The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Works by Ralph Waldo Emerson Tarcher Cornerstone Editions David M. Robinson (Editor)

The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Works by Ralph Waldo Emerson - Emerson, Ralph Waldo | 9781585426423 | Amazon.com.au | Books

The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Works by Ralph Waldo Emerson Paperback – 29 January 2014
by Ralph Waldo Emerson (Author)David M. Robinson (Editor)
4.6 out of 5 stars 103 ratings
Part of: Tarcher Cornerstone Editions (13 books)

Kindle
$10.99

Read with Our Free App
Paperback
$16.54

Here is the heart of Emerson's spiritual thought for those readers who seek to understand the transformative quality of great ideas. Concise and suited to years of rereading and contemplation, The Spiritual Emerson traces the arc of the inner message brought by America's 'Yankee Mystic.' 

Reading Emerson, writes philosopher Jacob Needleman in his introduction, 'can awaken a part of the psyche that our culture has suppressed.' 

More than a handy volume of Emerson's landmark works, The Spiritual Emerson also includes overlooked classics, such as 'Fate' and 'Success,' which served as major sources of inspiration to some of the most influential American metaphysical thinkers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. 

Each of the book's selections is drawn from authoritative final editions that were corrected by Emerson himself. The introduction by religious scholar and philosopher Needleman explores the hope and power found within Emerson's thought - and why its meaning is so deeply felt by readers today. 'Be, and not seem.' Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Author
Date- 2013-08-06

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803­-1882) was a renowned lecturer and writer, whose ideas on philosophy, religion, and literature influenced many writers, including Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman. After an undergraduate career at Harvard, he studied at Harvard Divinity School and became an ordained minister, continuing a long line of ministers in his family. He traveled widely and lectured, and became well known for his publications Essays and Nature.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the son of a Unitarian minister and a chaplain during the American Revolution, was born in 1803 in Boston. He attended the Boston Latin School, and in 1817 entered Harvard, graduating in 1820. Emerson supported himself as a schoolteacher from 1821-26. In 1826 he was 'approbated to preach,' and in 1829 became pastor of the Scond Church (Unitarian) in Boston. That same year he married Ellen Louise Tucker, who was to die of tuberculosis only seventeen months later.

In 1832 Emerson resigned his pastorate and traveled to Eurpe, where he met Coleridge, Wordsworth, and Carlyle. 

He settled in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1834, where he began a new career as a public lecturer, and married Lydia Jackson a year later. A group that gathered around Emerson in Concord came to be known as 'the Concord school,' and included Bronson Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne


Product details
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tarcher; 1st edition (29 January 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.78 x 1.68 x 17.78 cmBest Sellers Rank: 292,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)142 in Metaphysics Textbooks
247 in American Literature Textbooks
447 in U.S. Fiction AnthologiesCustomer Reviews:
4.6 out of 5 stars 103 ratings
====

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A guided anthology that takes the reader through Emerson's own spiritual evolution.'--Robert D. Richardson, Jr., author of Emerson: The Mind on Fire

'It is a great service of this book that it traces [Emerson's] spiritual development . . . [It] is also valuable in establishing the full texture and subtlety of Emerson's much-misunderstood notion of self-reliance and nonconformity.'--Richard Higgins, Boston Globe

'This collection brings together for the first time Emerson's most important writings on spiritual themes, along with a discerning and eminently readable introduction by one of the foremost authorities on Emerson's religious thought.'--Lawrence Buell, Harvard University, author of Literary Transcendentalism and Emerson

About the Author

David M. Robinson is the author of numerous books, including Emerson and the Conduct of Life and Apostle of Culture: Emerson as Preacher and Lecturer. He is Oregon Professor of English and Distinguished Professor of American Literature at Oregon State University in Corvallis.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beacon Press (April 15, 2004)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 280 pages

====

4.6 out of 5 stars

Carolina Santos
5.0 out of 5 stars Concise selection, not worth full price though

Reviewed in Brazil on 19 October 2020
Verified Purchase

The book is amazing concerning the selection of the essays. I just think it's not worth it paying full price.
Report abuse

Alonso
5.0 out of 5 stars new age bibleReviewed in the United States on 11 June 2014
Verified Purchase

I liked the book because the title exactly describes the contents. It is Ralph Waldo Emerson discussing the human condition from a spiritual standpoint. The fact that he thought all this back in the 19th century is already impressive. His words have a timeless characteristic to them, and they are very relevant today in our post-modern world where we are, like it or not, seeking for spiritual guidance and religion just doesn't cut it anymore. 

The first answer to this phenomenon is atheism, yet the book does a great job explaining why this is happening as well.

It took me about a couple of months to get through it - taking my time while reading other books. I've read similar books like krishnamurti's 'talks and dialogues', but RWE is more personal and direct, so to speak.

Overall, it exceeded my expectations knowing very little of RWE, and now I feel like I know the best part of him. This book makes me want to read more of his literature and not necessarily related to spirituality, but just to get a more complete picture of who this man was and what made him write so eloquently about this topic. Definitely recommended to whomever wants a break from typical cheap store literature.
Read more

21 people found this helpfulReport abuse

vicki mccabe
2.0 out of 5 stars 

Very heavy and dense reading not happy

Reviewed in the United States on 31 May 2021
Verified Purchase

I love Emerson’s poems and essays but this book was very hard to read and understand. It’s very and densely wrote. I couldn’t even get passed a few pages in the first chapter. I sent it back. Very disappointed.

Report abuse

Mary Beth Alban
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely way to absorb Emerson's spirituality.Reviewed in the United States on 1 May 2020
Verified Purchase

A concise review of Ralph Waldo Emerson writings.

3 people found this helpfulReport abuse

Janet
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For Our TimesReviewed in the United States on 30 November 2009
Verified Purchase

I purchased this book because Jacob Needleman had written the foreword. However, after reading it, I think it is an important to be read at this time. The first section, Self-Reliance, is worth the price alone. Emerson points out the need for each of us to rely not on government or others for our needs, but through ourselves first by finding our inner self and using it to go forward. After you rely on yourself alone, you can then help others and let them help you when necessary.

28 people found this helpfulReport abuse
See all reviews

Top reviews from the United States

Robert Duncanson

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost Seeing A Good Man Eye to Eye

Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2014

Verified Purchase

Anyone who is young, who is frightened of appearing stupid, who takes a reading Emerson as a solitary reader might flee and not return for decades.

Such a one am I. By living I beat the first. I've outgrown the fear and accepted the second term, stupidity, as a given.

But now Emerson is not only comprehensible but a delight to read.

He writes in a conversational style if you consider both his time (They were willing to take on long sentences) and that he was brilliant. Not " OK you just read a page of Kant, thought you understood, now paraphrase," it but you can't brilliant. He writes in a voice that is meant to be heard-- impressive and engaging and brilliant--but still a voice to be heard.

Since I read this book, I have only found one flaw in Emerson: he inserted an occasional quote from himself at the beginning of essays.

Not a bad flaw for a man who understood the eye is the center of the universe or who saw magnetic wires connecting all.

Read less

4 people found this helpful

===

The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Writings by Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Want to Read

Rate this book

1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars

The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Writings by Ralph Waldo Emerson

by Ralph Waldo Emerson, David M. Robinson (Editor)

 4.24  ·   Rating details ·  291 ratings  ·  31 reviews

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) is known best in the twenty-first century as a literary innovator and early architect of American intellectual culture, but his writings still offer spiritual sustenance to the thoughtful reader. The Spiritual Emerson, originally published on the two hundredth anniversary of the writer's birth, brings together the writings that articulate Emerson's spiritual vision and promise the greatest relevance to today's reader. (less)

Write a review

Yelda Basar Moers

Apr 13, 2016Yelda Basar Moers rated it it was amazing

Shelves: spirituality, transcendentalism, soul-writing

Hands down, Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of my favorite spiritual writers of all time! I also count him to be a prophet of nature, the Self and the Soul.

I believe that any avid spiritual reader should read the classics. For me, that would include Emerson’s writings. Together with Thoreau, he led the 19th century American spiritual movement called Transcendentalism.

Emerson believed that there were two places you could find God, 

in your own Self (the higher self or soul) and in Nature. 

He was the head of the Unitarian church, but then not only left it, he broke off from religion altogether to espouse a spirituality that was divorced from any dogma or form.

I love this compilation and edition from Tarcher, which includes his best spiritual writing. 

His essay The Over-Soul is my favorite. Other favorite essays in this compilation include Self Reliance, Spiritual Laws and Fate. The Spiritual Emerson only offers a small selection of his essays, which makes for a great introduction to his work. For a more comprehensive compendium, try Selected Writings of Emerson, which also includes his poems.

Below is one of my favorite quotes from The Over-Soul:

“The action of the soul is 

oftener in that which is felt and left unsaid 

than it that which is said in any conversation.”

===

Jeffrey Howard

Jan 06, 2014Jeffrey Howard rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: wisdom, philosophy-general, best-of-books-list

Emerson has no peer or rival.

Too much wisdom in one person.

