Unsui: A Diary of Zen Monastic Life

Nishimura, Eshin

ISBN 10: 0824802721 / ISBN 13: 9780824802721

Published by University of Hawaii Press, 1983

Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0824802721I3N00

Synopsis:

Although the lines of the palm of the hand are barely visible in the early light, the monks of the Tofukuji monastery have been about their familiar rounds of daily tasks for several hours. Their routine is simple but faithfully practiced. Within its repetition lies the key to the self and the Buddha who resides within.

The daily life of the monastery is portrayed here in ninety-seven watercolor sketches. Drawn during his last years by the Zen monk Giei Sato, these sketches recollect his days as an unsui, an apprentice monk. With humor and steadfast warmth Sato depicts the day of leaving home and the day of returning; the rainy season and the snowy season; the chores, the celebrations, the days of cleaning, and the days of begging. Each of the charming drawings is enhanced by a brief description of the event portrayed, a touch of Zen teaching, or a note on monastic life.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Unsui: A Diary of Zen Monastic Life
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
Publication Date: 1983
Binding: Paperback
Illustrator: Sat?, Giei
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket