The Compass of Zen (Shambhala Dragon Editions) - Kindle edition by Seung Sahn. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
The Compass of Zen (Shambhala Dragon Editions)Kindle Edition
by Seung Sahn (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 63 customer reviews
The Compass of Zen is a simple, exhaustive—and often hilarious—presentation of the essence of Zen by a modern Zen Master of considerable renown. In his many years of teaching throughout the world, the Korean-born Zen Master Seung Sahn has become known for his ability to cut to the heart of Buddhist teaching in a way that is strikingly clear, yet free of esoteric and academic language. In this book, based largely on his talks, he presents the basic teachings of Buddhism and Zen in a way that is wonderfully accessible for beginners—yet so rich with stories, insights, and personal experiences that long-time meditation students will also find it a source of inspiration and a resource for study.
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Zen Maste Sahn is the well-known director of the Kuan Um School of Zen. Active as a teacher in the West for 30 years, Sahn originally wrote this text in the 1970s, as a guide for students with an interest in the fundamentals of Buddhists teaching from a Zen perspective. Much of the Zen teaching with which Westerners are familiar has come from Japanese lineage, but this work has a fresh, Korean Zen slant. For an introductory text, however, Walpole Rahula's classic What the Buddha Taught (Grove, 1987) is probably better. A large part of this volume is given to transcriptions of talks, resulting in repetition and a lack of focus. Viewed as one person's heartfelt expression of his understanding of the teachings, however, this has much to offer. Recommended for academic and public libraries with extensive collections in the areas of Buddhism and Zen.?
Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"An entertaining and even amusing survey of the varied flavors of Buddhism appears in The Compass of Zen, by Seung Sahn. Based upon his talks, this book presents the basic questions in many short, accessible chapters woven around anecdotes and dialogues. From the Four Noble Truths to the Five Human Dreams, this book seems to cover the whole mathematics of insight."
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"An entertaining and even amusing survey of the varied flavors of Buddhism appears in The Compass of Zen, by Seung Sahn. Based upon his talks, this book presents the basic questions in many short, accessible chapters woven around anecdotes and dialogues. From the Four Noble Truths to the Five Human Dreams, this book seems to cover the whole mathematics of insight."
—Michael Sims, Bookpage
"Like two arrows meeting in the air, this extraordinary book meets the mind point. Please relax and enjoy it."—Joan Halifax, author of The Fruitful Darkness
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Product details
File Size: 2932 KB
Print Length: 394 pages
Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (October 28, 1997)
Publication Date: October 28, 1997
63 customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5 stars
Showing 1-8 of 63 reviews
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Swervelette
5.0 out of 5 starsWould love an audio versionMarch 6, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I love this book and have read it multiple times; I would love to see an audio version on Audible.com so I can listen while commuting.
2 people found this helpful
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John E. Chadwick
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is all you need to knowOctober 18, 2004
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
"Like two arrows meeting in the air, this extraordinary book meets the mind point. Please relax and enjoy it."—Joan Halifax, author of The Fruitful Darkness
See all 4 formats and editions
Kindle
$22.14Read with Our Free App
Hardcover
$31.441 Used from $267.894 New from $31.44
Length: 394 pages Word Wise: Enabled Enhanced Typesetting:Enabled
Page Flip: Enabled
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 17Page 1 of 17This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.