Genius flows from his every word.

flag7 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Selby

May 07, 2010Selby rated it liked it

Shelves: nonfiction

"As long as the soul seeks an external god, it never can have peace."

This is a wonderful collection of Emerson's insightful essays. I particularly love the long final paragraph in The Over-Soul. (less)

flag3 likes · Like  · comment · see review

J Brandon Gibson

Oct 16, 2020J Brandon Gibson rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy-wisdom-self-help, favorites, religion, to-read-again, red-wagon

I had to trick Goodreads to let me add a review to a book that I haven't finished. This book is a collection of Emerson's (I call him Ralphy, respectfully) and I have read so far his essay "Self Reliance", and "Compensation" and both have been 5 star essay's. 

My only complaint is RWE gets a bit wordy sometimes, like "yeah I get he point, its a good point and I resonate with it I promise, get on to the next thought".

Great book, great guy. My grandfather's middle name is Emerson, and so is my son Enoch's. So I am proud to have some Emerson in me somewhere. One more thing... I am usually reluctant to look up the history of some of my favorite thinkers from pre-now because they usually have skeletons in the closet, or some baggage that makes you want to distantly admire them.. RWE is a rock, and I have been happy to find that he was a man who walked the walk.

I already rated this 5 stars, because I quote this guy now on a weekly basis.. these essays (and poems) have definitely made their mark in my greater philosophical / religious context.

------- Update [05.07.2021]

Over the last few years I have read a few of the essays in this collection, specifically Self Reliance, and Compensation multiple times. Overall, I would say my favorite chapters (essays) are "Self Reliance", "Compensation", and "The Oversoul". 

As mentioned earlier (whenever my part way review was written) I am rating this 5 stars. I rate great books, that I thoroughly enjoyed 4 stars, I write books that change my life, and enrich my thinking to a "more lofty sphere" 5 stars. (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · 4 comments · see review

Nathan

Jun 19, 2019Nathan rated it really liked it

Emerson’s collection of essays are still relevant today, more than 150 years later. This anthology wonderfully shows threads linking essays to one another over a 30 plus year span of time. You can clearly distinguish the development of Emerson’s ideas. It is interesting to see how Emersonian concepts of unity, self and God are precursors to some of the positivist spiritualism of the later 20th century. A very wide spectrum of religious thinkers owe much to Emerson. Whether its Oral Roberts seed faith or Brian McLaren’s higher life, Emerson tilled the land earlier. 

In Compensation he gives a case for dualism (symmetry) and that all actions have expected responses (e.g. you get what you give). In his Divinity School Address, Emerson infamously promotes moving away from religion to the preferred position of personal guidance from the Source or Being (God). He even has the practical application of his philosophical statements in The Fugitive Slave Law, where he rails against the evil 1850 law and advocates for those in the Union to side with the Universe’s truth over Congress’. There are many gems thorough out this collection of writings. I have a selection of quotes below that I want to highlight and holdup for more reading later.

Nature

“The production of a work of art throws a light upon the mystery of humanity. A work of art is an abstract or epitome of the world. It is the result of expression of nature, in miniature. For although the works of nature are innumerable and all different, the result or expression of them all is similar and single. Nature is a sea of forms radically alike and even unique. A leaf, a sunbeam, a landscape, the ocean, make an analogous impression on the mind. What is common to them all,—that perfectness and harmony, is beauty. The standard of beauty is the entire circuit of natural forms,—the totality of nature; which the Italians expressed by defining beauty ‘il più nell’uno.’ Nothing is quite beautiful alone: nothing but is beautiful in the whole. A single object is only so far beautiful as it suggests this universal grace. The poet, the painter the sculptor, the musician, the architect, seek each to concentrate this radiance of the world on one point, and each in his several work to satisfy the love of beauty which stimulates him to produce. Thus is Art a nature passed through the alembic of man. Thus in art does Nature work through the will of a man filled with the beauty of her first works.” p33

The Divinity School Address

“Let me admonish you, first of all, to go alone; to refuse the good models, even those which are sacred in the imagination of men, and dare to love God without mediator or veil. Friends enough you shall find who will hold up to your emulations Wesleys or Oberlins, Saints and Prophets. Thank God for these good men, but say, ‘I also am a man.’ Imitation cannot go above its model. The imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity. The inventor did it because it was natural to him, and so in him it has a charm. In the imitator something else is natural, and he bereaves himself of his own beauty, to come short of another man’s.

Yourself a newborn bard of the Holy Ghost, cast behind you all conformity, and acquaint men at first hand with Deity. Look first and only, that fashion, custom, authority, pleasure, and money, are nothing to you,—are not bandages over your eyes, that you cannot see,—but live with the privilege of the immeasurable mind. 

Not too anxious to visit periodically all families and each family in your parish connection,—when you meet one of these men or women, be to them a divine man; be to them thought and virtue; let their timid aspirations find in you a friend; let their trampled instincts be genially tempted out in your atmosphere; let their doubts know that you have doubted, and their wonder feel that you have wondered. By trusting your own heart, you shall gain more confidence in other men.” p79

Self-Reliance

“A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than a luster of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty. Great works of art have no more affecting lesson for us than this. They teach us to” p89

“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” p90

“Prayer that craves a particular commodity, anything less than all good, is vicious. Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view. It is the soliloquy of a beholding an jubilant soul. It is the spirit of God pronouncing his works good. But prayer as a means to effect a private end is meaness and theft. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness. As soon as the man is at one with God, he will not beg. He will then see prayer in all action. The prayer of the farmer kneeling in his field to wed it, the prayer of the rower kneeling with the stroke of his oar, are the true prayers heard throughout nature, though for cheap ends.” p102

“Do that which is assigned you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much. There is at this moment for you an utterance brave and grand as that of the colossal chisel of Phidias, or trowel of the Egyptians, or the pen of Moses or Dante, but different from all these.” p106

Compensation

“An inevitable dualism bisects nature, so that each thing is a half, and suggests another thing to make it whole; as, spirit, matter; man, woman; odd, even; subjective, objective; in, out; upper, under; motion, rest; yea, nay.” p115

“All things are double, one against another.—Tit for tat; an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth; blood for blood; measure for measure; love for love,—Give, and it shall be given you.—He that watereth shall be watered himself.—What will you have? quoth God; pay for it and take it.—Nothing venture, nothing have,—Thou shalt be paid exactly for what thou hast done, no more, no less.—Who doth not work shall not eat.—Harm watch, harm catch.—Curses always recoil on the head of him who imprecates them.” p121

“The good are befriended even by weakness and defect. As no man had ever a point of pride that was not injurious to him, so no man had ever a defect that was not somewhere made useful to him. The stag in the fable admired his horns and blamed his feet, but when the hunter came, his feet saved him, and afterwards, caught in the thicket, his horns destroyed him. Every man in his lifetime needs to thank his faults. As no man thoroughly understands a truth until he has contended against it, so no man has a thorough acquaintance with the hindrances of talents until he has suffered from the one and seen triumph of the other over his own want of the same.” pgs125-6

“Thus do all things preach the indifferency of circumstances. The man is all. Every thing has two sides, a good and an evil. Every advantage has its tax. I learn to be content. But the doctrine of compensation is not the doctrine of indifferency. The thoughtless say, on hearing these representations,—What boots it to do well? There is one event to good and evil; if I gain any good I must pay for it; if I lose any good I gain some other; all actions are indifferent.

There is a deeper fact in the soul than compensation, to wit, its own nature. The soul is not a compensation, but a life. The soul is. Under all this running sea of circumstance, whose water ebb and flow with perfect balance. Lies the aboriginal abyss of real Being. Essence, of God, is not a relation or a part, but the whole. Being is the vast affirmative, excluding negation, self-balanced, and swallowing up all relations, parts and times within itself. Nature, truth. Virtue, are the influx from thence. Vice is the absence or departure of the same.” p127

“There is no penalty to virtue; no penalty to wisdom; they are proper additions of being. In virtuous action I properly am; in a virtuous act I ass to the world; I plant into deserts conquered from Chaos and Nothing and see the darkness receding on the limits of the horizon. There can be no excess to love, none to knowledge, none to beauty, when these attributes are considered in the purest sense. The soul refuses limits, and always affirms an Optimism, never a Pessimism.” p128

The Over-Soul

“It is of no use to preach to me from without. I can do that too easily myself. Jesus speaks always from within, and in a degree that transcends all others. In that is the miracle.” p144

Circles

“Therefore we value the poet. All the argument and all the wisdom is not in the encyclopedia, or the treatise on metaphysics, or the Body of Divinity, but in the sonnet or the play. ” p158

“The difference between talents and character is adroitness to keep the old and trodden round, and power and courage to make a new road to new and better goals.” p162

“The one thing which we seek with insatiable desire is to forget ourselves, to be surprised out of our propriety, to lose our sempiternal memory and to do something without knowing how or why; in short to draw a new circle. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” p163

