Books about Zen Buddhism | Zen Classics
Zen and Japanese Culture | Zen and Christianity | Zen Poetry
The Japanese Tradition | Japanese Aesthetics | Taoist Classics
Buddhism and Zen, by Nyogen Senzaki and Ruth Strout McCandless
A collection of short essays about Buddhism and translations of some important Zen texts with commentary. Includes "Ten Questions," Nyogen Senzaki's response to ten questions frequently asked by non-Buddhists, and translations of "Shodoka" by Yokadaishi, "Fragmentary Notes of Bodhi-Dharma's Disciples," and "Suggestions for Zen Students" by ZengetsuBuddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening, by Stephen Batchelor
Explains the basic Buddhist teachings in ordinary English that avoids the use of jargon. The emphasis is on the practice of Buddhism as opposed to any specific beliefs (reincarnation, for example) to which a Buddhist should adhere. Although this book is not about "Zen," it contains much that is Zen in spirit and sticks very closely to the core Buddhist practice that all Buddhists recognize.Introduction to Zen Buddhism, by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki, introduction by Carl Gustav Jung
This is the classic guide to the basic tenets of zen buddhism by the greatest exponent of Zen of the twentieth century. Includes an insightful introduction by Carl Jung.Taking the Path of Zen, by Robert Aitken
Unlike other guides to Zen Buddhism that emphasize doctrines and history, this book takes the approach of an instruction manual covering all of the fundamentals that a new convert should master. Includes a section on how to meditate, a guide to the ten grave precepts, a commentary on the koan mu, and translations of "The Heart Sutra" and Hakuin Zenji's "Song of Zazen." The appendix, "Willy-Nilly Zen," is an autobiographical account of Robert Aitken's journey from his initial introduction to Zen and early contacts with Dr. Blyth and Nyogen Senzaki through his founding of a Zen Center on Maui and finally receiving permission to teach independently from Yamada Roshi.Questions to a Zen Master, by Taisen Deshimaru
A very readable guide to what Zen Buddhist's believe. Taisen Deshimaru responds to questions concerning God, ethics, meditation, and everything in between. Highly recommended for a newcomer to Zen.Zen and the Ways, by Trevor P. Leggett
This book covers a lot of ground. The main focus is on the deep relationship between Zen Buddhism and various martial arts practiced in Japan. Includes extensive descriptions of samurai Zen along with abundant translations of koans made in Japan and insightful commentary.Zen and Zen Classics, by R.H. Blyth, edited by Frederick Franck
An absolute must read for anyone interested in Zen Buddhism, Japanese culture, aesthetics, literature, or comparative philosophy. This volume contains well chosen selections from R.H. Blyth's five volume Zen and Zen Classics, along with drawings by the editor, Frederick Franck. Includes many original translations from both Japanese and Chinese, and Blyth's ever inspired meandering among Zen, philosophy, art and literature (both Eastern and Western) in his continuing exploration of the meaning of life. I also highly recommend the original five volumes if you can get your hands on any of them. Unfortunately, they are difficult to find these days.Zen Buddhism : A History : India and China, by Heinrich Dumoulin
A very thorough and scholarly coverage of the history of Zen Buddhism from its beginnings in India through its development in China. Not a particularly inspiring volume, but it fills in a lot of the gaps left by other books on Zen. This book is especially recommended to anyone who has only been exposed to the many Japan-centric books on Zen.Zen Buddhism : A History: Japan, by Heinrich Dumoulin
A continuation of the above Zen Buddhism: A History: India and China. Covers the development of Zen in Japan from its introduction through the twentieth century.Zen Comics, by Ioanna Salajan
Zen Comics, No. 2, by Ioanna Salajan
This is the fun way to learn the standard Zen stories and koans. Can be enjoyed by both total beginners and experts.The Zen Koan, by Isshu Miura and Ruth Fuller Sasaki
One of the best guides to koan study around. Includes "The History of the Koan in Rinzai (Lin-Chi) Zen," a translation of "Koan Study in Rinzai Zen," by Isshu Miura Roshi, and a translation of selections from a "Zen Phrase Anthology." Also has a very helpful multilingual index that gives both Chinese names and Japanese pronunciations of them used throughout the book.Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
