"Originally published in Japanese by Ichimannendo Publishing under the title of Tannisho wo hiraku, 2008"--T.p. verso.

This book brings together two giants of the history of Zen: Linji (Japanese, Rinzai) and Hisamatsu Shin'ichi. Linji is looked upon as the founder of the Rinzai sect in Japan. Hisamatsu was a leading twentieth century master/thinker who lived in Kyoto and was a tremendous influence on the development of the Kyoto school of Japanese philosophy. The translators and editors have translated and annotated twenty-two of Hisamatsu's Zen teisho (Dharma talks, in effect, sermons for Zen practitioners) of a classical Zen text, the Record of Linji, the recorded sayings of the Chinese founder of Rinzai Zen.

As human beings, we have one thing in common - we search all our lives for lasting happiness. This book tells us that happiness can indeed be found. It shows us how to navigate life's obstacles from a deep and abiding source of inner peace. It shows why human life is not only meaningful, but infinitely precious.

This complete translation of Masao Abe's essays on Dogen probes the core of the Zen master's philosophy and religion. This work analyzes Dogen's formative doubt concerning the notion of original awakening as the basis for his unique approach to nonduality in the doctrines of the oneness of practice and attainment, the unity of beings and Buddha-nature, the simultaneity of time and eternity, and the identity of life and death. Abe also offers insightful, critical comparisons of Dogen and various Buddhist and Western thinkers, especially Shinran and Heidegger.

The stories and anecdotes in this book are full of variety, ranging from historical incidents to family problems. Yet each one has something to teach about Buddhist truth, which permeates time and space. This little book may enable people the world over to share in the precious teachings of Buddhism and acquire an unshakable spirit.