Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom

by Thomas Cleary (Translator), Thomas Cleary (Editor)

Overview

Drawn from the records of Chinese Zen masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, this collection may surprise some readers. In contrast to the popular image of Zen as an authoritarian, monastic tradition deeply rooted in Asian culture, these passages portray Zen as remarkably flexible, adaptive to contemporary and individual needs, and transcending cultural boundaries.

The readings contained in Zen Essence emphasize that the practice of Zen requires consciousness alone and does not depend on a background in Zen Buddhism and Asian culture. The true essence of Zen resides in the relationship between mind and culture, whatever that culture might be. This unique collection of writings creates a picture of Zen not as a religion or philosophy, but as a practical science of freedom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781570625886
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	05/02/2000
Series:	Shambhala Dragon Editions Series
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	136
Sales rank:	1,067,108
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.36(d)

About the Author

Thomas Cleary holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. He is the translator of over fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and Arabic.

Editorial Reviews

"The essential Zen teachings, selected from the voluminous Zen canon, known for their accessibility, their clarity and above all, their practical effectiveness in fostering insight. A truly rewarding book for all earnest seekers of the way to liberation."— East and West Series

From the Publisher