A collection of short talks on Zen concepts, Zen practice, and meditation instruction and advice. Especially recommended for anyone considering giving Zen meditation a whirl.The Blue Cliff Record, translated by Thomas Cleary and J. C. Cleary
A complete translation from the original Chinese of one of the standard koan collections. The collection was compiled by Hsueh Tou Ch'ung Hsien (980-1052) from ancient stories to which he added verses and remarks, and to which about sixty years after his death, Yuan Wu Ke Ch'in (1063-1135) added commentaries. The Blue Cliff Record is a notoriously cryptic book, yet full of gems. This edition includes a foreword by Taizan Maezumi Roshi.The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way: Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika, translation and commentary by Jay L. Garfield
Although this work is not exactly a "Zen Classic," it is a classic of Mahayana Buddhism, the so-called "Greater Vehicle" version of Buddhism popular in China and Japan of which Zen is a part. Nagarjuna's discussion of the concept of emptiness (sunyata), in particular, pre-dates Zen usage and makes for an interesting comparison with later Zen works.Manual of Zen Buddhism, by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki
Many of the major Zen texts collected into a single compact volume.Moon in a Dewdrop : Writings of Zen Master Dogen, by Eihei Dogen, edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi
A collection of very readable translations of essays and poems by the founder of the Soto sect of Zen in Japan. Includes a comprehensive glossary and index. The essays are divided into four sections: "Practical Instructions," "Philosophical Works," "Poetic Imagery," and "Transmission of the Teaching."Shobogenzo : Zen Essays by Dogen, by Eihei Dogen, translated by Thomas Cleary
A collection of essays from Dogen's magnum opus, Shobogenzo. Dogen's writing style is compact, subtle, and packed with references to earlier Buddhist literature and stories. Cleary's introductions to each essay and careful notes help guide the reader through the maze of allusions.The Sutra of Hui-Neng : Grand Master of Zen, by Hui-neng, translated by Thomas Cleary
The Sutra of Hui-Neng, also know as The Platform Sutra or The Altar Sutra, is one of the most important works in the Zen cannon. A record of Hui-neng's life and lectures, it is the only document to be titled a sutra aside from the teachings of a Buddha. All of the main Zen tenets are covered in this story of an illiterate woodcutter who achieves enlightenment and goes on to become the Sixth Patriarch of Zen in China. This edition also includes Hui-neng's commentary on the Diamond Sutra, another Buddhist classic.Transmission of Light : Zen in the Art of Enlightenment, by Zen Master Keizan, translated by Thomas Cleary
One of the essential koan texts used by Zen students, Transmission of Light, known as Denkoroku in Japanese, is a collection of fifty-three stories of the awakening of each successive generation of Zen masters from Shakyamuni Buddha through Ejo, Dogen's dharma heir.Unlocking the Zen Koan : A New Translation of the Zen Classic Wumenguan, by Wumen Huikai, translated by Thomas Cleary
One of the standard koan collections, known as Wumenguan in Chinese and Mumonkan in Japanese, Wumenguan contains forty-eight stories followed by verses and comments by Wumen and, in this edition, translator's comments by Cleary. The original was compiled in 1228 by Wumen Huikai. This collection is a good starting place for beginners interested in exploring the world of the Zen koan.Zen Flesh, Zen Bones : A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings, by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki
A collection of Zen stories, a translation of the Mumonkan, and other texts related to Zen. This work is very readable. It entertains while it enlightens.The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma, translated by Red Pine
A collection of four sermons by Bodhidharma, the Indian master who according to legend, first brought Zen to China. Includes "Outline of Practice," "Bloodstream Sermon," "Wake-up Sermon," and "Breakthrough Sermon." These are among the earliest Zen writings available.The Zen Teaching of Huang Po, by Huang Po, translated by John Blofeld
This work contains translations of The Chun Chou Record and The Wan Ling Record, two T'ang Dynasty anthologies of dialogues, sermons and anecdotes by and about Huang Po, the founder of the Lin Chi (Rinzai) sect of Zen. Similar in spirit to The Sutra of Hui-Neng.Zen Words for the Heart : Hakuin's Commentary on the Heart Sutra, by Hakuin, translated by Norman Waddell
