Zen Philosophy

Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahāyāna Buddhism that originated in China and is strongly focused on meditation. It is characteristically sceptical towards language and distrustful of conceptual thought, which explains why Zen Buddhist sayings are so enigmatic and succinct. But despite Zen...

Zen was uniquely suited to the Samurai of Japan. The high moral principles of Buddhism, when adopted and adapted by the Japanese warriors who became the Samurai, created an austere philosophy of singular beauty and depth. Its characteristic requirements of strict control over body and mind was exemplified by ancient warrior monks whose serene countenance, even in the face of certain death, made them much admired even by their foes.

In this classic work of spiritual guidance, the founder of the Rochester Zen Center presents a comprehensive overview of Zen Buddhism. Exploring the three pillars of Zen - teaching, practice, and enlightenment - Roshi Philip Kapleau, the man who founded one of the oldest and most influential Zen centers in the United States, presents a personal account of his own experiences as a student and teacher, and in so doing gives listeners invaluable advice on how to develop their own practices.

With characteristic humility, His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins this landmark survey of the entire Buddhist path by saying, "I think an overview of Tibetan Buddhism for the purpose of providing a comprehensive framework of the path may prove helpful in deepening your understanding and practice." In this book the Dalai Lama delivers a presentation that is both concise and profound, accessible and engaging.

Let go of overthinking, make peace with uncertainty, and discover a calmer way of living—without needing to attend meditation retreats, follow rigid philosophies, or master complicated teachings. The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a lighthearted yet profound journey told through 28 short stories, following a restless Monkey and his encounters with a wise Master. As the Monkey stumbles through his questions, doubts, and frustrations, he begins to uncover a quieter truth beneath the noise of his thoughts.

Why practice Zen? What sets Zen apart from religion? What are its different practices? These questions, and more, are examined and answered by Zen Master Koun Yamada, whose Dharma heirs include Robert Aitken, Ruben Habito, and David Loy. Through compelling stories and a systematic approach, he guides the listener through creating and sustaining a lifelong practice. Warm and ecumenical in tone, Koun uses the insights of Zen to bring a deeper understanding of faith.

In his definitive introduction to Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts ("the perfect guide for a course correction in life" —Deepak Chopra), explains the principles and practices of this ancient religion. With a rare combination of freshness and lucidity, he delves into the origins and history of Zen to...

Read by Zachary Quinto A man and his young son embark on a summer motorcycle road trip across America’s Northwest, seeking to reconnect and explore the open country. But this is no ordinary vacation. As the miles unspool, the journey transforms into a profound philosophical inquiry, a rolling...

Searching for a Moment of True Peace and Stillness? Get 3 Zen Books in 1—63 Short Stories to help you slow down, calm your mind, and relieve stress. The Zen Master Collection brings together all three bestselling books—A Cup of Zen, The Flow of Zen, and Beauty in the Zen—into one powerful, immersive volume.

Approximately four million Americans claim to be Buddhist. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of Americans of various faiths read about Buddhism, are interested in its philosophical tenets, or fashionably view themselves as Buddhists. They’re part of what’s been described as the fastest growing religious movement in America: a large group of people dissatisfied with traditional religious offerings and thirsty for an approach to spirituality grounded in logic and consistent with scientific knowledge.

“Lo Zen è un’esperienza improvvisa: non c’è preparazione, non ci sono prove, non c’è una disciplina, non c’è un sentiero” chiarisce Osho, e aggiunge: “All’improvviso apri gli occhi: come se un lampo ti avesse colpito, interrompendo il sonno di milioni di anni. In quell risveglio, conosci il mistero dell’esistenza.” A quella folgorante esperienza Osho avvicina in queste tredici immersioni, sollecitando il momento inevitabile che nella vita quotidiana si ha la tendenza a ignorare.

An odyssey into life’s challenging questions during an unforgettable summer motorcycle trip Acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters, Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance became an instant bestseller upon its publication in 1974...

Exploring the relationship between Christianity and Zen, especially through his dialogue with the great Zen teacher D.T. Suzuki, the book makes an excellent introduction to a comparative study of these two traditions, as well as giving the listener a strong taste of the mature Merton. Never does one feel him losing his own faith; rather, one feels that faith getting deeply clarified and affirmed. Just as the body of "Zen" cannot be found by the scavengers, so too, Merton suggests, with the eternal truth of Christ.

This is the classic account of Zen from the first major authority to inform the West of the details and practice of this form of Mahayana Buddhism. Despite its age and the widespread adoption of Zen by Western society in the past century, it remains an important and authentic source for theory...

A collection of Zen stories to amuse and illuminate. Includes all the stories from classic Zen literature: 101 Zen Stories, The Gateless Gate, The Ten Bulls and Centering. Includes the soundtrack The Mysterious Sound of Wind In the Bamboo - a 43 minute collection of Zen inspired Japanese music by The Matsu Take Ensemble.

Warmly narrated by Christian Coulson with atmospheric music and sound design,this audiobook offers listeners a gentle and reflective listening experience. From the author and illustrator of the international bestseller Big Panda and Tiny Dragon comes a beautifully illustrated exploration into...

Thomas Merton, Trappist monk, author, and student of Zen, remains one of the most important and beloved figures in the modern Christian contemplative movement. His writings, which bridge Eastern and Western spiritual thought, continue to inspire us with their real possibilities for immediate and...

Living and dying with bravery and honor is at the heart of Hagakure, a series of texts written by an 18th-century samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo. It is a window into the samurai mind, illuminating the concept of bushido (the Way of the Warrior), which dictated how samurai were expected to behave, conduct themselves, live, and die.

Zen Master Tales collects never-before-translated stories of four prominent Zen masters from the Edo period of Japanese history (1603–1868). Drawn from an era that saw the “democratization” of Japanese Zen, these stories paint a picture of robust, funny, and poignant engagement between Zen luminaries and the emergent chonin or “townsperson” culture of early modern Japan. These masters affirmed that the essentials of Zen practice could be conveyed to all members of Japanese society in ordinary speech, including even comic verse and work songs.

This inspiring meditation on the intersection of science, nature, and spirit shows readers how to deepen their connection to the natural world. In Rooted, cutting-edge science supports a truth that poets, artists, mystics, and earth-based cultures across the world have proclaimed over millennia...