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Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn
Seung Sahn
4.7 out of 5 stars 23
Kindle Edition
$16.06
Dropping Ashes on the Buddha: The Teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn
Seung Sahn
4.4 out of 5 stars 61
Kindle Edition
$10.59
Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake: Teachings of Zen Master Seung San
Seung Sahn
4.0 out of 5 stars 18
Kindle Edition
$11.18
Whole World is a Single FLower: 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life with…
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4.2 out of 5 stars 7
Kindle Edition
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The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma
Bodhidharma
4.9 out of 5 stars 69
Kindle Edition
$7.27
Next
Product details
File Size: 2932 KB
Print Length: 394 pages
Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (October 28, 1997)
Publication Date: October 28, 1997
63 customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5 stars
Showing 1-8 of 63 reviews
Top Reviews
Swervelette
5.0 out of 5 starsWould love an audio versionMarch 6, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I love this book and have read it multiple times; I would love to see an audio version on Audible.com so I can listen while commuting.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
John E. Chadwick
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is all you need to knowOctober 18, 2004
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Having read "Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" for years and letting it sit with me for years, this book was like a key opening a door to my mind and letting in a stream of light. This is all the book you will ever need. Sure, you can study theories, stats, and philosophies for decades but in the end, zen master SS will cut to the bone and explain how simple everything is. And you will wonder why in the world you have been making it so difficult.
This book covers all the angles. It gives you history, examples and the rest. But mostly, it gives you a compass to make sure that you are on the right track. After reading a chapter or three on a regular basis, you will succumb to the basic simpleness of the message and it will start to slowly dawn on you. Little by little, how simple things can really be, if you just "Don't know".
17 people found this helpful
bruno Mithout
5.0 out of 5 starsa highly readable, often humorous way of teaching Buddhism ...December 16, 2016
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a highly readable ,often humorous way of teaching Buddhism.
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Will Corsair
4.0 out of 5 starsWill Change Your Life.July 16, 2014
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A student in a class I was teaching told me about this book. He's from Korea originally, and is part of a Zen group in, of all places, Oklahoma City.
The author is a Zen master from Korea, and he writes with a direct, light-hearted style that is clear and not at all intimidating or overwhelming. I found myself very drawn to what he was offering.
The book is a transcription of his many Dharma talks, so the text is sometimes a bit choppy. However, that doesn't detract from how well the book is put together. It will change the way you see the world and maybe how you live your life.
2 people found this helpful
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Blu3yy
5.0 out of 5 starsAwesome,April 9, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Great read..thank you.
Clear Zen..right there in front of you, clear as day..clear as the cold air after a snow storm.
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Ms. J Li
5.0 out of 5 starsFive StarsOctober 29, 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Amazing!!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsWowJanuary 13, 2013
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This was assigned reading for me and I purhased it both in soft copy and Kindle. It is truly a gem. The author begins with some very basi Buddhist concepts and history and provides simple yet comprehensive comparisons of the Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen. His use of the term "Hinayana" for Theravada was difficult to get used to since the term has long been thought of as pejorative but you get the point. He progresses further into the depts of Zen practice with great skill. I am sure this will remain a treasured reference for me. Presented in a very understandable manner.
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5.0 out of 5 starsZen Master Seung Sahn was my original teacherFebruary 11, 2013
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
You are expecting an objective review? 35 years later I still read and re-read this wonderful book even though he told his editor to throw it into the garbage because he so much wanted people to find their own truth and not be attached to his words. How great is that?
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Aug 23, 2018Gabrielle rated it really liked it
Shelves: buddhism, non-fiction, zen, philosophy, own-a-copy, read-in-2018, reviewed
"Using intellectual understanding to find your true nature is like expecting a hungry man to satisfying his gnawing hunger with a picture of a banana. Zen teaching is not like this. Zen teaching says "Open your mouth. Here's a banana. Now eat!"
That's one of Seung Sahn's gems that was captured in "The Compass of Zen": in fact, a lot of his best metaphors are food related! He begins by explaining the differences between Hinayana, Mahayana and Zen Buddhism by comparing how they would explain what a watermelon is, and eventually links meditation techniques to utensils (as in, who cares if you use chopsticks or a fork, as long as your stomach is full).
I really enjoyed this book, but I also found it to be rather long and dense. It must be remembered that these are transcribed lectures, so obviously he sometimes repeats himself for the benefit of those who were there for previous lectures, but from a reader's perspective, it can feel repetitive. A lot of his teachings are also fairly abstract - not a bad thing... but from an intellectual perspective only (wink wink!). The key is of course a strong practice and study, in order to have direct experience of the teachings he explains at great lengths in the book.
A very interesting book, but a bit on the heavy side. 3 and a half rounded up, because it does contain so remarkable stuff mixed in with the overly long lectures. (less)
That's one of Seung Sahn's gems that was captured in "The Compass of Zen": in fact, a lot of his best metaphors are food related! He begins by explaining the differences between Hinayana, Mahayana and Zen Buddhism by comparing how they would explain what a watermelon is, and eventually links meditation techniques to utensils (as in, who cares if you use chopsticks or a fork, as long as your stomach is full).
I really enjoyed this book, but I also found it to be rather long and dense. It must be remembered that these are transcribed lectures, so obviously he sometimes repeats himself for the benefit of those who were there for previous lectures, but from a reader's perspective, it can feel repetitive. A lot of his teachings are also fairly abstract - not a bad thing... but from an intellectual perspective only (wink wink!). The key is of course a strong practice and study, in order to have direct experience of the teachings he explains at great lengths in the book.
A very interesting book, but a bit on the heavy side. 3 and a half rounded up, because it does contain so remarkable stuff mixed in with the overly long lectures. (less)
Don't know!
I'm torn on this book. On the one hand, it contains probably the most concise and comprehensive breakdown of the major area of Buddhist teaching (Hinayana, Mahayana, Zen) I've read. In this respects, it is without doubt one of the best overall books about Buddhism and Zen I've read. It's obvious Seung Sahn really knows what he's talking about, and I liked how he focused on teaching what the function of true understanding is about: helping others. A lot of Zen books (and teachers) seem to miss this.
On the other hand, I deeply disagree with aspects of how he describes karma, rebirth, and some of the chapters dealing with "special energy" and "magic". He includes a bunch of "supernatural" aspects that to me have no place in Zen, and could actually discourage people from an otherwise useful practice. I have trouble reconciling how he can so clearly elaborate on Buddhism and Zen philosophy in one chapter, then talk about things like sages who had so much concentration power that they could fly around in other chapters, as well as other "magic powers" that would violate cause and effect. This type of supernatural "woo" is one of the reasons the founders of Zen created the school in the first place: to strip all that away and get back to the core of the teaching (ie. zazen and how you live your life on a daily basis).
Still, I would recommend this book without doubt to anyone interested in Zen and Buddhism, just perhaps not as a first book. There's better, more practical, more logical descriptions of karma and rebirth out there that don't require belief in anything supernatural or illogical. (less)
On the other hand, I deeply disagree with aspects of how he describes karma, rebirth, and some of the chapters dealing with "special energy" and "magic". He includes a bunch of "supernatural" aspects that to me have no place in Zen, and could actually discourage people from an otherwise useful practice. I have trouble reconciling how he can so clearly elaborate on Buddhism and Zen philosophy in one chapter, then talk about things like sages who had so much concentration power that they could fly around in other chapters, as well as other "magic powers" that would violate cause and effect. This type of supernatural "woo" is one of the reasons the founders of Zen created the school in the first place: to strip all that away and get back to the core of the teaching (ie. zazen and how you live your life on a daily basis).
Still, I would recommend this book without doubt to anyone interested in Zen and Buddhism, just perhaps not as a first book. There's better, more practical, more logical descriptions of karma and rebirth out there that don't require belief in anything supernatural or illogical. (less)
Jei karščiuoji, gerk karštų vaistų. O jei liga šalta, gerk šaltų vaistų.
***
Svarbiausias dalykas, kurį gali – išmok išties giliai klausti: „Kas esu?“ Kai klausiama tikrai primygtinai, išnyra vien tik „nežinau“. Ir nebūna jokio mąstymo. Nelieka jokios kalbos ar žodžių, nes bet koks mąstymas būna visiškai nutrauktas. Tai vadinama „nežinau“. Kitas apibrėžimas – tikroji savastis, arba tikroji prigimtis.