The Heart Sutra, one of the most important Zen texts, is chanted daily at Zen temples throughout Japan. Hakuin, one of Japan's most important Zen masters, revived Zen in Japan following a long period of stagnation.Zen and Japanese Culture, by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki
A collection of essays by D.T. Suzuki on the relationship between Zen and Japanese culture. Covers Confucianism, the samurai, swordsmanship, haiku, the art of tea, and the love of nature. Includes many plates of Japanese art mentioned in the text.A Zen Wave : Basho's Haiku & Zen, by Robert Aitken
Essay length interpretations of haiku by Matsuo Basho. Aitken's Zen-based perspective on the deep spirituality contained in these poems is truely inspired and spoken from the heart. One gets the feeling, however, that some of these readings find much more in the poem than Basho intended.Zen and the Ways, by Trevor P. Leggett
This book covers a lot of ground. The main focus is on the deep relationship between Zen Buddhism and various martial arts practiced in Japan. Includes extensive descriptions of samurai Zen along with abundant translations of koans made in Japan and insightful commentary.Living Buddha, Living Christ, by Thich Nhat Hanh, introduction by Elaine Pagels
A sensitive and insightful comparison of core Buddhist teachings with core Christian teachings. Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on how these teachings can transform one's life.Mystics and Zen Masters, by Thomas Merton
A collection of essays on mysticism, Zen, and other related topics. Merton's discussion of the Jesuit's early mission in China is of particular interest to fans of comparative philosophy and religion.Zen and the Birds of Appetite, by Thomas Merton
A collection of essays on Zen. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk and prolific writer on spiritual and social issues, was profoundly influenced by eastern religious traditions. This work includes an essay on the Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, and a dialogue between Merton and D.T. Suzuki. Zen and the Birds of Appetite is a classic and a must read in the field of comparative religious studies.Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems of Ryokan, by Ryokan, translated by John Stevens
Poetry by one of Japan's great wanderer-poets. Ryokan entered a Zen monastery in his early twenties, became the disciple of Kokusen, the leading Soto Zen roshi of the period, and was eventually acknowledged as his dharma heir. He left the monastery after Kokusen's death, however, and proceeded to wander around Japan on a continual pilgrimage. He turned down all invitations to start his own temple. Towards the end of his life he "settled down" in various mountain hermitages.Penguin Book of Zen Poetry, by Lucien Stryk and Takashi Ikemoto
An exceptionally well translated and well chosen anthology of Chinese Zen poems, poems by Japanese Zen masters, haiku, and poems by Shinkichi Takahashi, a contemporary Japanese master.Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. I, compiled by Ryusaku Tsunoda, Wm. Theodore De Bary, and Donald Keene
Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. II, compiled by Ryusaku Tsunoda, Wm. Theodore De Bary, and Donald Keene
This two volume set is the most comprehensive anthology available in English of selections from works from the Japanese tradition relating to religion, philosophy, and social and political thought. Volume I covers "The Earliest Records of Japan" through "Eighteenth-Century Rationalism." Volume II covers "The Shinto Revival" (eighteenth century) through "The Japanese Tradition in the Modern World." Each selection is preceded by a helpful introduction that includes biographical information on the author and places the passage in its historical context. Contains a wealth of information relating to the development of Shintoism, Buddhism, aesthetics, and political theory in Japan.Essays in Idleness : The Tsurezuregusa of Kenko, by Kenko, translated by Donald Keene
A sequence of short essays and thoughts on aesthetics, ethics, Buddhism, and Japanese society, written between 1330 and 1333 C.E. Kenko was a court poet who took Buddhist orders following the death of his patron, Emperor Go-Uda. Many important concepts in Japanese aesthetics, including suggestion (the idea that the artist or poet should leave something for the imagination to fill in), irregularity, and simplicity, appear in this early work.Hojoki: Visions of a Torn World, by Kamo-no-Chomei, translated by Yasuhiko Moriguchi and David Jenkins