The Fugitive Slave Law

“He only who is able to stand alone is qualified for society. And that I understand to be the end for which the soul exists in this world,—to be himself the counterbalance of all falsehood and all wrong. ‘The army of the unright is encamped from pole to pole, but the road to victory is known to the just.’” p201

“Whenever a man has come to this mind, that there is no Church for him but his believing prayer; no Constitution but his dealing well and justly with his neighbor; no liberty but his invincible will to do right—then certain aids and allies will promptly appear: for the constitution of the Universe is on his side. It is of no use to vote down gravitation of morals. What is useful will last, whilst that which is hurtful to the world will sink beneath all the opposing forces which it must exasperate.” p201-2

Worship

“But the official men can in nowise help you in any question of to-day, they deriving entirely from the old dead things. Only those can help in counsel or conduct who did not make a party pledge to defend this or that, but who were appointed by God Almighty, before they came into the world, to stand for this which they uphold.” p215

“Every man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him. But a day comes when he begins to care that he do not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well. He has changed his market-cart into a chariot of the sun. What a day dawns when we have taken to heart the doctrine of faith!” p216

“Man is made of the same atoms as the world is, he shares the same impressions, predispositions and destiny. When his mind is illuminated, when his heart is kind, he throws himself joyfully into the sublime order, and doss, with knowledge, what the stones do by structure.” p230

Character

“Morals is the direction of the will on universal ends. He is immoral who is acting to private end. He is moral,—we say it with Marcus Aurelius and with Kant,—whose aim or motive may become a universal rule, binding on all intelligent beings; and with Vauvenargues, ‘the mercenary sacrifice of the public good to a private interest is the eternal stamp of vice.’”p244

“’Let no intruder come between thee and me; deal Thou with me; let me now it is they will, and I ask no more.’ The excellence of Jesus, and of every true teacher, is, that he affirms the Divinity in him and in us,—not thrusts himself between it and us. It would instantly indispose us to any person claiming to speak for the Author of Nature, the setting forth any fact of law which we did not find in our consciousness.” p246-247

“The Divine Mind imparts itself to the single person: his whole duty is to this rule and teaching. The aid which others give us is like that of the mother to the child,—temporary, gestative, a short period of lactation, a nurse’s or a governess’s care; but on his arrival at a certain maturity, it ceases, and would be hurtful and ridiculous it prolonged. Slowly the body comes to the use of its organs; slowly the soul unfolds itself in the new man.” p247

“And one sees with some pain the disuse of rites so charged with humanity and aspiration. But it by no means follows, because those offices are much disused, that the men and women are irreligious; certainly not that they have less integrity or sentiment, but only, let us hope, that they see that they can omit the form without loss of real ground; perhaps that they find some violence, some cramping of their freedom of thought, in the constant recurrence of the form.” p252

“Mankind at large always resemble frivolous children: they are impatient of thought, and wish to be amused. Truth is too simple for us; we do not like those who unmask our illusions. Fontenelle said: ‘If the Deity should lay bare to the eyes of men the secret system of Nature, the causes by which all the astronomic results are affected, and they finding no magic, no mystic numbers, no fatalities, but the greatest simplicity, I am persuaded they would not be able to suppress a feeling of mortification, and would exclaim, with disappointment, “Is that all?” ’ And so we paint over the bareness of ethics with the quaint grotesques of theology.” p253

 (less)

flagLike  · see review

Jacob Fure

Apr 29, 2016Jacob Fure rated it it was amazing

Shelves: spirituality-and-philosophy

I read these essays often. It is one of the books that I continually come back to. The writing is intellectual and meditative. It always makes me have good articulate thoughts and puts me in the present moment. You really have to read it a few times to fully understand what it is saying.

My favorite essay is the one on Compensation. Fate is also really good one.

Any student of philosophy must read Emerson.

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Zoe Ann

Mar 30, 2015Zoe Ann rated it it was amazing

Shelves: american-literature

I have always loved Emerson, and this particular collection of essays is the best I've seen. It contains a wide variety of his writings over time chronicling his journey with Transcendentalism. It has become a beloved book that I will read over and over again, or grab to read snippets for inspiration or when I need some spiritual food for my mind as well as my heart and soul. (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Matt Merlino

Oct 04, 2007Matt Merlino rated it really liked it

If you haven't read Emerson's essays on self reliance or commerce or any at all then put down your false modern guru hippy text nonsense secret pile of hobgoblin lore and read Emerson for the love of reason and emotion. (less)

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Himanshi Yadav

May 07, 2020Himanshi Yadav rated it it was amazing

Don’t you just love rare editions of collected works of your favourite writers especially when they have the same essays/ poems you long for in a compiled form? I do and this is hands down my favourite. I am not sure where I ordered this from back in 2017 but im so glad I did. This pocket book has probably the best essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who is my all time favourite American philosopher. As written in the introduction, “Reading Emerson can awaken a part of the psyche that our culture has suppressed”, and to elaborate on this thought, I’d like to add that as you bring about this inner change it gets hard to believe in our ordinary selves and we transcend the barrier to discover our true human element. (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Altanzul Davaa-Ochir

Sep 28, 2020Altanzul Davaa-Ochir rated it it was amazing

In this compilation of essays and lectures given by Emerson, I find myself feeling immersed by a universal force that's the truth, that which we feel every day as human beings. Emerson's thorough explanation of his point of view serves as a nice palette of refreshing perspective on how things are in their nature and how things could be. 

Sometimes it can be hard to strike a balance for people who are spiritually and creatively inclined to be more of a cog in the machine that is the society, whose only expected result is undisturbed production. But in those times, reading Emerson might help you to cope better through his understanding of the nature of 'so it goes', if not provide much more than that.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Kelly

Jan 27, 2021Kelly rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

“Self-Reliance” & “Success” spoke to me, but the rest of the essays seemed to be recycled ideas from eastern religion. I have heard of similar concepts already (many of us have) but I fail to see the purpose of these points! If they are indeed the truth, then what? I think we’d go on living the same way.

And well, I’m just not sure that I’m even convinced.

Emerson uses analogies and pretty prose, but I guess when it comes to spirituality, I’m more interested in evidence (even anecdotes count! People believe what they say for the most part). I’m not sure what I expected but it was mostly underwhelming.

“Self-Reliance” was pretty great though; it was rather edifying. (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Michael Y.

May 07, 2022Michael Y. rated it really liked it

emerson is beautiful writer in his constant metaphors and rhetoric—he can evoke rebuttals to personal thoughts like no other can. his notion of simplicity is quintessential of the transcendentalist movement, and pretty much the antithesis to inspections into the complexities of life, or so it seems.

i cannot seem to agree with him on many of his notions though—although i try to read with an open mind, many of his concepts are simply too ignorant of life’s complexities to satisfy me. however, his perspective is one that should be utilized often. simplicity truly is the key to contentness. perhaps i will revisit this book in the future (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Ben

Jun 24, 2019Ben rated it it was amazing

rousseau in blue jeans ?

flagLike  · comment · see review

Mairi

Jul 10, 2019Mairi rated it it was amazing

It's not the easiest read but it is worth reading several times. It is very thought provoking. A few chapters of motivational, wise words that should be essential reading. (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Amy

Aug 31, 2019Amy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction

This was such a great read.

flagLike  · see review

Laura

Jan 15, 2021Laura rated it it was amazing

Sometimes very insightful, sometimes absurdly naive, sometimes purposefully blind. Tons of underlining and things I'd enjoy discussing in a book club (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Elvalo

Aug 09, 2019Elvalo rated it it was amazing

That book is really cool.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Panama Judas

Oct 22, 2015Panama Judas added it

Quite possibly the most important book I've had the pleasure of reading. Emerson's prose carries his thoughts so damn beautifully. Adorned with insight and plenty to question and consider. The spiritual writings just strolled right in to my top ten. (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Mar

Jun 08, 2008Mar rated it it was amazing

if you like emerson and are interested in religion and spirituality, then this is the way to go.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Andrew

Feb 17, 2009Andrew rated it it was amazing

one of americas finest contemplative writers. essays such as nature, self-reliance, and the over-soul are included.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Windy

May 31, 2009Windy rated it it was ok

Shelves: own, read-in-2008

To be honest, I don't think I finished all of this book. It's just so boring! I'm sorry. I tried to make myself like it. (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Pam Marcello

Jan 05, 2010Pam Marcello added it  ·  review of another edition

"Accept the place the divine providence has found for you..." ...more

flagLike  · comment · see review

Morning

Mar 29, 2010Morning rated it it was amazing

Another incredible read. Wow-------a weath of wisdom.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Bill

Mar 04, 2011Bill rated it really liked it

Shelves: spirituality

This is Pilgrim at Tinker Creek x 10. Every sentence provokes insight.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Mike

Feb 15, 2012Mike rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, 2012

Inspiring and hopeful, a look into one of the great minds of the 19th century. It is as a breath of fresh air in the smoke filled world of today. Truly, one of my all-time favorites.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Tyler

Dec 11, 2012Tyler rated it it was amazing

Such resonant, beautiful writing. A soaring call to become more in touch with our best selves and the best of the world around us.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Dana Reynolds