***
Dzene nieko nekalbama nei apie absoliutų, nei apie priešybių pasaulį. Net nebandoma aiškinti tuš ...more
***
Svarbiausias dalykas, kurį gali – išmok išties giliai klausti: „Kas esu?“ Kai klausiama tikrai primygtinai, išnyra vien tik „nežinau“. Ir nebūna jokio mąstymo. Nelieka jokios kalbos ar žodžių, nes bet koks mąstymas būna visiškai nutrauktas. Tai vadinama „nežinau“. Kitas apibrėžimas – tikroji savastis, arba tikroji prigimtis.
***
Dzene nieko nekalbama nei apie absoliutų, nei apie priešybių pasaulį. Net nebandoma aiškinti tuš ...more
Excessively readable and informative, this book is full of fun Buddhist stories and jokes to help clarify the meaning of various sutras and the differences between types of Buddhism. This is probably the most accessible book about Buddhism I've read to date.
Feb 28, 2010Megan rated it really liked it
I am very lucky: books line the walls of my bedroom. (Not only that, but the books sit on gorgeous shelves made by my husband-- perfect altars for our prized objects). Anyway, most mornings I wake up and lie for a few minutes, scanning titles until my eyes fall on one in particular, and today it was The Compass of Zen. I loved this book, which I read about four years ago, because it was an engaging but lighthearted introduction to Buddhism. Books on theology are not usually my first pick (St. Thomas, anyone? ugh), but after a weeklong writing/meditation retreat, I was so curious about the subject I had to turn over some stones. And I'm glad I picked this one. Seung Sahn is not in the business of proselytizing, or bonking anyone on the head with his views. All he does is give an overview of the branches, or "schools" of Buddhism, the last of which is Zen; and in this overview he couches a million entertaining and even funny stories to illustrate his points.
For example, here's one of the stories I remember him telling about the instantaneous clarity you can achieve, if you only let yourself. One day, many decades ago, a student of Zen was walking through his monastery, pondering. He came across his Roshi (spiritual leader) and asked him, "Roshi! What is enlightenment?" And the Roshi, who believed that enlightenment is immediate, and can be inspired by one's mundane everyday surroundings, looked over the young monk's shoulder toward the outhouse and the cleaning implement hanging from the door. Without hesitation he cried, "Shit on a stick!" (less)
For example, here's one of the stories I remember him telling about the instantaneous clarity you can achieve, if you only let yourself. One day, many decades ago, a student of Zen was walking through his monastery, pondering. He came across his Roshi (spiritual leader) and asked him, "Roshi! What is enlightenment?" And the Roshi, who believed that enlightenment is immediate, and can be inspired by one's mundane everyday surroundings, looked over the young monk's shoulder toward the outhouse and the cleaning implement hanging from the door. Without hesitation he cried, "Shit on a stick!" (less)
May 17, 2008Mark rated it really liked it
This is one of the best books on Zen Buddhism that I have read. The author, Zen master Seung Sahn writes in a witty and humorous style which I believe is an integral part of Buddhism, and although I am not a buddhist I believe that he captures the spirit of the religion. One of the reasons that I typically steer clear of these sorts of books is the tendency for the authors to hide behind meaningless sentences that "sound good" in order to "grab the reader's attention". None of that here. Instead, there are stories, often very funny ones, and antedotes that somehow grab and in a way explain what buddhists often claim is inexplicable. An interesting read. (less)
Tempted to review the book as "Not good, Not bad. Don't know". I now understand why this came so highly recommended, and now i will likely be suggesting it to others. Each section, which together give a comprehensive introduction to a wide picture of zen, is concise without being dry and is very accessible to a lay audience. This is one that I will be keeping out for reference, as well as further study of the Ten Gates kindly included in the appendix.
