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Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn Kindle Edition
by Seung Sahn (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 23 customer reviews
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Here is the inimitable Zen Master Seung Sahn up close and personal—in selections from the correspondence that was one of his primary modes of teaching. Seung Sahn received hundreds of letters per month, each of which he answered personally, and some of the best of which are included here. His frank and funny style, familiar to readers of Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, is seen here in a most intimate form. The beloved Zen master not only answers questions on Zen teaching and practice, but applies an enlightened approach to problems with work, relationships, suffering, and the teacher-student relationship.
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
The Dear Abby of Zen, Seung Sahn must be one the most prolific letter writers in history, not to mention one of the most successful Zen masters. With more than 60 centers on six continents, Seung Sahn has inspired thousands of students to take up Zen practice and has managed the seemingly impossible task of nurturing a genuine monastic Zen tradition on Western soil. Many of these students write him letters with their questions, and he never fails to respond. Only Don't Know is a collection of some of these letter's and Seung Sahn's replies, the title being an abbreviation of his cryptic refrain, "If you don't know, only go straight--don't know." The inquirers range from beginners wanting to know what to expect of enlightenment to monastics seeking direction on their path. A man who works in a windowless office, a woman preparing for a chanting retreat, a professor of religion--the writers and the topics come from all corners, Seung Sahn cajoling, versifying, ranting, or telling stories as the situation requires. He even resorts to drawing, as demonstrated in a series of pictorial correspondence that is a priceless example of wordless communication. --Brian Bruya
About the Author
Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927–2004) was the first teacher to bring Korean Zen Buddhism to America, having already established temples in Japan and Hong Kong. In 1972 he came to the United States and started what became the Providence Zen Center, the first center in what is now the Kwan Um School of Zen, which now includes more than eighty centers and groups worldwide. His students called him Dae Soen Sa Nim, "Great Honored Zen Teacher," and he was the 78th Zen master in his line of dharma transmission in the Chogye order of Korean Buddhism. His books include The Compass of Zen, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, Only Don't Know, and The Whole World Is a Single Flower: 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life.
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Showing 1-10 of 23 reviews
May 7, 2011
When asked about books influencing my life, Only Don't Know places at the top of the list. The writing is simple and direct on matters of love, suffering, and happiness.
The book was recommended by a colleague in the community of finance. The man appeared genuinely moved by the positive effect the book had on him, including his relationships with his wife and children. Still questioning the relevance of a Korean Zen master's writings to my life, I looked it up on Amazon to discover a number of positive reviews. So I decided to give it a try.
The book is a collection of letters to and from Seung Sahn—some from Zen practitioners, others not. A few are serious, others are funny. "I am a teacher and these kids are driving me crazy..."
What is particularly striking is how consistent Seung Sahn is in responding. This is a man clearly in touch with his purpose or calling. That alone makes the book worth a read. But there's more to offer. In each letter you discover a small piece of yourself asking a question. And more often than not, Seung Sahn's response provides practical advice, how to relate to the issue in a more positive way.
Admittedly, the advice is based on Zen practice, but it is not dogmatic—really, humanistic in nature. But if you can't separate the origin from the the advice, then consider adapting it to your brand of belief. The advice has value whatever your faith.
A few themes from the book for flavor:
1. Only Don't Know - Originally, there is not good and bad. But if you make good and bad in your mind, they you have good and bad... Before checking (filtering based on your biases and prejudices) is called go-straight mind - there is no problem. After checking, then feelings, I-my-me, and problems appear. A clear mind has no I-my-me.... If you keep clear mind, you will get happiness everywhere.
2. Love - If you cut off all thinking and keep this in mind: "How can I help?" the correct action will appear... That is great love.
3. Wisdom - Good and bad are our true teachers. If something has no opposite, then it has no meaning, no truth... Wisdom and practice are like two wheels of one cart.
***
Inspired by Only Don't Know, I read others by Seung Sahn, but cannot give them the same recommendation. The Compass of Zen is a dense guide to Buddhism and Dropping Ashes on the Buddha is a lesser work of teachings and letters. This is the one to read.
Hope this review helps you.
The book was recommended by a colleague in the community of finance. The man appeared genuinely moved by the positive effect the book had on him, including his relationships with his wife and children. Still questioning the relevance of a Korean Zen master's writings to my life, I looked it up on Amazon to discover a number of positive reviews. So I decided to give it a try.
The book is a collection of letters to and from Seung Sahn—some from Zen practitioners, others not. A few are serious, others are funny. "I am a teacher and these kids are driving me crazy..."
What is particularly striking is how consistent Seung Sahn is in responding. This is a man clearly in touch with his purpose or calling. That alone makes the book worth a read. But there's more to offer. In each letter you discover a small piece of yourself asking a question. And more often than not, Seung Sahn's response provides practical advice, how to relate to the issue in a more positive way.
Admittedly, the advice is based on Zen practice, but it is not dogmatic—really, humanistic in nature. But if you can't separate the origin from the the advice, then consider adapting it to your brand of belief. The advice has value whatever your faith.
A few themes from the book for flavor:
1. Only Don't Know - Originally, there is not good and bad. But if you make good and bad in your mind, they you have good and bad... Before checking (filtering based on your biases and prejudices) is called go-straight mind - there is no problem. After checking, then feelings, I-my-me, and problems appear. A clear mind has no I-my-me.... If you keep clear mind, you will get happiness everywhere.
