This illustrated and inspiring guide to Asian philosophy has straightforward text and 30 step-by-step exercises through classic Zen practices such as meditation, koans and rock gardens. Illustrations.

Now in paperback comes the "amusing, engaging, and truly enlightened" ("Library Journal") guide to cultivating Zen practice through housekeeping tasks and finding the hidden spirituality in everyday life. 15 illustrations.

A groundbreaking study of the lost tradition of Tibetan Zen containing the first translations of key texts from one thousand years ago. Banned in Tibet, forgotten in China, the Tibetan tradition of Zen was almost completely lost to us. According to Tibetan histories, Zen teachers were invited to Tibet from China in the 8th century, at the height of the Tibetan Empire. When doctrinal disagreements developed between Indian and Chinese Buddhists at the Tibetan court, the Tibetan emperor called for a formal debate. When the debate resulted in a decisive win by the Indian side, the Zen teachers were sent back to China, and Zen was gradually forgotten in Tibet. This picture changed at the beginning of the 20th century with the discovery in Dunhuang (in Chinese Central Asia) of a sealed cave full of manuscripts in various languages dating from the first millennium CE. The Tibetan manuscripts, dating from the 9th and 10th centuries, are the earliest surviving examples of Tibetan Buddhism. Among them are around 40 manuscripts containing original Tibetan Zen teachings. This book translates the key texts of Tibetan Zen preserved in Dunhuang. The book is divided into ten sections, each containing a translation of a Zen text illuminating a different aspect of the tradition, with brief introductions discussing the roles of ritual, debate, lineage, and meditation in the early Zen tradition. Van Schaik not only presents the texts but also explains how they were embedded in actual practices by those who used them.

Room by room, readers will discover simple and effective ways to translate the elements of Zen into modern living. There are also specially designed meditations to help one become more in tune with the environment, as well as fresh ideas for presenting food to enhance its particular characteristics. 200 full-color photos.

An introduction to Zen unlike any you’ve seen before—inspired by manga and graphic novels. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Zen offers a comprehensive overview of Soto Zen Buddhism in a delightfully captivating way. Complete with dynamic, detailed illustrations, Soto Zen Priest Seigaku Amato uses a semi-narrative style to take you on a visual tour of Buddhism and, using specifics to illuminate universals, dives deep into the practices and forms of Soto Zen. Whether you are just taking your first step or have been practicing Zen for years, this creative and profound book will be a constant companion and guide on your journey as it explores topics such as • a brief history of Buddhism, • an iconographic overview of various buddhas and bodhisattvas, • an introduction to the various practices of Zen including meditation (zazen), work practice (samu), and meditative eating (oryoki), • a what’s what of holidays, ceremonies, temple instruments, and religious vestments, and • a how-to guide for setting up a home altar.

Shaolin grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit explains the principles and practice of Zen with a clarity that can only come from true understanding. In The Complete Book of Zen, Wong Kiew Kit traces the history and meaning of Zen, following its geographical path from early beginnings in India to China, and then to Japan and Vietnam. He shows how Zen lies at the heart of all great works of art and culture, and then relates its practice to daily life, setting out how Zen training and meditation may: - Enhance internal strength, concentration, intuitive abilities and emotional balance. - Allow inspiring glimpses of cosmic reality. - Help reduce states of chronic and degenerative diseases. The exercises offer not only a spiritual appreciation of the practice, but also an actual physical experience of Zen. Irrespective of your religious or personal beliefs, The Complete Book of Zen will encourage you to explore your spiritual potential, and bring simplicity, focus and vitality into your life.