Jan 23, 2018C.K. Shaw rated it really liked it
In The Compass of Zen, Seung Sahn provides a very clear and detailed description of Zen that I think will be helpful for anyone interested in that school of Buddhism. While thoroughly detailing the differences between Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen, Seung Sahn’s analysis of Buddhism’s development has a unique sense of continuity that makes this book a smooth read. Seung Sahn navigates difficult concepts in a light manner, sprinkling his discourse with humorous stories and jokes. The style in which this book is written made me feel as though I were listening to Seung Sahn speaking while reading. Despite language’s limitations in explicating the experience of Zen, I think this book did a fantastic job of making it a little clearer for me. (less)
Aug 25, 2012Rich rated it really liked it
A very good teacher with a wonderful way with words. His key teaching of don't know mind is absoulutely wonderful and that should be the key take away for zen practitioners. I also really liked his description of zen, where all other religions and practices involve describing and explaining something like a watermelon, where as zen just says take a bite - wham - that's watermelon - only you can experience it just like that, no need for talk or thinking, just take a bite! That's really cool and simple yet profound at the same time.
One minor problem i have is his general overview of all of Buddhism and his sort of suggestion that zen is the ultimate Buddhism. It sort of doesn't sit right because, although i practice zen, i don't think there is an ultimate, or a right or wrong, it all depends on what you need to get you to that point of understanding - like the often cited example of the blinded folded men describing an elephant, i think all systems point in the same direction, it just depends how you need to get there. The other thing i disagreed with was his explanation of karma, which was far too reliant on a literal understanding of being reborn and getting a better body - which is quite far removed from how i see it. Still, i don't think he's wrong or anything, i just think that understanding turns it far too much into doing something in order to get something later, a bit like heaven or whatever, and most certainly opens up the whole can of worms that is being born in a 'bad body' as a representation of immorality in a previous life. I'm sure Seung Sahn wouldn't say that's the case, but that does come across a little in these chapters. Zen is completely open, shorn of these sort of beliefs and i think its unhelpful to suggest that rebirth is a necessary part of it in any way. But that's a minor gripe really and only irked me because i was struggling with my own thoughts on this matter at the time.
in short definitely worthy of your time if your a zen buddhist and perhaps as a general intro to it, but i'd recommend zen mind beginners mind as the best out there. (less)
One minor problem i have is his general overview of all of Buddhism and his sort of suggestion that zen is the ultimate Buddhism. It sort of doesn't sit right because, although i practice zen, i don't think there is an ultimate, or a right or wrong, it all depends on what you need to get you to that point of understanding - like the often cited example of the blinded folded men describing an elephant, i think all systems point in the same direction, it just depends how you need to get there. The other thing i disagreed with was his explanation of karma, which was far too reliant on a literal understanding of being reborn and getting a better body - which is quite far removed from how i see it. Still, i don't think he's wrong or anything, i just think that understanding turns it far too much into doing something in order to get something later, a bit like heaven or whatever, and most certainly opens up the whole can of worms that is being born in a 'bad body' as a representation of immorality in a previous life. I'm sure Seung Sahn wouldn't say that's the case, but that does come across a little in these chapters. Zen is completely open, shorn of these sort of beliefs and i think its unhelpful to suggest that rebirth is a necessary part of it in any way. But that's a minor gripe really and only irked me because i was struggling with my own thoughts on this matter at the time.
in short definitely worthy of your time if your a zen buddhist and perhaps as a general intro to it, but i'd recommend zen mind beginners mind as the best out there. (less)
Jun 30, 2016Olivier Goetgeluck rated it really liked it
Coming empty-handed, going empty-handed - that is human.
Try something, and only do it, then you can get everything.
The 5 human desires: material wealth, sex, fame, food, sleep.
Right livelihood: everyone has 2 jobs
1. Inside work: keeping clear mind
2. Outside work: cutting off selfish desires and helping others
Right effort:
Only try, try, try, try, for ten thousand years, nonstop. Only do it. That is all.
Finding quiet in quiet is not true quiet. Finding quiet in noisy is true quiet.
