Books on Buddhism: An Annotated Guide to Buddhist Literature for Western Readers
Introduction | General | Theravada | Tibetan | Zen
Zen Index
- Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken
- Moon in a Dewdrop: Writings of Zen Master Dogen by Dogen; Kazuaki Tanahashi, ed.
- The Roaring Stream: A New Zen Reader by Nelson Foster and Jack Shoemaker, ed.
- The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual for Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Zen at Work by Les Kaye
- Nine-Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals 1969-1982 by Peter Matthiessen
- Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh
- The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment by Philip Kapleau
- The Heart of Being: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen Buddhism by John Daido Loori
- Pure Heart, Enlightened Mind: The Zen Journals and Letters of Maura "Shoshin" O'Halloran by Maura Shoshin O'Halloran
- Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki, compilers
- Dropping Ashes on the Buddha: The Teachings of Zen Master Segung Sahn by Segung Sahn; Stephen Mitchell, ed.
- Zen Wisdom: Knowing and Doing: Questions to a Zen Master by Sheng-Yen
- Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice by Shunryu Suzuki
- Essential Zen by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Tensho David Schneider, ed.
- Additional Books of Interest
Book Descriptions
- Taking the Path of Zen
by Robert Aitken - Taking the Path of Zen is a clear introduction to Zen and zazen, from basic attitude and sitting posture to delusions and pitfalls. It spans basic Buddhist teachings to the koan "mu" - a meditation exercise that cannot be solved by rational thought, but only by direct realization. Robert Aitken is a translator, author, and teacher of many years. This is an excellent rendering of Zen basics for a Western audience.
Book (pbk): 149 pages with bibliography; North Point (1994),newly revised and corrected; first published in 1982
- Moon in a Dewdrop: Writings of Zen Master Dogen
by Dogen; Kazuaki Tanahashi, editor - Zen master Eihei Dogen, born in 1200 AD in Kyoto Japan, is perhaps Japanese Zen's most important teacher and historical figure. He brought the Soto school of Zen from China to Japan and was a profound and prolific writer whose works continue to be translated and read today. Moon in a Dewdrop contains twenty of the ninety-five essays from Dogen's masterwork Shobogenzo - the most important work in all of Japanese Zen literature - and includes other writings and poems by Dogen. The translations by Tanahashi and thirteen well-regarded colleagues are clear and accessible, pointing the way to that which cannot be described in words - Zen. A welcome collection for students of Zen.
Book (pbk): 356 pages with bibliographical references; North Point (1995); first published in 1985
Book (cloth): 356 pages with bibliographical references; North Point (1995); first published in 1985 - The Roaring Stream: A New Zen Reader
by Nelson Foster and Jack Shoemaker, editors - The Roaring Stream is an anthology of masterful writings from the Zen tradition. It begins with translations from Ch'an - the Chinese forerunner of Japanese Zen that is sometimes called Chinese Zen - and presents the body of work in chronological order, allowing the reader to follow the flow and development of this ancient tradition. Great teachers are given new voice in these lovely, accessible translations of poems, essays, and discourses. Care has been taken to include the writings of great women practitioners and lay elders. Each author is introduced with a short essay that places the author in historical context. Must reading for anyone interested in Ch'an or Zen.
Book (cloth): 374 pages with bibliographical references; Ecco (1996)
Book (pbk): 374 pages with bibliographical references; Ecco (1996) - The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual of Meditation
by Thich Nhat Hanh - Poet and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh has written a lovely introduction to mindfulness meditation. His style is clear and gentle, and laced with stories. In addition to basic meditation instruction and an introduction to Buddhist thought, the book contains translations of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (the Satipatthana Sutta), the Discourse on Mindfulness of Breathing (the Anapanasati Sutta) and other ancient teachings on meditation for those who wish to delve deeper. A slim book that is a classic.
Book (pbk): 140 pages; Beacon (1987, revised edition); first published in 1976
Book (cloth): 148 pages; Beacon (1996); first published in 1976
Audiocassette: Abridgment, 2 cassettes read by Peter Thomas; Harper Audio (1994) - Zen at Work
by Les Kaye - Is it possible to cultivate a deep spiritual practice and survive in the competitive world of big business? Les Kaye balanced a 30+ year career at IBM while pursuing an ever-deepening Zen practice. Now retired from IBM, Kay is abbot of a California Zen meditation center. He shares his experience of mixing such seemingly different worlds and shows how the teachings of Zen can transform the workplace into an opportunity to learn and grow. A good guide for bringing Zen practice into the world.
