A young Soto Zen monk in America sets out to find the Secret of Zen. In this book what he found is laid out and explained in plain language that is easy to follow and understand. Zen as he explains is about 'intuition'. It alone is the means for realizing the secret of Zen. Knowing this is the enlightenment of the Buddhas. The Secret of Zen is no ordinary Zen book, the author goes directly to the heart of Zen's path, and brings it forth in a way that anyone with an ounce of wisdom can understand. He further goes on to explaining how each of us can also discover Zen's secret, personally. But be forewarned the path becomes more difficult the more a person advances towards Zen's secret.

Chuck Norris has spent a lifetime studying the martial arts, earning several black belts and world championships. Now, through anecdotes about his own personal struggles and triumphs, Norris explains how the ancient system of Zen--the core philosophy behind the martial arts--can help each of us achieve spiritual tranquillity and self-confidence. The Secret Power Within is both a highly accessible lesson in Zen philosophy as well as the compelling story of Chuck Norris's own remarkable success. In this highly entertaining and inspiring account, Norris shows how Zen can be applicable to everyday situations, from the conference room to the living room. Chapters include: * Winning by Losing: If you have nothing to prove, you have no need to fight. * Complete the Wheel: How to balance your life to achieve success. * Your Master, Your Art: To maintain self-respect you must respect the work you do, and do it as well as possible. * My Way of Meditating: Norris's personal technique for achieving tranquillity under pressure. The message is simple: There are no limits for the person who refuses to accept them.

The Blue Cliff Record is a classic text of Zen Buddhism, designed to assist in the activation of dormant human potential. The core of this extraordinary work is a collection of one hundred traditional citations and stories, selected for their ability to bring about insight and enlightenment. These vignettes are known as gongan in Chinese and koan in Japanese. Secrets of the Blue Cliff Record is a fresh translation featuring newly translated commentary from two of the greatest Zen masters of early modern Japan, Hakuin Ekaku (1685–1768) of the Rinzai sect of Zen and Tenkei Denson (1648–1735) of the Soto sect of Zen. This translation and commentary on The Blue Cliff Record sheds new light on the meaning of this central Zen text.

A taste of Zen for the seeker and the curious alike. This small but wise book collects Eastern and Western sayings, haiku, poetry, and inspiring quotations from ancient and modern thinkers. Its aim is not to define Zen or answer its famous koan—What is the sound of one hand clapping?—but rather to point to a fresh way of looking at the world: with mindfulness, clarity, and joy. “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought” —Bashō New material is taken from contemporary spiritual leaders, writers, meditation teachers, and others with an emphasis on the practice of mindfulness—on the heart, rather than the head. Pen and ink illustrations from the author bring an additional layer of feeling and beauty.

The Little Book series aims at bringing within the reach of everyone beautiful texts that will stimulate the mind and inspire the heart; these miniature masterpieces will fit into the bag or pocket, or find a permanent place by the beside. Beautifully illustrated in two colour or full colour, each is a treasure chest of wisdom, and an inspiring introduction to its subject. Keep this little book in your pocket and carry it with you. Wherever you find yourself, in the noise of the city, in the peace of the countryside, or in the silence of your room, the wisdom it contains will inspire and comfort you. Stop talking, stop thinking, and there; is nothing you will not understand. Return to the Root and you will find the Meaning; Pursue the Light, and you will lose Its source...There is no need to seek Truth: only stop having views. - Seng-Ts'an/Sosan (D. 600)

Zen is the essence and value of life, that which makes life worth living. Being that which uses and discards all forms, whether of thought, words or material substance, it cannot be described in material form. Yet to get it across some form is necessary, and in this book which is not merely about Zen but which attempts to transfer the life of Zen to the receptive reader, a style must be devised for the occasion.

A fiery and intensely dynamic Zen teacher and artist, Hakuin (1685–1768) is credited with almost single-handedly revitalizing Japanese Zen after three hundred years of decline. As a teacher, he placed special emphasis on koan practice, inventing many new koans himself, including the famous "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" As an artist, Hakuin used calligraphy and painting to create "visual Dharma"—teachings that powerfully express the nature of enlightenment. The text translated here offers an excellent introduction to the work of this extraordinary teacher. Hakuin sets forth his vision of authentic Zen teaching and practice, condemning his contemporaries, whom he held responsible for the decline of Zen, and exhorting his students to dedicate themselves to "breaking through the Zen barrier." Included are reproductions of several of Hakuin’s finest calligraphies and paintings.