Jul 30, 2013Dana Reynolds rated it really liked it

Either one likes Emerson's writing style or one doesn't. Nevertheless, this collection is and will be frequently returned to again and again. ...more

flagLike  · comment · see review

Cassidy Robinson

Aug 16, 2013Cassidy Robinson rated it it was amazing

read this in India, lots of great ideas

flagLike  · comment · see review

Joshua Sundquist

Nov 30, 2016Joshua Sundquist rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Wow. Must read book. "the wisdom of the wise man consists herein, that he does not judge them; he lets them judge themselves, and merely reads and records their own verdict." (less)

flagLike  · comment · see review

Katrinka

Nov 04, 2008Katrinka rated it really liked it

Often fantastic and inspiring pieces in this collection.

flagLike  · comment · see review

Faces of Compassion by Taigen Dan Leighton, Joan Halifax - Ebook | Scribd

Faces of Compassion by Taigen Dan Leighton, Joan Halifax - Ebook | Scribd



Start reading
Remove from Saved
Add to list

Download to app
Share

Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression — An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism


By Taigen Dan Leighton and Joan Halifax
535 pages
15 hours

Included in your membership!
at no additional cost

Description
Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities but shining examples of our own highest potential. Archetypes of wisdom and compassion, the bodhisattvas of Buddhism are powerful and compelling images of awakening. Scholar and Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton engagingly explores the imagery and lore of the seven most important of these archetypal figures, bringing them alive as psychological and spiritual wellsprings.

Emphasizing the universality of spiritual ideas, Leighton finds aspects of bodhisattvas expressed in a variety of familiar modern personages - from Muhammad Ali to Mahatma Gandhi, from Bob Dylan to Henry Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Teresa. This edition contains a revised and expanded introduction that frames the book as a exciting and broad-scoped view of Mahayana Buddhism. It's updated throughout to make it of more use to scholars and a perfect companion to survey courses of world religions or a 200-level course on Buddhism.

===

Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression ― An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism Paperback – Illustrated, May 1, 2012

by Taigen Dan Leighton (Author), Joan Halifax Roshi (Foreword)

4.9 out of 5 stars    21 ratings

See all formats and editions

Paperback

from $4.51 

16 Used from $4.51

14 New from $12.81

2013 Nautilus Book Award — Gold Medal in Religion/Spirituality — Eastern

Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities but shining examples of our own highest potential. Archetypes of wisdom and compassion, the bodhisattvas of Buddhism are powerful and compelling images of awakening. Scholar and Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton engagingly explores the imagery and lore of the seven most important of these archetypal figures, bringing them alive as psychological and spiritual wellsprings.

Emphasizing the universality of spiritual ideas, Leighton finds aspects of bodhisattvas expressed in a variety of familiar modern personages - from Muhammad Ali to Mahatma Gandhi, from Bob Dylan to Henry Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Teresa. This edition contains a revised and expanded introduction that frames the book as a exciting and broad-scoped view of Mahayana Buddhism. It's updated throughout to make it of more use to scholars and a perfect companion to survey courses of world religions or a 200-level course on Buddhism.

Read less

 Report incorrect product information.

Print length

352 pages

Language

English

Next page

Explore similar books

Tags that will help you discover similar books. 5 tags

history

criticism

arts & photography

history & criticism

religion & spirituality

 

Page 1 of 5Page 1 of 5

Previous page

Zen Meditation in Plain English

Zen Meditation in Plain EnglishZen Meditation in Plain English

34

Paperback

Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End-of-Life CareAwake at the Bedside: Contemplative T…

122

Paperback

Visions of Awakening Space and Time: Dōgen and the Lotus Sutra

Visions of Awakening Space and Time: Dōgen and the Lotus SutraVisions of Awakening Space and Time: Dōgen…

13

Paperback

$33.89

Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchness

Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of SuchnessJust This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchn…

41

Paperback

$27.45

How the Swans Came to the Lake: A Narrative History of Buddhism in America

How the Swans Came to the Lake: A Narrative History of Buddhism in AmericaHow the Swans Came to the Lake: A Narrative Histo…

37

Paperback

$23.94

Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Buddhist Master Hongzhi

Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Buddhist Master HongzhiCultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illuminatio…

66

Paperback

Next page

Where do clickable book tags come from?

Customers who viewed this item also viewedPage 1 of 2Page 1 of 2

Previous page

Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchness

Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchness

Taigen Dan Leighton

4.4 out of 5 stars 41

Paperback

$27.45

Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jul 6

$11.72 shipping

Only 3 left in stock - order soon.

 

The Awakening of Faith: The Classic Exposition of Mahayana Buddhism

The Awakening of Faith: The Classic Exposition of Mahayana Buddhism

Asvaghosa

4.6 out of 5 stars 26

Paperback

$17.20

Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jul 6

$10.67 shipping

Only 13 left in stock (more on the way).

 

The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng

The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng

Red Pine

4.7 out of 5 stars 158

Paperback

66 offers from $8.27

A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life

A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life

Santideva

4.8 out of 5 stars 186

Paperback

80 offers from $5.92

The Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist Classic

The Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist Classic

Gene Reeves

4.7 out of 5 stars 272

Paperback

66 offers from $8.99

Next page

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Faces of Compassion captures the poignant truth that that a bodhisattva may appear in the form of a pirate or a spiritual leader and modernizes it, bringing the bodhisattva ideal into the present." ― Tricycle

"In his wonderful book Leighton animates the history of Buddhism and offers insight into human nature and contemporary culture." ― Turning Wheel

"What Leighton offers is the living tradition of Mahayana Buddhism: diverse, mysterious, vibrant, real." ― Journal of Buddhist Ethics

"Edifying and imaginative..A modern spiritual classic." ― Spirituality and Health

"Faces of Compassion is a wonderful resource and source of guidance and teaching…an invaluable companion to our lives." -- Joan Halifax Roshi, Head Teacher, Upaya Institute

"The lay reader will take from the book an appreciation for the complexity of Buddhist doctrine as well as a sense that bodhisattvas may well be living amongst us." ― Foreword magazine

"Vigorous and inspiring, Faces of Compassion guides the reader into the awakening life within our contemporary world. An informative, useful, exhilarating work." -- Jane Hirshfield, author of Women in Praise of the Sacred

"A clear-as-a-bell introduction to Buddhist thought." -- Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Senior Dharma Teacher of San Francisco Zen Center and author of Benedict's Dharma

"Taigen Dan Leighton has lovingly illumined still another dimension of the human condition." -- John Daishin Buksbazen, author of Zen Meditation in Plain English

"This is useful as a fine axe...the perfect antidote to today's spiritual materialism." -- Peter Coyote, actor and author of Sleeping Where I Fall

From the Back Cover

"To meet the bodhisattvas is to embrace more fully our own humanity, and our ultimate capacity for courage, devotion, compassion, and transcendent wisdom. Taigen Dan Leighton has lovingly illuminated still another dimension of the human condition. This is a tour de fource."—John Daishin Buksbazen, author of Zen Meditation in Plain English

Archetypes of wisdom and compassion, the bodhisattvas of Buddhism are powerful and compelling images of awakening. Scholar and Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton explores the imagery and lore of the seven most important of these archetypal figures, bringing them alive as psychological and spiritual wellsprings. Emphasizing the universality of spiritual ideals, Leighton finds aspects of the bodhisattvas expressed in a variety of familiar modern personages—from Muhammad Ali to Mahatma Gandhi, from Bob Dylan to Henry Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Teresa. This book also functions as a thorough and engaging introduction to the world of Mahayana Buddhism.

Read more

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wisdom Publications; 2nd edition (May 1, 2012)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1614290148

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1614290148

Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.07 pounds

Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #713,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

#84 in Mahayana Buddhism

#329 in Buddhist History (Books)

#371 in Religious Arts & Photography

Customer Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars    21 ratings

Videos

Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!

Upload video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Follow

Taigen Daniel Leighton

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

How would you rate your experience shopping for books on Amazon today?

Very poor Neutral Great

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars

4.9 out of 5

21 global ratings

5 star

 92%

4 star

 8%

3 star 0% (0%)

 0%

2 star 0% (0%)

 0%

1 star 0% (0%)

 0%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Write a customer review

Top reviews

Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

SaltyDog

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book but a bit weedy

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2018

Verified Purchase

This volume is a revision of a previous book, which I haven't read. In this new version, the author and publisher have two somewhat conflicting goals: One, to create an accessible and very interesting volume. Success!! I enjoyed it and learned a lot. However, the apparent goal to create an academic volume on bodhisattvas competes with accessibility. It may be frustrating for the reader who either cannot or doesn't care to get into the weeds about the 35 manifestations of Avalokitesvara or the 10 vows of another bodhisattva. But the reader should not be discouraged. She should scan the weedy sections to get a taste of the beautiful complexities, undaunted by the details. But I will keep this book nearby so I can find these details if and when I need them. Dharmas are boundless. My bodhisattva vow is to be teachable.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report abuse

Bernard McGovern

5.0 out of 5 stars Leading Buddhist Archetypes from History

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2019

Verified Purchase

A remarkably clear and easy to read book, creating archetypes for 7 key leaders in Buddhist philosophy. Accessible for beginners and knowledgeable student alike.

