Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings

by Paul Reps, Nyogen Senzaki

Overview

"It has stayed with me for the last 30 years, a classic portraying Zen mind to our linear thinking." —Phil Jackson, Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls and author of Sacred Hoops

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones offers a collection of accessible, primary Zen sources so that readers can contemplate the meaning of Zen for themselves. Within the pages, readers will find:

• 101 Zen Stories, a collection of tales that recount actual experiences of Chinese and Japanese Zen teachers over a period of more than five centuries
• The Gateless Gate, the famous thirteenth-century collection of Zen koans
• Ten Bulls, a twelfth century commentary on the stages of awareness leading to enlightenment
• Centering, a 4,000 year-old teaching from India that some consider to be the roots of Zen.

When Zen Flesh, Zen Bones was published in 1957, it became an instant sensation with an entire generation of readers who were just beginning to experiment with Zen. Over the years it has inspired leading American Zen teachers, students, and practitioners. Its popularity is as high today as ever.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780804831864
Publisher:	Tuttle Publishing
Publication date:	09/15/1998
Edition description:	Paperback with Flaps
Pages:	216
Sales rank:	483,375
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.25(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	810L (what's this?)

About the Author

Paul Reps, the compiler, was an American who lived in many countries, including India, Norway, and Japan and studied many of man's efforts to find and realize his true spiritual stature. He was the author of several books of poems and prose. He once said that he felt "the equal of each grass blade and pebble and believe that it is possible to be happy though human and grown up."

Nyogen Senzaki, a Buddhist scholar of an international character to whom Reps acknowledged a deep debt of gratitude, was born in Japan. Early in life, he became a "homeless monk," wandering the land and studying from Buddhist monastery to monastery. His wanderings eventually took him to America, where for over 50 years he lived in California, with no connection with any sect, denomination, or cathedral, radiating the free and creative spirit of Zen upon all who cared to share his study, meditation, wisdom, and loving kindness.

Read an Excerpt

77. No Attachment to Dust
Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the T'ang dynasty, wrote the following advice for his pupils: Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of a true Zen student.
When witnessing the good action of another encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.
Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, But become no more expressive than your true nature.
Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life.
A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.
Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow.
Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.
A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.
To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him.
Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong.
Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave an immediate appreciation.
Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.
—Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings, pp. 115-116

Editorial Reviews

"It has stayed with me for the last 30 years, a classic portraying Zen mind to our linear thinking." —Phil Jackson, Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls and author of Sacred Hoops

"This book was my introduction to Buddhism nearly thirty years ago. I am delighted to see this new edition of this wonderful classic." —Sylvia Boorstein, author of It's Easier Than You Think

"This book has been a steadfast portal through which millions in the West have peered to catch at the very least a glimpse of Zen mind at play in all its thought-shattering dialogue, humor, joy, and wisdom." —Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are

"Perhaps the first Dharma book I ever read, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, remains a classic, a gem, a gift to us all." —Dr. Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

From the Publisher

The essence of Zen--as a way of life, a religion, an aesthetic--can be found in the works of the Zen canon. Reps draws short stories and vignettes from such classic works as The Gateless Gate and 101 Zen Stories to help listeners come closer to answering the question: What is Zen? Peter Coyote, a student of Zen for more than 20 years, is well suited as a narrator of these tales. He reads in a calm voice with a patience and presence that reflect the Zen concept of mindfulness. To maintain the tranquility of this program, soft meditation bells ring between selections. P.B.J. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine

MAR/APR 98 - AudioFile