Simply ask yourself very deeply: "What am I?" What appears is only "Don't know..."
When you practice with a wanting mind, your practice is already going in the wrong direction.
Love + wisdom = compassion.
True Zen means mind-sitting, not body-sitting. It means keeping a not-moving mind, always and everywhere. This is not dependent on any particular posture.
Don't make Zen special. By making Zen special in any way, you create many hindrances in your mind.
Most important thing of the practice: they simply looked inside, very deeply inside, to find their true nature.
When we completely DO something, there is no life no death.
Your mind makes everything.
Don't MAKE difficult or easy. Don't make anything: when you are doing something, just do it. That is Zen.
Only go straight, don't know.
"What is true emptiness?" he asked.
I just sat there and didn't say a word.
A true teacher never lets his students become attached to the candy.
If you truly understand your mistake, it is no longer a mistake.
Intuitive action means acting without any desire or attachment.
From moment to moment, what are you doing RIGHT NOW?
Always keep a clear mind, and then when you are doing something, you just DO IT.
Originally there is nothing, so I cannot get anything.
When I was tired, I slept. When I was hungry, I ate.
Correct direction: using meditation spontaneously from moment to moment only to help other people.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PRACTICE IS YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE.
"How do you clean your mind?"
If you have mind, you must clean it all the time. But if you have no mind then cleaning is not necessary.
(less)
Try something, and only do it, then you can get everything.
The 5 human desires: material wealth, sex, fame, food, sleep.
Right livelihood: everyone has 2 jobs
1. Inside work: keeping clear mind
2. Outside work: cutting off selfish desires and helping others
Right effort:
Only try, try, try, try, for ten thousand years, nonstop. Only do it. That is all.
Finding quiet in quiet is not true quiet. Finding quiet in noisy is true quiet.
Simply ask yourself very deeply: "What am I?" What appears is only "Don't know..."
When you practice with a wanting mind, your practice is already going in the wrong direction.
Love + wisdom = compassion.
True Zen means mind-sitting, not body-sitting. It means keeping a not-moving mind, always and everywhere. This is not dependent on any particular posture.
Don't make Zen special. By making Zen special in any way, you create many hindrances in your mind.
Most important thing of the practice: they simply looked inside, very deeply inside, to find their true nature.
When we completely DO something, there is no life no death.
Your mind makes everything.
Don't MAKE difficult or easy. Don't make anything: when you are doing something, just do it. That is Zen.
Only go straight, don't know.
"What is true emptiness?" he asked.
I just sat there and didn't say a word.
A true teacher never lets his students become attached to the candy.
If you truly understand your mistake, it is no longer a mistake.
Intuitive action means acting without any desire or attachment.
From moment to moment, what are you doing RIGHT NOW?
Always keep a clear mind, and then when you are doing something, you just DO IT.
Originally there is nothing, so I cannot get anything.
When I was tired, I slept. When I was hungry, I ate.
Correct direction: using meditation spontaneously from moment to moment only to help other people.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PRACTICE IS YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE.
"How do you clean your mind?"
If you have mind, you must clean it all the time. But if you have no mind then cleaning is not necessary.
(less)
Having read this in high school, I found The Compass of Zen to be an accessible and unique overview of the three ancient schools of Buddhism. Its writing flow is well-structured and provides insightful commentary regarding each school. I was especially fascinated by the Gates of Enlightenment which he delineates in the appendix of the book, which serve as a sample of those infamous meditative riddles for which Zen is best known.
Seung Sahn "Seunim" was a highly respected and revered member of the Buddhist community, first in his native country of South Korea and later in the United States. He almost single-handedly tamed the arcane and esoteric aura surrounding Zen, and brought its ideas to the popular masses of the west.
