This is the first -- and still the best -- collection of truly contemporary Zen parables. For the novice, this is an outstanding introduction to the baffling world of meditation, Eastern thought and the galaxy of philosophies that make up the expanding horizon of human awareness. For the veteran, Benares integrates the "inner quest" with the experience of daily life. And if that weren't enough, the section on Meditations and Exercises focuses the inner experience into an accessible form. Marked by clarity and simplicity, they demystify the growth process through practical application.

Zen Without Zen Master is the first-and still the best-collection of truly contemporary Zen parables. For the novice, Zen Without Zen Masters is an outstanding introduction to the baffling world of meditation, Eastern thought and the galaxy of philosophies that make up the expanding horizon of human awareness. For the veteran, Benares integrates the "inner quest" with the experience of daily life. And if that wasn't enough, the section on Meditations and Exercises focuses the inner experience into an accessible form. Marked by clarity and simplicity, they demystify the growth process through practical application.

Surprisingly little has been written about how Zen came to North America. "Zen Master Who?" does that and much more. Author James Ishmael Ford, a renowned Zen master in two lineages, traces the tradition's history in Asia, looking at some of its most important figures -- the Buddha himself, and the handful of Indian, Chinese, and Japanese masters who gave the Zen school its shape. It also outlines the challenges that occurred as Zen became integrated into western consciousness, and the state of Zen in North America today. The author includes profiles of modern Zen teachers and institutions, including D. T. Suzuki and Alan Watts, and such topics as the emergence of liberal Buddhism, and Christians, Jews, and Zen. This engaging, accessible book is aimed at anyone interested in this tradition but who may not know how to start. Most importantly, it clarifies a great and ancient tradition for the contemporary seeker.

"The Tale of Zen Master Bho Li is the story of an eight-year-old orphan who becomes a beloved Zen Master. Meet the cast of memorable companions who assist him on his captivating life's journey: The Firethroat - an exotic little bird that saves him from a life threatening circumstance ; Soyu Sei - the Dangerous Granny whose wise and tender guidance civilizes the feral child he'd become without taming his wild heart ; Master Wu - abbot of Silent Thunder Zen Monastery, whose successor he would become ; and Master Bho Li's three most problematic disciples: Sei Wot, Noh Hui, and Wai Mi, from each of whom he learns an important lesson.

An imaginative approach to spiritual practice in difficult times, through the Buddhist teaching of the six paramitas or "perfections"—qualities that lead to kindness, wisdom, and an awakened life. In frightening times, we wish the world could be otherwise. With a touch of imagination, it can be. Imagination helps us see what’s hidden, and it shape-shifts reality’s roiling twisting waves. In this inspiring reframe of a classic Buddhist teaching, Zen teacher Norman Fischer writes that the paramitas, or “six perfections”—generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyful effort, meditation, and understanding—can help us reconfigure the world we live in. Ranging from our everyday concerns about relationships, ethics, and consumption to our artistic inspirations and broadest human yearnings, Fischer depicts imaginative spiritual practice as a necessary resource for our troubled times.

Zen, plain and simple, with no BS. This is not your typical Zen book. Brad Warner, a young punk who grew up to be a Zen master, spares no one. This bold new approach to the "Why?" of Zen Buddhism is as strongly grounded in the tradition of Zen as it is utterly revolutionary. Warner's voice is hilarious, and he calls on the wisdom of everyone from punk and pop culture icons to the Buddha himself to make sure his points come through loud and clear. As it prods readers to question everything, Hardcore Zen is both an approach and a departure, leaving behind the soft and lyrical for the gritty and stark perspective of a new generation. This new edition will feature an afterword from the author.

What Is Zen? examines Zen's religious roots, its influence on Eastern and Western culture, its transcendent moments, and the methods of Zen meditation that are currently practiced.