.
The two countries had closed their borders to each of for about three hundred years between the 9th-12 century AD. When they opened again, ideas migrated.
Lin-chi was the founder of Rinzai Zen, which was later studied by the warrior ruling class of Japan, the Samurai. Ta-hui (1089-1163) perfected the koan (problems / cases) technique, where seemingly nonsensical stories or conversations were used to illicit an intuitive response from the pupil, testing their innate understanding of 'dharma' (truth).
Master Dogen journeyed around China until he found a master teaching old-style meditation, then he returned the Japan, becoming the father of Soto Zen, the quieter way, which predominates amongst the general population to this day.
Master Hakuin perfected the koan as the best way to enlightenment through successive 'satori'. He taught that Zen can be practiced in every day life, originating the famous koan "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
That's a sound worth hearing.
If you can.
Hoover starts with a very brief history outlining the major Buddhist and Taorist influences on Zen, from Buddha himself, onto Lao Tzu through to Tao-Sheng and Chuang Tzu. Bear in mind that the Buddha lived back in the 6th century BC.
Of all the initial accredited Zen Masters, or patriarchs, those who took Buddhism to China and first redefined it, the Indian monk Bodhidharma who came to China around 520AD and established the idea of pi-kuan, or 'wall-gazing', was the first.
He had a disciple, Hui-k'o, who was said to have lopped his own arm off in order to get his master's attention.
The early years of China's adoption of Buddhism, and eventual metamorphosis into the Ch'an, was based around the 'conflict between the teachings of gradual enlightenment and sudden enlightenment, between intellectual and intuitive knowledge; geographically a conflict between the North and the South'.
Ma-tsu was the first master to administer shocks and blows in order to bring about enlightenment, Huai-hai founded the first wholly Ch'an monastery and Nan-ch'uan with his pupil Chao-chou, who both introduced irreverence as a form of teaching:
'A monk asked, "Since all things return to One, where does this One return to?" "When I was in Tsing-chou, I had a robe made which weighed seven pounds" replied the Master.'
The Ch'an flourished for three centuries in China, but then it lost support, caught up in the political struggles of the day. As with so many religions, it took its strongest hold as an export, in neighboring China.
The two countries had closed their borders to each of for about three hundred years between the 9th-12 century AD. When they opened again, ideas migrated.
Lin-chi was the founder of Rinzai Zen, which was later studied by the warrior ruling class of Japan, the Samurai. Ta-hui (1089-1163) perfected the koan (problems / cases) technique, where seemingly nonsensical stories or conversations were used to illicit an intuitive response from the pupil, testing their innate understanding of 'dharma' (truth).
Master Dogen journeyed around China until he found a master teaching old-style meditation, then he returned the Japan, becoming the father of Soto Zen, the quieter way, which predominates amongst the general population to this day.
Master Hakuin perfected the koan as the best way to enlightenment through successive 'satori'. He taught that Zen can be practiced in every day life, originating the famous koan "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
That's a sound worth hearing.
If you can.
April 28, 2014
I read this fee Kindle book which I assume is very similar to this hard cover book. This is an excellent resource book which chronicles Zen in Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism through its development in China and migration to Japan. The book includes the biography of several Chinese and Japanese Masters who helped to shape Zen. Although this is a very detailed and informative book, it is somewhat dry and difficult to get through. Also, the book gets very little into the mechanics of Zen and the living of a Zen life. However, for all those readers interested in Eastern Philosophy, this is an excellent resource book that can be referred to again and again and is indispensable to have in one's library.
November 26, 2014
Less than five stars is ridiculous
This is a competent overview of the history and evolution of zen teaching and practice. And it's free, no catch. Rate this less than five stars, and you may want to ask yourself if you're just being a contrary snob.
Before you purchase this book, or any book, you should read the description and maybe read the sample. You'll find that this is not a self-help book. This is ideally for people interested in zen and love history, but may not be well versed in zen itself. A general knowledge of Buddhism is recommended which could be obtained in about 10 minutes.
This is a competent overview of the history and evolution of zen teaching and practice. And it's free, no catch. Rate this less than five stars, and you may want to ask yourself if you're just being a contrary snob.