Helpful

Report abuse

Diana M. Johnson

5.0 out of 5 stars Broadened my Horizons

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2016

Verified Purchase

I was introduced to several new, yet widely popular, bodhisattvas. And I learned volumes about those bodhisattvas I thought I already knew -- especially cultural practices associated with each across the broad spectrum of Asian expressions.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report abuse

carmine branagan

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2015

Verified Purchase

Compelling. Well written.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report abuse

See all reviews

Top reviews from other countries

Vidusi

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2016

Verified Purchase

Very interesting

Report abuse

mrs catherine hymas

5.0 out of 5 stars great

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2016

Verified Purchase

Well written and interesting. Covers lots of background to Buddhism which i found helpful.

Report
abuse




===

Want to Read

Rate this book
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars


Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression

by
Taigen Dan Leighton,
Joan Halifax (Foreword)
4.19 · Rating details · 42 ratings · 1 review
This wonderful book could also be artly titled "An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism." From Ali to Gandhi, Dylan to Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Theresa, Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities, but shining examples of our own highest potential. Zen teacher and scholar Taigen Dan Leighton takes us through the ages to meet the people who have shaped history and society with their compassion and wisdom. Faces of Compassion emphasizes the universality of spiritual ideals, and the power each of us has to change our world. (less)
Write a review

Dec 23, 2013Jon Ciliberto rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: buddhism-and-buddhist-art
Religious art’s purpose is, obviously, religious. Faces of Compassion, by Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton approaches iconography from this direction, and moves from the often distanced, scientific approach to images commonly found in volumes on Buddhist art to engaging directly the religious efficacy of observing and using images. Images in Buddhist art are a means, not an end. His approach is fresh, and of great usefulness to modern readers: by seeking for archetypes in real, familiar, modern day individuals, he provides those seeking models for a compassionate live ready and understandable guides. Full review at http://buddhistartnews.wordpress.com/... (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review








====

Faces of Compassion

Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression

By Taigen Dan Leighton

https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/book-reviews/view/912/faces-of-compassion

An exploration of the imagery and lore of seven important archetypal bodhisattvas of Buddhism.

Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

"Bodhisattvas are beings who are dedicated to the universal awakening or enlightenment of everyone. They exist as guides and providers of succor to suffering beings and offer everyone an approach to meaningful spiritual life," writes Zen priest, leader, and translator Taigen Daniel Leighton. In this edifying and imaginative revised edition of his 1998 classic with a foreword by Joan Halifax, he examines the seven major bodhisattva figures of the Mahayana tradition. There are five cosmic or mythic bodhisattvas — Manjushri (prince of wisdom), Samantabhadra (wisdom), Avalokiteshvara (heart of compassion), Kshitigarbha (earth mother), Maitreya (lovingkindness) — and two historical ones — the Buddha Shakyamuni (who was first Siddhartha Gautama) and Vimalakirti (a layman iconoclastic follower of Skakuyamuni). Leighton keys each of these liberators to the ten transcendent practices called the paramitas in Sanskrit.

Perhaps the most innovative and dramatic aspect of the book is the way the author discusses modern exemplars of the seven bodhisattva archetypes including Bob Dylan, Margaret Mead, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Albert Schweitzer, Toni Morrison, Gary Snyder, and Thich Nhat Hanh. He concludes "The bodhisattvas are not glorified, exotic, unnatural beings but simply our own best qualities in full flower."

This is a watershed Buddhist work on the qualities that make for sainthood in our times. It deserves to be put on the shelf next to Joan Chittister's A Passion for Life: Fragments of the Face of God (1996) and Robert Ellsberg's All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time. (1997)

READ AN EXCERPT ON DEVOTION

Wisdom Publications, 05/12

===

The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma (English and Chinese Edition): Bodhidharma, Pine, Red: 9780865473997: Books: Amazon.com

The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma (English and Chinese Edition): Bodhidharma, Pine, Red: 9780865473997: Books: Amazon.com




The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma (English and Chinese Edition) Paperback – November 1, 1989
Chinese Edition by Bodhidharma (Author), Red Pine (Translator)
4.8 out of 5 stars 403 ratings



Kindle
from $9.99Read with Our Free App
Paperback
$11.74
54 Used from $2.1319 New from $9.46



A fifth-century Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma is credited with bringing Zen to China. Although the tradition that traces its ancestry back to him did not flourish until nearly two hundred years after his death, today millions of Zen Buddhists and students of kung fu claim him as their spiritual father.

While others viewed Zen practice as a purification of the mind or a stage on the way to perfect enlightenment, Bodhidharma equated Zen with buddhahood and believed that it had a place in everyday life. Instead of telling his disciples to purify their minds, he pointed them to rock walls, to the movements of tigers and cranes, to a hollow reed floating across the Yangtze.

This bilingual edition, the only volume of the great teacher's work currently available in English, presents four teachings in their entirety. "Outline of Practice" describes the four all-inclusive habits that lead to enlightenment, the "Bloodstream Sermon" exhorts students to seek the Buddha by seeing their own nature, the "Wake-up Sermon" defends his premise that the most essential method for reaching enlightenment is beholding the mind. The original Chinese text, presented on facing pages, is taken from a Ch'ing dynasty woodblock edition.
Read less

About the Author
Bodhidharma (c. early fifth century CE) was the Buddhist monk traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chán to China.

Red Pine lives and work in Taiwan. He is the translator of The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain andof The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The Zen Teaching of BodhidharmaBy Bodhidharma
North Point PressCopyright © 1989 Bodhidharma
All right reserved.
ISBN: 9780865473997

The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma
Outline of PracticeMANY roads lead to the Path,1 but basically there are only two: reason and practice. To enter by reason means to realize the essence through instruction and to believe that all living things share the same true nature, which isn't apparent because it's shrouded by sensation and delusion. Those who turn from delusion back to reality, who meditate on walls,2 the absence of self and other, the oneness of mortal and sage, and who remain unmoved even by scriptures are in complete and unspoken agreement with reason. Without moving, without effort, they enter, we say, by reason.To enter by practice refers to four all-inclusive practices:3 suffering injustice, adapting to conditions, seeking nothing, and practicing the Dharma.First, suffering injustice. When those who search for the Path encounter adversity, they should think to themselves, "In countless ages gone by, I've turned from the essential to the trivial and wandered through all manner of existence, often angry without cause and guilty of numberless transgressions. Now, though I do no wrong, I'm punished by my past. Neither gods nor men can foresee when an evil deed will bear its fruit. I accept it with an open heart and without complaint of injustice." The sutras say, "When you meet with adversity don't be upset, because it makes sense." With such understanding you're in harmony with reason. And by suffering injustice you enter the Path.Second, adapting to conditions. As mortals, we're ruled by conditions, not by ourselves. All the suffering and joy we experience depend on conditions. If we should be blessed by some great reward, such as fame or fortune, it's the fruit of a seed planted by us in the past. When conditions change, it ends. Why delight in its existence? But while success and failure depend on conditions, the mind neither waxes nor wanes. Those who remain unmoved by the wind of joy silently follow the Path.Third, seeking nothing. People of this world are deluded. They're always longing for something--always, in a word, seeking. But the wise wake up. They choose reason over custom. They fix their minds on the sublime and let their bodies change with the seasons. All phenomena are empty. They contain nothing worth desiring. Calamity forever alternates with Prosperity.4 To dwell in the three realms5 is to dwell in a burning house. To have a body is to suffer. Does anyone with a body know peace? Those who understand this detach themselves from all that exists and stop imagining or seeking anything. The sutras say, "To seek is to suffer.To seek nothing is bliss." When you seek nothing, you're on the Path.Fourth, practicing the Dharma.6 The Dharma is the truth that all natures are pure. By this truth, all appearances are empty. Defilement and attachment, subject and object don't exist. The sutras say, "The Dharma includes no being because it's free from the impurity of being, and the Dharma includes no self because it's free from the impurity of self." Those wise enough to believe and understand this truth are bound to practice according to the Dharma. And since that which is real includes nothing worth begrudging, they give their body, life, and property in charity, without regret, without the vanity of giver, gift, or recipient, and without bias or attachment. And to eliminate impurity they teach others, but without becoming attached to form. Thus, through their own practice they're able to help others and glorify the Way of Enlightenment. And as with charity, they also practice the other virtues. But while practicing the six virtues7 to eliminate delusion, they practice nothing at all. This is what's meant by practicing the Dharma.Copyright © 1987 by Red Pine

Continues...
Excerpted fromThe Zen Teaching of BodhidharmabyBodhidharmaCopyright © 1989 by Bodhidharma. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.


Product details
Publisher ‏ : ‎ North Point Press; Bilingual edition (November 1, 1989)
Language ‏ : ‎ English, Chinese
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages


Red Pine


Bill Porter (aka "Red Pine") is widely recognized as one of the world's preeminent translators of Chinese poetry and religious texts; he assumes the pen name "Red Pine" for his translations.