Book (pbk): 169 pages with bibliographical references; Crown (1996)
- Nine-Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals 1969-1982
by Peter Matthiessen - Naturalist, explorer, and award winning author Peter Matthiessen shares his journey along the path of Zen. He weaves the history of American Buddhism, Zen poems and teachings, and lyrical images of nature together with candid personal thoughts and feelings taken from his personal journals. His quest, which begins in America with the sudden illness and death of his wife, takes him to Nepal and later on to Japan. Matthiessen shows that inward exploration can be every bit as demanding - driving one to the limits of endurance - and every bit as rewarding as climbing a great mountain or exploring the depths of the sea.
Book (pbk): 296 pages with bibliographical references and index; Shambhala (1998); first published in 1985
- Being Peace
by Thich Nhat Hanh - "If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace." In the clear, gentle, and poetic style that he is famous for, Thich Nhat Hanh explores the interconnections of all life, and the interconnection of actions and motivations. He shows how the peace and happiness cultivated by a single person can spread outward and influence others. A good introduction to Nhat Hanh's teachings on mindfulness and "Interbeing." - quotation from the author
Book (pbk): 115 pages with illustrations; Parallax (1988); first published in1987
Book (cloth): 153 pages with illustrations; Parallax (1996); first published in1987
Audiocassette: 1 cassette (90 min.); Parallax (1988) - The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment
by Philip Kapleau - American Zen master Philip Kapleau, trained in both the Rinzai and Soto traditions, illuminates the three pillars of Zen - teaching, practice, and enlightenment. He begins with an introduction to zazen - sitting meditation - it's theory, aims, and practice. Kapleau broke new ground when The Three Pillars of Zen was first published in 1965 by sharing stories from private interviews with students. This had never before been done in either Japan or America. These stories shine a light on the process of intense Zen practice. Also included in this volume are teachings in the form of letters and contemporary enlightenment stories of Japanese and Western practitioners. Supplements include the ten ox herding pictures along with commentary and notes on Zen vocabulary and Buddhist doctrine. The Three Pillars of Zen has been reprinted numerous times since its introduction. One of the early books on Zen written for a Western audience, the teachings are still relevant for today's reader - both beginning and seasoned readers. A classic.
Book (pbk): 400 pages with illustrations and bibliographical references; Anchor (1989); first published in 1965
Audiocassette: Abridgment, 2 cassettes (180 min.), read by Bodhin and Sunya Kjolhede; Audio Literature (1995) - The Heart of Being: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen Buddhism
by John Daido Loori - The Heart of Being addresses the moral and social issues of Zen Buddhist practice. John Daido Loori, abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery in New York State, examines the precepts - vows taken by Zen practitioners that outline Buddhist morality. He also discusses other issues that lead to the formal taking of the vows in the Jukai ceremony. The precepts and moral guidelines are intended to foster harmonious functioning in life and purify the mind and body in preparation for further spiritual growth. Loori talks about the changing nature of Zen practice as it takes root in America and of the problems that arise as monasticism gives way to Zen centers where men and women work and study together. The book includes four koans - meditation problems - that deal with moral and ethical issues and a chapter of frank questions and answers. Loori addresses these issues with clear writing and examines contemporary ethical dilemmas from modern life. An important work for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists interested in moral and social issues.
Book: 267 pages; Charles E. Tuttle (1996)
- Pure Heart, Enlightened Mind: The Zen Journals and Letters of Maura "Shoshin" O'Halloran
by Maura Shoshin O'Halloran - Maura O'Halloran was an Irish-American woman who immersed herself in formal Zen study in Japan at the age of twenty-four. Pure Heart, Enlightened Mind chronicles her three years in Japan - from her arrival as a novice in 1979, through the rigors of training, to her ordination as a teacher, and to her untimely death soon after. Taken from her personal journal entries and letters, the reader shares the trials, triumphs, and intensity of Zen practice - and catches a glimpse into the nature of Zen consciousness. In three short years, O'Halloran attained a level of understanding that many never attain in a lifetime. Today a statue erected in her memory at Kannonji Temple, where she studied, proclaims her a Buddhist Saint. The great compassion for which she was known shines through in the writing of this remarkable woman.