Before you purchase this book, or any book, you should read the description and maybe read the sample. You'll find that this is not a self-help book. This is ideally for people interested in zen and love history, but may not be well versed in zen itself. A general knowledge of Buddhism is recommended which could be obtained in about 10 minutes.
August 1, 2017
Tedious. The author is heavy on explaining stock market strategy which boggles my mind. The main story, an American lawyer hired by a Japanese firm to help them take over the stock exchange, was loaded with twists and feints.
I had started this years ago on my first nook reader. The font tended to change halfway through the page and I had to readjust the size in order to keep reading. However, on my nook HD+ that didn't happen. If you download this, be sure you have a tablet-like device rather than a dedicated reader.
I had started this years ago on my first nook reader. The font tended to change halfway through the page and I had to readjust the size in order to keep reading. However, on my nook HD+ that didn't happen. If you download this, be sure you have a tablet-like device rather than a dedicated reader.
September 4, 2013
It is good. I would give it five stars for the over view of Chan Buddhism and it's development. But the book seems to falter when it gets to the point of Chan becoming Zen. It is almost as if the author feels that Zen has nothing new to offer. Everything that mattered happened during the Chan period.
Regardless, I liked it. Any person who has an interest in Zen would be well served by reading this book.
Regardless, I liked it. Any person who has an interest in Zen would be well served by reading this book.
abandoned
December 12, 2013Sadly, I had to stop more or less in the middle of the book. There is simply a limit to what one can read about guys shouting and beating each other with sticks. Over and over again. To be honest, I tried to follow through the maze of the similar-sounding names, but I couldn’t really see a difference. I get it that it is a historical approach to Zen, but it surely could have been done in a more interesting way.
April 8, 2016
The book is a rich resource of Zen history, following the lived of every major Zen master.
The pure chronologic approach makes the book at parts a bit dry. Life data of monks are often left uncommented, even if they seem fairly unlikely.
Where the book has its strength is definitely in the well chosen quotes.
Overall the book provides a great base for everyone interested in Zen and Buddhism in general.
The pure chronologic approach makes the book at parts a bit dry. Life data of monks are often left uncommented, even if they seem fairly unlikely.
Where the book has its strength is definitely in the well chosen quotes.
Overall the book provides a great base for everyone interested in Zen and Buddhism in general.
Read
December 31, 2012I never realised that achieving enlightenment was so similar to the curing of hiccups.
This centuries long history of a religious and philosophical movement read like a series of men shouting and hitting each other with sticks and showing off with obscure responses to obscure questions. I suspect that either I've missed something or the author has.
This centuries long history of a religious and philosophical movement read like a series of men shouting and hitting each other with sticks and showing off with obscure responses to obscure questions. I suspect that either I've missed something or the author has.
April 30, 2013
Thomas Hoover's The Zen Experience is a solid introduction to Zen as a spiritual practice. Candidly, it was much more history than I expected. The book focuses solely on Zen's beginnings and its evolution through China and into Japan. There is no discussion of the practice of Zen. As such, I am glad I have it as a resource for a baseline as I choose other selections on Zen.
October 25, 2013
It was free on amazon so I gave it a try. It's about Zen's history. I'm not usually one to read about history. I came to terms that I am not going to remember any dates or locations of events and instead focused on the stories between master and follower. I enjoyed it, I would hug these peculiar people :).
July 12, 2014
If you have trouble sleeping... and you're not interested in the development of Zen it's a great book. History lesson for Zen freaks ;-)
Haven't finished yet, it has to wait until I'm unable to sleep...
edit your progress.... there is none. losing another star this one is...
Haven't finished yet, it has to wait until I'm unable to sleep...
edit your progress.... there is none. losing another star this one is...
January 21, 2016
Most interesting history of the development of Ch'an Buddhism in China, its masters and proponents, and its migration and transformation to Zen in Japan. I find much of its philosophy appealing and enjoyed the anecdotes.
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February 27, 2012If you are interested in a history on the founding fathers of zen, then I recommend. That isn't really what I was looking for, so I just did a lot of skimming.
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