Bill Porter was born in Los Angeles in 1943 and grew up in the Idaho panhandle. He served a tour of duty in the U.S. Army (1964-67), graduated from the University of California with a degree in anthropology in 1970, and attended graduate school at Columbia University. Uninspired by the prospect of an academic career, he dropped out of Columbia and moved in 1972 to a Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. After four years with the monks and nuns, he struck out on his own and eventually found work at English-language radio stations in Taiwan and Hong Kong, where he produced over one thousand programs about his travels in China. In 1993 he returned to America with his family and has lived ever since near Seattle, Washington.

Writing as Bill Porter, he is the author of several travelogues, including Road to Heaven, which focuses on his interactions with Taoist hermits in the mountains of China; Zen Baggage; and his Guggenheim project, Finding Them Gone: Visiting China's Poets of the Past.

Writing as Red Pine, he was the first translator to ever translate the entirety of Han-shan's oeurve into English, published as The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain. Red Pine was also the first to translate into English the entirely of The Poems of the Masters. He has also translated several of the major Buddhist sutras, including the Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and Platform Sutra.

4.8 out of 5 stars


Biloba
5.0 out of 5 stars Constant CompanionReviewed in the United States on October 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Given that the teachings of the Lankavatara Sutra were the only words of interest to Bodhidharma.. and these are the teachings of Bodhidharma following a lifetime of study.. this book is of great value to anyone looking for either a companion piece to the Sutra, or a stand-alone nicely packaged summary. The Sutra is obviously a wordy epic that some find off-putting [distracting] and may not translate well to some minds.. this is the bare bones gist, and is how I prefer my teachings. This in combination with the Zen teachings of Huang Po could easily be the only text you need. I have recommended this book several times to several people.. and is always at the top of my list, it is in my hands numerous times a day [nearly memorized], I only wish it came in a more sturdy hardcover.

*There aren't many available.. but if you can find an original copy [hand bound soft cover] get it! It is lovely, feels great, double folded pages that are hand stitched! I have purchased numerous copies to give away, sorry about the now limited supply :)

23 people found this helpful

HelpfulReport abuse

Jake Kosinski
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure ZenReviewed in the United States on September 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
Not even many Buddhists read this thing. A shame as it is one of the classics of world religious literature! Stop looking outside your own mind for the Buddha! Very easy to read. If you were totally bewildered by the Lotus/Heart Sutras, and a bit tired of the craziness of the Hindu scriptures, this austere little book may be just what you're looking for.

19 people found this helpful

HelpfulReport abuse

Chris
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand translationReviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020
Verified Purchase
I'm no expert, but it seems like a great translation. Fairly short book but I will be returning to some passages as well as full re-readings. It's the essentials of Zen Buddhism, seems like a lot of overlap with Taoist principles. Read this book to learn about Emptiness and the true meaning of buddha!

One person found this helpful

HelpfulReport abuse

Luis Alvarez
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly reccomendedReviewed in the United States on September 26, 2019
Verified Purchase
Excellent read


HelpfulReport abuse

Peter Steven
5.0 out of 5 stars The Zen Teaching of BodhidharmaReviewed in the United States on July 30, 2010
Verified Purchase
Essential reading of Zen and the practice of Zen. The perpective has practical informative offerings to the student or for those on the path. Illuminating and clear. Right from the first chapter I found this book engrossing. A joy to read. A must have zen offering.

3 people found this helpful

HelpfulReport abuse

Juan
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect little bookReviewed in the United States on February 21, 2013
Verified Purchase
A book for knowing the teachings of Bodhidharma. It is very well translated and it contains the original Chinese tablets printed on it.

One person found this helpful

HelpfulReport abuse

JP_DRAGON
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on December 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
GREAT BOOK !!!

One person found this helpful

HelpfulReport abuse

S. Vadya
5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK !!!Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
for the Greatest Zen Master. if you like or follow the zen path you must buy this book. Thank you


HelpfulReport abuse

See all reviews


Top reviews from other countries

Tariki
5.0 out of 5 stars It has to be fiveReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2021
Verified Purchase

Yes five stars. The "Outline of Practice", one of the four sermons found here, is readily available in many another place - some cheaper than others. So many books now on zen by masters with strange sounding names, just as Jim Smith must sound strange to many born in Asia. Of course, some of the names are assumed and hide the identity of a Bob or a Tom. But best to sound exotic these days. Anyway, most of the books don't come cheap. This one on Kindle is relatively so but then you must put up with some strange gaps after every inverted comma, as in can' t or don' t or it' s.

Red Pine here does a good job. Nice picture of Bodhidharma, I assume as he stares at a wall. Maybe not.

One person found this helpfulReport abuse

Albert
5.0 out of 5 stars RecommendedReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2019
Verified Purchase

Worth reading if you like Zen. I do not know how historically accurate its claim of being by Bodhidharma, but anyway the Zen philosophy in it is valuable.

One person found this helpfulReport abuse

MR N CARESWELL
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential to your understanding of Ch'an.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2022
Verified Purchase

Everything Red Pine touches is golden. I love this book, there is profundity on every page.
Report abuse

Mr. D. J. Seymour
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2016
Verified Purchase

Great translation really brings home a true masters teaching

One person found this helpfulReport abuse

frp
5.0 out of 5 stars A Zen PrimerReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2019
Verified Purchase

As for the third vow (to study all the dharmas) I've read books wide and large,in Buddhism.This book is the essential book of Zen Buddhism teaching and is teached by The first Patriarch.From this you can understand how the Five Houses were created.
Report abuse
See all reviews

===

The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma

by Bodhidharma, Red Pine (Translator)

 4.34  ·   Rating details ·  1,636 ratings  ·  80 reviews

A fifth-century Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma is credited with bringing Zen to China. Although the tradition that traces its ancestry back to him did not flourish until nearly two hundred years after his death, today millions of Zen Buddhists and students of kung fu claim him as their spiritual father.

While others viewed Zen practice as a purification of the mind or a stage on the way to perfect enlightenment, Bodhidharma equated Zen with buddhahood and believed that it had a place in everyday life. Instead of telling his disciples to purify their minds, he pointed them to rock walls, to the movements of tigers and cranes, to a hollow reed floating across the Yangtze.

This bilingual edition, the only volume of the great teacher's work currently available in English, presents four teachings in their entirety. "Outline of Practice" describes the four all-inclusive habits that lead to enlightenment, the "Bloodstream Sermon" exhorts students to seek the Buddha by seeing their own nature, the "Wake-up Sermon" defends his premise that the most essential method for reaching enlightenment is beholding the mind. The original Chinese text, presented on facing pages, is taken from a Ch'ing dynasty woodblock edition. (less)

=====

Ask anything about the book

Popular Answered Questions

what are the tricks that were told by bodidharma?

1 Like · Like  6 Years Ago  Add Your Answer

Giacomo Mantani It is not a step-by-step or how-to guide to Zen. It is a philosophical text that require thinking and meditate on Bodhidharma thoughts. A key concept …more

flag

See 2 questions about The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma…

LISTS WITH THIS BOOK

The Little Light by Dipa SanataniConjunction by A.D. ZoltanAscension by Anneliese Zahra KhalilThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoLitost by Samir Satam

Metaphysical

51 books — 43 voters

A Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto MusashiWalden by Henry David ThoreauCan't Hurt Me by David GogginsRobinson Crusoe by Daniel DefoeThe Misanthrope by Molière

Books for the ISTP

14 books — 2 voters

=====

Write a review

muthuvel

Sep 01, 2020muthuvel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: spiritual-stuffs

One primary thing to remember reading any religious or spiritual philosophies atleast from the antiquities is that there's this susceptibility of a lot of symbolisms involved. They are not meant to be read and interpreted literally but poetically and symbolically.

Religion is basically a misunderstood poetry when interpreted with reason, Joseph Campbell says so. If we see it as it is, insights could be reaped for the individuals. The kind of insights that could never be revealed from the rational positivist world. And yes, this was a meditating read.

_____

"Buddha is Sanskrit for what you call aware, miraculously aware. Responding, perceiving, arching your brows, blinking your eyes, moving your hands and feet, it’s all your miraculously aware nature."

"The Way is basically perfect. It doesn’t require perfecting. The Way has no form or sound. It’s subtle and hard to perceive. It’s like when you drink water: you know how hot or cold it is, but you can’t tell others."

"Using the mind to look for reality is delusion. Not using the mind to look for reality is awareness. Freeing oneself from words is liberation. Remaining unblemished by the dust of sensation is guarding the Dharma. Transcending life and death is leaving home."