2. Love - If you cut off all thinking and keep this in mind: "How can I help?" the correct action will appear... That is great love.
3. Wisdom - Good and bad are our true teachers. If something has no opposite, then it has no meaning, no truth... Wisdom and practice are like two wheels of one cart.
***
Inspired by Only Don't Know, I read others by Seung Sahn, but cannot give them the same recommendation. The Compass of Zen is a dense guide to Buddhism and Dropping Ashes on the Buddha is a lesser work of teachings and letters. This is the one to read.
Hope this review helps you.
January 24, 2017
I've become a fan of the late Seung Sahn after reading his "The Compass of Zen." "Only Don't Know" is a compilation of letters to and from his students and associates over the years. It is an enjoyable book, but it will make little sense if you haven't read "The Compass of Zen" first. Master Sahn's style of Zen teaching was straightforward and entertaining, often amusing, and easier to understand than many of the other Zen books out there. "Only Don't Know" is definitely worth a read, but I think you'll be disappointed and perhaps a little confused if you haven't first digested some of his other works.
January 7, 2012
To be perfectly honest, I liked this book better than "Dropping Ashes on the Buddha". Seung Sahn really comes through in this book. You would think that a book of letters wouldn't be that interesting but quite the contrary. Seung Sahn talks to many different people from all parts of the globe concerning a variety of interesting topics. He touches on many important facts regarding ZEN, Buddhism and life's everyday challenges, questions etc. It's fascinating how these little stories tie into the big picture of what we call LIFE. Every chapter stands on its own and adds something very special to the entirety of this publication. I would still recommend reading `Dropping Ashes'. I have also purchased "Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake" which will be read shortly; review to follow...
Please Note: all material is very understandable (well at least for the subject of ZEN anyway. Naturally I'm not getting into the debate of how ZEN can't be explained and so forth. Bottom line - the material and the way it's presented is very simplified and highly appreciated for its clarity and fluidity).
Anyone who reads my reviews knows I like to add a personal touch! So, with that said, one of my personal notes that I wrote after a chapter goes as follow: You must completely rid yourself of all ideas, thoughts, attachments, and situations. Clear out all things and JUST BE. If you keep correct mind - then you can do anything. Most importantly, you need to believe in you. Believe that you are all you need to be successful in whatever you do. When you are doing something - DO IT !!! If you truly ARE your activity 100%, naturally your chances of success are much higher. You can succeed at anything however; you must be clear like space and become one with what you're doing - moment to moment...
There are books that you read one time and then pass it down to a friend. Then, once in a while, there's a book that comes along like this. I would like to say thank you for everyone who was involved in bringing this wonderful collection of letters to light. It will indubitably be reread again in the future...
Please Note: all material is very understandable (well at least for the subject of ZEN anyway. Naturally I'm not getting into the debate of how ZEN can't be explained and so forth. Bottom line - the material and the way it's presented is very simplified and highly appreciated for its clarity and fluidity).
Anyone who reads my reviews knows I like to add a personal touch! So, with that said, one of my personal notes that I wrote after a chapter goes as follow: You must completely rid yourself of all ideas, thoughts, attachments, and situations. Clear out all things and JUST BE. If you keep correct mind - then you can do anything. Most importantly, you need to believe in you. Believe that you are all you need to be successful in whatever you do. When you are doing something - DO IT !!! If you truly ARE your activity 100%, naturally your chances of success are much higher. You can succeed at anything however; you must be clear like space and become one with what you're doing - moment to moment...
There are books that you read one time and then pass it down to a friend. Then, once in a while, there's a book that comes along like this. I would like to say thank you for everyone who was involved in bringing this wonderful collection of letters to light. It will indubitably be reread again in the future...
August 12, 2015
This book is almost like having a Zen teacher as my pen pal. I have been unable to attend my twelve-year teacher's Zendo and I don't like to bother him with emails. Seung Sahn Roshi's letters are timeless and as wonderfully random and accidental as only a master's words can always be. I also recommend "Zen Sand" for the same use. Words of a teacher are not for memorizing. They are for kicking students off their current comfortable perch. A good teacher is best to keep one from wearing a rut in the pathless way, but these books are also effective. Don't check. Just go straight ahead.
February 16, 2016
This is an amazing story from a person who has had so many experiences and has an understanding of consciousness that is very helpful. I am really happy that I purchased this. I read a lot of material on human potential. This is a great addition to my "library". I have added to my understanding from this book.
September 5, 2017
f you're interested in Zen, this book might provide some insight. The author, a Korean Zen monk, answers letters from American buddhists seeking his wisdom. It's funny at times and insightful at times. Though I'm not a Buddhist, I love Seung Sahn's take on life.
December 28, 2013
Seung Sahn has a clear teaching. He is not so mysterious and evasive as many Zen teachers. This book and the Compass of Zen are some of the very best Zen books available in English.
November 1, 2011
"Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" was a much better book in my opinion and explained his teachings better. Still, the book is not bad and was fun to read
August 24, 2012
Very good book for a glimpse into intimate zen. Interesting insight into interaction with students. Touching, humorous, and mostly direct.
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Paul S Riley
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