This book was my first in-depth introduction into the intricate yet simple precepts of Buddhism, and I enjoyed it as a teenager trying to broaden my horizons. Beyond the occasional repetitiveness of his rhetoric, many gems of the mind can be extracted from this substantial work, and the hundreds of personal stories and accounts given by Seung Sahn bring a fresh approach to one of the most ancient branches of religion. (less)
Seung Sahn "Seunim" was a highly respected and revered member of the Buddhist community, first in his native country of South Korea and later in the United States. He almost single-handedly tamed the arcane and esoteric aura surrounding Zen, and brought its ideas to the popular masses of the west.
This book was my first in-depth introduction into the intricate yet simple precepts of Buddhism, and I enjoyed it as a teenager trying to broaden my horizons. Beyond the occasional repetitiveness of his rhetoric, many gems of the mind can be extracted from this substantial work, and the hundreds of personal stories and accounts given by Seung Sahn bring a fresh approach to one of the most ancient branches of religion. (less)
Zen Master Seung Sahn (biography) was brought up as a Christian in North Korea before World War II. Later he became a Buddhist monk in South Korea. He was ordained in 1948.
Some time later, he visited the United States, and subsequently he decided to move here and teach full-time. I never met him (he died in 2004), but people who knew him well have told me he was an amazing teacher. (You can find some videos of him teaching on YouTube.)
This was the first book about Buddhism that I really studied. I read it again and again for a couple of years. During that time, I read no other books about Buddhism. For a while I thought I would never read any others, but eventually I wanted to study some of the sutras, and so I bought and read other books.
I still return to this book. Dae Soen Sa Nim's teachings are brash, funny, straight to a single point. They seem to me to be perfect Zen. Only go straight! Wake up! Just do it! (less)
Some time later, he visited the United States, and subsequently he decided to move here and teach full-time. I never met him (he died in 2004), but people who knew him well have told me he was an amazing teacher. (You can find some videos of him teaching on YouTube.)
This was the first book about Buddhism that I really studied. I read it again and again for a couple of years. During that time, I read no other books about Buddhism. For a while I thought I would never read any others, but eventually I wanted to study some of the sutras, and so I bought and read other books.
I still return to this book. Dae Soen Sa Nim's teachings are brash, funny, straight to a single point. They seem to me to be perfect Zen. Only go straight! Wake up! Just do it! (less)
Jul 17, 2015stephen mitchell clair rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Read it once, not enough, twice, still not enough...
Dae Soen Sa Nim has a wonderful way of teaching filled with stories some of which you would never of heard if you didn't read this book in your lifetime. I've read it at least 3 times now and I will continue to read it as long as I am interested in the Kwan Um School of Zen. What is this book about anyway!?
Dae Soen Sa Nim has a wonderful way of teaching filled with stories some of which you would never of heard if you didn't read this book in your lifetime. I've read it at least 3 times now and I will continue to read it as long as I am interested in the Kwan Um School of Zen. What is this book about anyway!?
Jun 29, 2011Kev cordeiro rated it really liked it
Excellent if you're interested in the progression of thought from Hinayana to Mahayana Buddhism and an interesting introduction to Zen. Some people will find Zen Buddhism to be complete and utter nonsense, but it is only when one begins the ending chapters that it all really begins to tie together. I would highly reccomend this book to my more serious friends.
Feb 19, 2008Martin Sefara rated it it was amazing
A handy overview of basic concepts of Buddhism including Theravada and Mahayana branches. Interesting for anybody wondering about Buddhism or practicing according to any tradition. If you were to read one book on Buddhism I would recommend this one. Valuable source of inspiration for students of Zen.
A rough outline of several major themes in Buddhism. Alright if you already know what he's talking about, less useful to those who pick up the book cold. A good supplement, but not very useful or insightful for much more.
There are certainly a few parts of this book that are worth ignoring, but overall it manages to talk about the experience of Zen and of human life more clearly and accurately than just about any other book I can think of. I am deeply grateful for Dae Soen Sunim's practice and teaching!
Apr 03, 2016Tom rated it it was ok
Better than "Zen: The Authentic Gate". But if humankind want to evolve, go further, science is solution. IMO.