Book: 311 pages; Riverhead (1995); first published in 1994
Audiocassette: Abridgment, 2 cassettes (180 min.) read by Mare Winningham; Audio Literature (1996) - Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings
by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki, compilers - This collection of Zen and pre-Zen writings is in four parts. 101 Zen Stories recounts the experiences of Ch'an and Zen teachers, spanning more than 500 years. Each story is a short lesson. The Gateless Gate contains 49 Zen meditation problems, known as koans, that were first written down in 1228. The Ten Bulls, also known as the ox herding pictures, is a famous representation in woodblock print and commentary of the progressive stages to enlightenment. Centering is a translation of an ancient teaching from India that is more than 4000 years old and may be the root of Zen. First published as a collection in 1957, this is a Zen classic.
Book (pbk): 212 pages; Tuttle (1998); first published in 1957
Book (cloth): 212 pages; Tuttle (1957)
Audiocassette: Abridgment, 2 cassettes (176 min.) read by Peter Coyote; Audio Literature (1997) - Dropping Ashes on the Buddha: The Teachings of Zen Master Segung Sahn
by Segung Sahn; Stephen Mitchell, editor - Dropping Ashes on the Buddha is a collection of teachings, interviews, conversations, and letters between Segung Sahn and American Zen students. This Korean Zen master's style is pure Zen - playful, paradoxical, and on target. In 100 short chapters filled with stories, and questions and answers, Sahn coaxes the reader into giving up thinking mind and attachments to see things just as they are. A good introduction to Zen mind.
Book: 232 pages; Grove (1987); first published in 1976
- Zen Wisdom: Knowing and Doing: Questions to a Zen Master
by Sheng-Yen - Ch'an, also known as Chinese Zen, is the form of Zen from which the more familiar Japanese Zen grew. Sheng-Yen is a monk schooled in both Lin-chi (Rinzai) and Ts'ao-tung (Soto) - the two major sects of Ch'an - as well as a scholar with a Ph.D. in Buddhist literature. Zen Wisdom is a collection of conversations between students and Sheng-Yen that originally appeared in a newsletter for students. Chapters are arranged into three sections - practice, philosophy and doctrine, and social issues. A practical, clear, and easy-to-read introduction to Ch'an.
Book: 272 pages; Dharma Drum (1998, revised and expanded); originally published in 1993
- Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
by Shunryu Suzuki - Shunryu Suzuki came to America from Japan in 1958 at the age of fifty-three. He settled in San Francisco and soon thereafter the San Francisco Zen Center formed with Suzuki as Zen master. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is a collection of thirty-eight short chapters taken from dharma talks given by Suzuki. They are grouped into three parts - right practice, right attitude, and right understanding. Suzuki, trained in the Soto Zen tradition, is clear and direct. First published in 1970, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind has been continuously reprinted. A classic reader for both the beginning and seasoned Zen practitioner.
Book (pbk): 138 pages; Weatherhill (1997); first published in 1970
Book (cloth) 138 pages; Weatherhill (1972); first published in 1970
Audiocassette: Abridgment, read by Peter Coyote; Audio Literature (1990) - Essential Zen
by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Tensho David Schneider, editors - Here is a fine collection of short Zen writings - poems, stories, single lines. Equal time is given to contemporary authors Gary Snyder, Segung Sahn, and others, and to ancient Zen masters such as Dogen. Like Zen, the teachings contained in the words can be funny, serious, profound - savory reminders to "be here now." The volume concludes with a healthy collection of notes on the works presented, including explanations and credits. A good book with a contemporary edge - something to keep near at hand.
Book (pbk): 174 pages with bibliographical references; HarperSanFrancisco (1995); first published in 1994
Book (cloth): 174 pages with bibliographical references; HarperSanFrancisco (1994) - Additional Books of Interest
- Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teachings of Shunryu Suzuki by David Chadwick (Broadway 1999)
- The Wholehearted Way by Dogen; Shohaku Okumura and Taigen Dan Leighton, trans. (Tuttle 1997)
- Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel (Random House 1999)
- Stumbling Toward Enlightenment by Geri Larkin (Celestial Arts 1997)
- The Essentials of Zen Buddhism by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki (Currently out of print)
- Zen in America by Helen Tworkov (Kodansha 1994)
Introduction | General | Theravada | Tibetan | Zen
Appendix 1: Overview of Buddhism | Appendix 2: How this list was created. Copyright 1999 by Jacqueline Kracker. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy this list for educational or personal use only.
This website was created and designed by Jacqueline Kracker. Send comments to jkracker@utk.edu.Page last updated 1 September 2000