"If you use a trap to catch fish, once you succeed you can forget the trap. And if you use language to find meaning, once you find it you can forget language." (less)

flag14 likes · Like  · see review

Mista

Nov 20, 2008Mista rated it it was amazing

"IT" cannot be stated clearer... (less)

flag10 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Maddie

Nov 04, 2012Maddie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: excellent-read

Excellent clear interpretation of the dharma - "one mind" as transmitted by Gautama the Buddha, Red Pine does an awesome job recounting the the history, myth and legend surrounding the mystical figure of Bodhidharma. Straight forward and very easily understood, the "precepts" are powerful and profound - cuts straight to the heart of Buddhism. It dispels Buddhist "Idol worship" ceremonies, mystique, traditions like a great cliff notes should. No offense, but Catholics could use a dude like this to shake the cobwebs off a dying religion, make Christianity relevant once more... Christ' original pure message of LOVE and SALVATION through the father.

Love it and highly recommended reading. Short, so you can absorb the zen/chan nourishment in one afternoon. Total fulfillment of emptiness.

(less)

flag8 likes · Like  · 2 comments · see review

Jon Nakapalau

Sep 01, 2016Jon Nakapalau rated it it was amazing

Shelves: religion, favorites, classics

Four teachings of the founder of Zen are presented here in English for the first time. As with most foundational works I am surprised at how simple complex concepts are presented; strips Zen down to the bone. One of the best books on Buddhism I have ever read. Holds up against newer books on the subject.

flag8 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Peycho Kanev

Jan 08, 2018Peycho Kanev rated it it was amazing

MANY roads lead to the Path, but basically there are only two: reason and practice. To enter by reason means to realize the essence through instruction and to believe that all living things share the same true nature, which isn’t apparent because it’s shrouded by sensation and delusion. Those who turn from delusion back to reality, who meditate on walls, the absence of self and other, the oneness of mortal and sage, and who remain unmoved even by scriptures are in complete and unspoken agreement with reason. Without moving, without effort, they enter, we say, by reason.

To find a buddha all you have to do is see your nature. Your nature is the buddha. And the buddha is the person who’s free: free of plans, free of cares. If you don’t see your nature and run around all day looking somewhere else, you’ll never find a buddha. The truth is, there’s nothing to find.

And without effort you’ll gain possession of an infinite number of virtues, perfections, and doors to the truth. Seeing through the mundane and witnessing the sublime is less than an eye-blink away. Realization is now. Why worry about gray hair? But the true door is hidden and can’t be revealed. I have only touched upon beholding the mind. (less)

flag4 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Vanessa

May 23, 2012Vanessa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: dharma

this book is FUN! written by a 5th century Zen monk yet the tone feels very current and refreshing to me.

"Buddhas don't save buddhas. If you use your mind to look for a buddha, you won't see the buddha. As long as you look for a buddha somewhere else, you'll never see that your own mind is the buddha. Don't use a buddha to worship a buddha. And don't use the mind to invoke a buddha. Buddhas don't recite sutras. Buddhas don't keep precepts. And buddhas don't break precepts. Buddhas don't keep or break anything. Buddhas don't do good or evil."

like a riddle or tongue twister reading aloud the simple and profound message comes through the playful writing. a reminder to come down to earth from the intellectual, esoteric and ritualized aspects of Buddhism to its heart of self-awareness...points the way clearly by telling you everywhere to Not look and to not get seduced by cultural trappings and idolizing. a good reality check and doorway into the mind's true state. the at times angry tone towards the deluded is humorous...

"A buddha is an idle person. He doesn't run around after fortune and fame. What good are such things in the end? People who don't see their nature and think reading sutras, invoking buddhas, studying long and hard, practicing morning and night, never lying down, or acquiring knowledge is the Dharma, blaspheme the Dharma. Buddhas of the past and future only talk about seeing your nature. All practices are impermanent. Unless they see their nature, people who claim to have attained unexcelled complete enlightenment are liars."

"Arhats don't know the Buddha. All trapped by cause and effect. Such is a mortal's karma: no escape from birth and death. By doing the opposite of what he intended, such people blaspheme the Buddha. Killing them would not be wrong." (!!!!)

"The stupa is your body and mind. When your awareness circles your body and mind without stopping, this is called walking around a stupa. The sages of long ago followed this path to nirvana. But people today don't understand what this means. Instead of looking inside they insist on looking outside. They use their material bodies to walk around material stupas. And they keep at it day and night, wearing themselves out in vain and coming no closer to their real self." (less)

flag3 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Achint Kumar

Jun 28, 2017Achint Kumar rated it it was amazing

This book deals mostly with the mind,delusion,karma etc.Book is very small and each sentence is meaningful.Not a single sentence is without a purpose.Some paragraph was not easy to understand for me.Still i am feeling delighted after reading this book.

flag3 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Serdar

Jun 17, 2017Serdar rated it really liked it

A short book, but a tremendously useful one. One commonly misunderstood aspect of Buddhism is how it used elements of the Brahmanic belief systems in a metaphorical way, not a literal way. One of the texts in this book explicitly spells that out, and shows this was a tradition that accompanied Zen Buddhism from its early days in China. The translation is also highly readable.

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Chris

Aug 29, 2014Chris rated it it was amazing

Shelves: eastern-philosophy, religion

The book started off with a description of the four noble truths. While the Bodhidharma is kind of severe through his teachings, I enjoyed how he broke the Buddha's metaphors down. I remember an instructor once saying that by cleaning the house you are at the same time polishing your soul. As if the physical things we do can improve our spiritual growth. The Bodhidarma kind of puts the metaphor into the context of a spiritual teaching not to be taken literally.

The mind is the Buddha.

This is a good thought. It reminds me of the quote by Emerson, "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." That is to say it's pointless to look for enlightenment outside of your own mind. It reminds me of the Upanishads that said we are already enlightened. The Bodhidarma teaches that it is our desire, anger, and delusion that keep us from realizing that fact. If the mind is an ocean, the Buddha is a fish in the ocean. As a fisherman catches the fish from the ocean, he no longer needs the ocean. How can you get to the point of catching the fish? By cultivating virtue, believing in the Mahayana, contemplation of body and mind, "severing the bonds of ignorance", and lastly always being aware. (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

ordanJ

Jun 26, 2019ordanJ added it

Bodhidharma was an Indian man who lived in India and China around the year 400.

Dude seemed a bit cryptic, but I like where he's going with it. Here are some passages from the book:

"When you don't understand, you're wrong. When you under­stand, you're not wrong. This is because the nature of wrong is empty. When you don't understand, right seems wrong. When you understand, wrong isn't wrong, because wrong doesn't exist. The sutras say, "Nothing has a nature of its own." Act. Don't question. When you question, you're wrong. Wrong is the result of questioning."

...

"When you understand, reality depends on you. When you don't understand, you depend on reality. When reality depends on you, that which isn't real becomes real. When you depend on reality, that which is real becomes false. When you depend on reality, everything is false. When reality depends on you, everything is true."

...

"True vision isn't just seeing seeing. It's also seeing not seeing. And true understanding isn't just understanding understanding. It's also understanding not understanding. If you understand anything, you don't understand. Only when you understand nothing is it true understanding. Understanding is neither understanding nor not understanding."

My closing thoughts:

- I don't understand (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · see review

Darjeeling

Apr 27, 2016Darjeeling rated it really liked it

These are the writings of the man credited with the founding of the first Shaolin Temple, and the invention of Zen Buddhism. By all accounts this dude was mad as a bucket of fish but it certainly makes an interesting read for anyone curious about the worlds religions. Miracles attributed to him include coming back from the dead and using a single twig as a boat.

From the "Bloodstream Sermon"

'Arhats don’t know the Buddha. All they know are so many practices for realization, and they become trapped by cause and effect. Such is a mortal’s karma: no escape from birth and death. By doing the opposite of what lie intended, Such people blaspheme the Buddha. Killing them would not be wrong. The sutras say, "Since icchantikas(deluded ones) are incapable of belief, killing them would be blameless, whereas people who believe reach the state of Buddhahood."'

This is the only text I know of in the entirety of Buddhist literature that encourages this kind of behavior, and the bible and koran contain such proclamations with alarming frequency, but this single passage has probably caused a great deal of harm. I would also recommend Zen at War by Brian Daizen Victoria. (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Claire

Apr 16, 2016Claire rated it it was amazing

I have so much difficulty not absolutely adoring bilingual texts. (Then again, I absolutely adore what seems like most human records, come to think of it.) I find it so pleasing to identify the characters for whatever with the hint of the English translation on the other side. This is the first reason I particularly appreciated this book.

Then the other, perhaps more important reason, regards what was actually being translated between the two tongues. It seems the dominant language of the text is Red Pine's English, as the endnotes are in English. Anyway, what it was is Zen Buddhism, which is an important philosophy to embrace. I found it so helpful to have the hàn​zì on the left clarify what the dense blabber on the right was trying to say.