Hojoki is a prose poem written in 1212 C.E. also known in English as An Account of My Hut. Although this is not a work on aesthetics, Komo-no-Chomei's account of the virtues of a life of simplicity had a great impact on later aesthetic thought in Japan.Matsuo Basho, by Makoto Ueda
A short biography of Japan's greatest haikai poet followed by critical assessments of his work. Includes sections on Basho's haiku, renku, prose, and his critical commentaries. Basho is best known for his development of the nineteen syllable hokku (now often called haiku) into an art form. Matsuo Basho also discusses the aesthetic ideas that Basho developed as he transformed the writing of hokku from a parlor game into one of Japan's great cultural achievements.Wabi-Sabi : For Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers, by Leonard Koren
This is absolutely the best work available on Japanese aesthetics. It contains a clear and reliable explanation of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi originally developed by tea ceremony masters and haiku poets and later expanded to apply to all art forms. Covers the history and development of wabi-sabi and summarizes the various aspects of the concept remarkably well. This beautifully designed book includes numerous photographs illustrating the ideas discussed, helpful charts and textual notes. Although not a great source for scholarly research, it is a must read for every artist, designer, poet, writer, and composer. Keep it by your side. It is a fountain of inspiration.A Zen Wave : Basho's Haiku & Zen, by Robert Aitken
Essay length interpretations of haiku by Matsuo Basho. Aitken's Zen-based perspective on the deep spirituality contained in these poems is truely inspired and spoken from the heart. Occasionally one gets the feeling, however, that some of these readings find much more in the poem than Basho intended.Chuang Tzu : The Inner Chapters, translated by David Hinton
A beautifully written translation of Chuang Tzu's Inner Chapters. This is one of the more poetic renderings of this great work available in English.The Essential Tao, translated by Thomas Cleary
The complete Tao Te Ching and the Chuang Tzu's Inner Chapters in one handy volume. Although this is not the best translation of either work, Cleary's notes (all tucked away in the back of the book) are helpful. Also includes a short essay, "On the Historical Background of Taoism, Tao Te Ching, and Chuang-tzu."Tao Te Ching (text with photographs)
Tao Te Ching (text only)
translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English
One of the best and most accessible English translations of the Tao Te Ching. The larger version of this book contains nature photographs that help capture the spirit of Taoism. The smaller, text only version of this book includes an introduction and notes by Jacob Needleman. The Tao Te Ching contains many ideas that influenced the development of Zen (Chan in Chinese) Buddhism in China. Many of these same concepts later reappear as the basis for Japanese aesthetics as developed by tea ceremony masters and haikai poets.The Way and Its Power: a Study of the Tao Te Ching and Its Place in Chinese Thought, translated by Arthur Waley
One of the earlier English translations of the Tao Te Ching along with a long introduction on Taoism and the Tao Te Ching and copious notes. Although Waley has received some criticism from scholars for the many inaccuracies and mistranslations found in his work, he was a gifted poet as well as a scholar and his masterly use of the English language has kept his translations in vogue despite the appearance over the years of "more accurate" translations by his competitors.The Way of Chuang Tzu, translated by Thomas Merton
A paraphrase of selected passages by Chuang Tzu. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk with a life-long interest in Eastern thought, wrote extensively on spiritual and social issues. Merton was also a poet, who used his skills to produce what is probably the most accessible version of Chuang Tzu's writings in English.
Eastern Aesthetics | Western Aesthetics
Anthologies | Matuso Basho | Yosa Buson | Kobayashi Issa
Masaoka Shiki | Writing Haiku in English
Modern Skepticism | Classics of Skepticism | Descartes
Spinoza | Hume | Voltaire | Schopenhauer | Nietzsche
The Bible and Religion | Toleration
Home | Bookstore | Essays and Reviews
Japanese Computing | Japanese News | Contact Us
Copyright 1996-2000, Virtual Success