D.T. Suzuki was the greatest ambassador of Zen Buddhism to the West in the 20th century. In this collection of his most important essays he explores the history of Buddhism, the daily life of a Zen monk and the path to enlightenment.
This 2013 reprint of Suzuki's 1955 collection features seven essays on Zen Buddhism, covering topics such as Zen philosophy, experience, and nature's role in Zen. The works date back to 1906 and provide insights into the Zen sect and its interpretations.
Zen and Japanese Culture is a classic that has influenced generations of readers and played a major role in shaping conceptions of Zen’s influence on Japanese traditional arts. In simple and poetic language, Daisetz Suzuki describes Zen and its historical evolution. He connects Zen to the philosophy of the samurai, and subtly portrays the relationship between Zen and swordsmanship, haiku, tea ceremonies, and the Japanese love of nature. Suzuki uses anecdotes, poetry, and illustrations of silk screens, calligraphy, and architecture. The book features an introduction by Richard Jaffe that acquaints readers with Suzuki’s life and career and analyzes the book’s reception in light of contemporary criticism, especially by scholars of Japanese Buddhism. Zen and Japanese Culture is a valuable source for those wishing to understand Zen in the context of Japanese life and art, and remains one of the leading works on the subject.
Here are the famous sutras, or sermons, of the Buddha, the gathas, or hymns, the intriguing philosophical puzzles known as koan, and the dharanis, or invocations to expel evil spirits. Included also are the recorded conversations of the great Buddhist monks—intimate dialogues on the subjects of momentous importance. In addition to the written selections, all of them translated by Dr. Suzuki, there are reproductions of many Buddhist drawings and paintings, including religious statues found in Zen temples, each with an explanation of its significance, and the great series of allegorical paintings “The Ten Oxherding Pictures.”
Explains the path to achieving Zen, a balance between the body and the mind. Based on the result of the author's quest to learn archery in the hands of Japanese Zen masters, this book presents an account of one man's journey to complete abandonment of 'the self' and the Western principles that we use to define ourselves.
Exploring Mahayana Buddhism and Zen, D. T. Suzuki's collection of essays and lectures delves into Japanese art, culture, and the intersection of Zen with Western psychology. His clear and energetic insights make complex concepts accessible, appealing to both novices and scholars. Suzuki's profound influence on the understanding of Zen is evident throughout, offering readers a comprehensive look at its principles and cultural significance.
D.T. Suzuki (1870-1966) is usually credited with introducing Zen Buddhism to America, & in AN INTRODUCTION TO ZEN BUDDHISM he covers Zen in a scholastic & erudite fashion. Suzuki's use of English is extremely complex, but his style gets information across very well. While expounding on the basics of Zen, he's always quick to respond to questions the reader might have. He dedicates an entire chapter to countering the oft-heard argument that Zen is nihilistic. The final chapter covers daily life for Zen monks, giving Westerners a glimpse of what is common knowledge for Japanese--or was several generations ago. The book is not perfect, however. Suzuki covers only the Rinzai school of Japanese Buddhism, leaving the Soto school out in the cold. Also, like any Japanese Zen scholar, he tends to do a little Theravada bashing, claiming that it's primitive & unrefined.
No other figure in history has played a bigger part in opening the West to Buddhism than the eminent Zen author, D.T. Suzuki, and in this reissue of his best work readers are given the very heart of Zen teaching. Zen Buddhism, which sold more than 125,000 as an Anchor paperback after its publication in 1956, includes a basic historical background as well as a thorough overview of the techniques for Zen practice. Concepts and terminology such as satori, zazen, and koans, as well as the various elements of this philosophy are all given clear explanations. But while Suzuki takes nothing for granted in the reader's understanding of the fundamentals, he does not give a merely rudimentary overview. Each of the essays included here, particularly those on the unconscious mind and the relation of Zen to Western philosophy, go far beyond other sources for their penetrating insights and timeless wisdom. What is most important about D.T. Suzuki's work, however--and what comes across so powerfully in these selections--is his unparalleled ability to communicate the experiential aspect of Zen. The intensity here with which Zen philosophy comes to life is without parallel in the canon of Buddhist literature. Suzuki stands apart from all teachers before or since because of his exceptional ability to eloquently capture in words the seemingly inexpressible essence of Zen.
This classic work by D.T. Suzuki, the man who brought Zen Buddhism to the West, is a book that challenges and inspires; it should benefit readers of all persuasions who seek to understand something of the nature of spiritual life.
The Teachings of Shin Buddhism, the Japanese Way of Wisdom and Compassion
The book explores the emergence of Shin Buddhism, a significant branch of Pure Land Buddhism founded by Shinran in the thirteenth century. It highlights Shinran's revolutionary teachings that democratized access to spiritual liberation, challenging the elitist monastic traditions of the time. By emphasizing inclusivity, Shin Buddhism offered a path to enlightenment for individuals of all backgrounds, making it a transformative movement in Japanese religious history.