Synopsis
This is not a dry scholarly book on Zen. It is a fascinating introduction into a study of self-enlightenment and inner reason that has been a driving force of all Japanese culture. Written by Reginal Horace Blyth (1898-1964) this is a volume free of the dry pedantry that has hobbled so many well meaning French and English studies of Zen. It is free also of the breathless mystery-mongering that unfortunately has bloated American Zen.
Blyth reads easily. The questions he poses; the views he offers....all lead to a sense of inner self and an awakening of an awareness of the surrounding universe and one's relationship to it.
After discussing "What is Zen?" (and what isn't) Blyth sketches a history of Zen dating from 1000 B.C. to715 A.D., the year of the death of the Sixth patriarch, Huineg. With a historical background thus established, Blyth next provides translations and commentary on some of the most important and basic Zen literature in existence. For the Zen initiate then, this book is an excellent beginning. For the practitioner, further meaningful revelations await.
Blyth reads easily. The questions he poses; the views he offers....all lead to a sense of inner self and an awakening of an awareness of the surrounding universe and one's relationship to it.
After discussing "What is Zen?" (and what isn't) Blyth sketches a history of Zen dating from 1000 B.C. to715 A.D., the year of the death of the Sixth patriarch, Huineg. With a historical background thus established, Blyth next provides translations and commentary on some of the most important and basic Zen literature in existence. For the Zen initiate then, this book is an excellent beginning. For the practitioner, further meaningful revelations await.
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Synopsis
R.H. Blythe was one of world's foremost translators and interpreters of Zen teachings until his death in 1964. In this adaptation of several of his works, Frederick Franck (a lifelong fan of Blythe's teachings) presents a simple, straightforward look at the principles and values inherent in Zen thinking, complete with Blythe's trademark simple, gently humerous approach. Quotations from famous Zen thinkers are mixed with practical interpretations to allow both long-time followers and newcomers to the ways of Zen to appreciate and deepen their understanding of its teachings. Uniquely, this book also follows Blythe's approach of combining Zen and Christianity to allow for a more complete view of spiritual and metaphysical thinking.
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Zen and Zen Classics Volume One General Introduction from the Upanishads to Huineng
Published by
Tuttle Pub, Rutland, VT, 1988
ISBN 10: 0804870268
ISBN 13: 9780804870269
Used
Paperback
Seller: Liberty Book Shop, Avis, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Slight edge rubbing, crease on rear lower corner. Clean text, bright, tight copy. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 123 pages. Seller Inventory # 59578