干杯! (Cheers!) ...which is gān​bēi, yes. *off now* (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Tim

Jan 31, 2008Tim rated it it was amazing

As a Christian maybe I shouldn’t be recommending this book, but it’s probably the best Buddhist book I’ve read (and there was a time when I read a lot of them), and one of the better books I’ve read in general. Talk about the diamond that cuts through illusion – the Diamond Sutra doesn’t really cut the way this book does. It’s pretty powerful, straight-ahead stuff. Incidentally, I once read that part of this book was a source for a section of TS Eliot’s The Waste Land, but that’s a fuzzy old memory. (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · 1 comment · see review

Scott

Oct 03, 2016Scott rated it liked it

The format here is English text with the Chinese of which it's a translation on the facing pages.

So if you're working on learning to read Chinese, this could be a help. I'm not learning Chinese

so the main result for me was that it boosts the page count to that of a short book from what otherwise

would be a ridiculously short book, coming in at about 60 pages.

Even so, this seems overly long for a doctrine that claims to go beyond scriptures. As Zen writing

goes, this one doesn't stand out from the crowd much. (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

John

Oct 18, 2007John rated it it was amazing

This is an especially awesome, extremely short, tersely-written book. Rereading it now, I think about the first time I read it, at work in the parking lot, a night that it was raining. Sitting in the booth, watching the reflection of the streetlight in a puddle by the speed bump, seeing the image disturbed by raindrops.

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Jason Gregory

Oct 23, 2016Jason Gregory rated it it was amazing

In this short but crystal clear translation of Bodhidharma, Red Pine takes you on the old Zen masters journey from India to China where he began to teach the dharma. This book is full of profound insights into the nature of Zen through the mind of Bodhidharma. It is one of those books you could finish in an afternoon but contemplate for a lifetime.

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Stephen McDonough

Aug 27, 2012Stephen McDonough rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-books

You will need to have a basic to intermediate understanding of Zen Buddhism to catch on. Until I studied Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and it's historical foundations, I could not understand nor fully appreciate the Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma. (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Catie

Jul 06, 2014Catie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

"Seeing through the mundane and witnessing the sublime is less than an eye-blink away. Realization is now." (less)

flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Algernon

Apr 03, 2015Algernon rated it really liked it

Shelves: buddhism, zen

Red Pine (Bill Porter), author of Road to Heaven: Encounters with Chinese Hermits and a celebrated translator of Buddhist poetry and scripture, gives us a spirited translation of four talks attributed to Bodhidharma even though debates over authorship, and even the existence of Bodhidharma as more than a legend, have not rested.

Bodhidharma's "Outline of Practice" outlines the dharma as this Brahman-born monk taught it in China after being sent there by his teacher, Prajnatara. A confusing distinction made in these talks, especially the "Outline," has to do with what Bodhidharma calls "reason" (again, in this translation) and meditation practice. They are presented as two avenues to "zen," but the definitions make it hard to distinguish them. Throughout, there is an inside/outside (or mind/body) kind of thinking which may be expedient thinking for the sake of his students, or his own enduring mind-habit.

Otherwise, his teaching is very clear: attain your true self, attain what the Heart Sutra is talking about; and at that point, what is there to do? Realizing the paramitas without a trace of actor or action, the student can use form with a clear mind and help others.

In the "Bloodstream Sermon," there are questions and answers, as Bodhidharma teaches and occasionally spars with monks in China (at a time when Buddhism in China was heavily philosophical). Bodhidharma is able to turn cognitive understanding on its ear and make it point these sleepy students to "just doing it." If you do not find your true self, he says, all invocations, offerings and precepts are useless. "The thousands of sutras and shastras only amount to a clear mind."

With the "Breakthrough Sermon," the conceptualizing gets pretty convoluted. Dharma speeches are like acupuncture needles, and what may have pointed directly 1,500 years ago sounds mysterious. This talk refers to the Nirvana Sutra and the Sutra of the Ten Stages, which were revolutionizing Buddhism in China.

It is interesting to watch how Bodhidharma intercepts questions which are often reverently Buddhist and spin them around to the three poisons (anger, greed, delusion) and our need to practice just now. And yet one might wonder that even as he criticizes external devotions, he seems to be making something special about "inner" work and enlightenment. Is there such thing as practice without inside and outside? (less)

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Giacomo Mantani

Oct 01, 2017Giacomo Mantani rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle

Not an easy text as introduction to Zen teachings but definitely recommended. Like other old text, additional readings clarify concepts, inspire more and improve your understanding. You always find something to learn from them.

The teachings are essential and there are not useless words. Insights bring the reader to deeply understand sacred text and Sutra, in my humble opinion.

Often you must read carefully and you must pay attention and put lots of effort in order to get the idea.

Bodhidharma explains in the last few chapters the real meaning behind sages teachings. In order to reach enlightenment you do not focus on external practices. Sages use metaphors to facilitate beginners mind to understand the Way. Bodhidharma says that you must focus on your perceptions and your inner grow.

As others before me said, disciple must not be a repeater. He must renew the teachings and find new formulations that are right at the moment and in such new conditions. He must accomplish much more. Bodhidharma succeed on it and the reader must do the same. (less)

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Goran Powell

Dec 09, 2009Goran Powell rated it really liked it

Shelves: zen

Bodhidharma is the 6th Century Indian monk who is credited with founding Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu at the Shaolin temple. Also known as Da Mo in Chinese, and Daruma in Japanese, he is the spiritual father of countless martial artists whose systems trace their origins to Shaolin.

In this slim volume Red Pine (an American monk living in Taiwan) gives an outline of the history, myth and legend surrounding the mystical figure of Bodhidharma and translates these short, enigmatic writings attributed to him.

While others viewed Buddhism as a steady practice on the way to enlightenment, Bodhidharma’s Zen pointed directly to reality, to everyday life. Instead of telling his disciples to purify their minds, he pointed them to rock walls, to the movements of tigers and cranes, to a hollow reed floating in the Yangtze. (less)

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Ahmad A.

Feb 10, 2018Ahmad A. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: buddhism

I have attempted to read this book a couple of years ago but I couldn't make sense of it, simply because I didn't study Buddhism and its practices thoroughly. Having studied Buddhism, in addition to reading other books on Zen, re-reading this book was more enjoyable and eye-opening. This is by far the best book I have read on Chan and Zen. Bodhidharma's works are full of metaphors and references to the Sutras, which this book greatly help outline, in addition to interpreting classical Buddhist practices in a metaphorical way that points back to the basic concepts of Buddhism itself, i.e.: the 4 noble truths (Bodhidharma has his own version of these), the 3 marks of existence, the 6 sense doors, the 6 precepts and the noble eightfold path. I find this book highly recommended for anyone who wants to study Chan/Chinese Zen. (less)

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Jean

Apr 15, 2011Jean rated it really liked it

Going through this short book very, very slowly. We just spent eight weeks at my local Zen center going over *just* the Outline of Practice chapter, line by line. What does it mean to enter the path by reason (alternate translations include "principle" or "insight")? What does it mean to "suffer injustice"?

This is not a long book, and you can get through it quickly, but I found it much more gratifying to go through slowly and deliberately with a spirit of inquiry. This is likely to stay on my "currently reading" shelf for some time. (less)

flag1 like · Like  · see review

Sharon Moriarty

Oct 09, 2016Sharon Moriarty rated it it was amazing

A short book that packs a powerful punch. I would say this book is flawless! It continuously inspires me, even over a decade later. Bodhidharma was never one to waste words and the clarity, depth and succinctness of his powerful transmission is prominently evident. He illuminates, like no other. If you never picked up another book on Zen, this is the one to get. He understands abundantly the nature of mind, penetrates the world of perception and is hardly fooled by the world of appearances.

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Stephen Rafferty

Jan 13, 2008Stephen Rafferty rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

Teaches the basics of Zen. Points the direction to go and is quite humble in his statements. It is a book that can be read on a superficial level or one that can be read and re read to gain deeper understanding.

It has a good glossary at the back to enlighten the reader on things such as the 5 precepts, etc.

Easy, and difficult and enjoyable to read!

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Mark

Mar 04, 2013Mark rated it it was amazing

Shelves: zen

This is one of my favorite zen books. Red Pine is a terrific translator, and Bodhidharma was the first patriarch of Zen. I read this in 2011 and reviewed it then on Epinions. A must read for students of Zen!

The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma ...more

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Matt Reese

Nov 29, 2012Matt Reese rated it it was amazing

I've told people that after reading this I don't need any more Buddhist literature. Bodhidharma has completed my Buddhist library with a single diamond clear text. It was like getting punched in the face by a log on a chain. Perfect. (less)

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Rich

Jan 06, 2013Rich rated it it was amazing

Excellent and shiningly clear. The very heart of zen - cut off all additional doctrine, dogma and mindless ritual - just see your true mind. Very much recommended for zen practitioners. Except for the bit about the icchantikas, which is shockingly dispicable (killing unbelievers is okay - wtf?!)

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Jane

Feb 26, 2009Jane rated it it was amazing

A primer on Zen. I worked for three years with a Berkeley Zen teacher interpreting this 125 page book from English/Chinese for he and his Korean students. It was a life-changing experience.

flag1 like · Like  · 1 comment · see review

Tchatchke

Oct 02, 2010Tchatchke rated it it was amazing

Absolutely mind blowing.

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see revi