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Robert Baker Aitken

    June 19, 1917 – August 5, 2010

    Robert Aitken Rōshi, a master of Zen and founder of the Diamond Sangha, dedicated his life to profound study and teaching of Buddhist principles. His path to enlightenment was shaped by pivotal encounters and extensive practice in both Japan and Hawaii. Aitken Rōshi is renowned for his writings, which offer incisive insights into the nature of the mind and the integration of spirituality with daily life. His works encourage active engagement with the world and compassion, reflecting his conviction in the social responsibility of Buddhists. Through his extensive teachings, he has inspired generations of students and continues to write even in his retired status.

    Robert Baker Aitken
    The Ground We Share
    Original Dwelling Place
    A zen wave
    The Practice of Perfection
    Zen Vows for Daily Life
    The Morning Star: New and Selected Zen Writings
    • 2023

      This book is a systematic exposition of the Christian faith, written by a prominent Scottish theologian of the 19th century. It covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of God, the principles of salvation, and the duties of the Christian life, and provides a profound and inspiring vision of the divine purpose for human beings. The book is marked by its clarity, depth, and sensitivity to the spiritual needs of the reader.

      High Truth, the Christian's Vocation, Progress, Perfection, and State in Glory
    • 2023

      The Man in the Mirror

      • 322 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      A powerful and inspiring collection of poems that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. With its lyrical language and haunting imagery, The Man in the Mirror is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of poetry.

      The Man in the Mirror
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017

      Zen Master Raven

      • 229 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      "A uniquely playful and incisive illustrated collection of Zen teaching stories from one of America's best-known and most-respected Zen masters. A Modern Classic. In the tradition of the great koan collections and the extensive records of ancient masters, Robert Aitken--one of America's best-known and most-respected Zen masters--distills a lifetime of teaching down to its essence. Intriguing, playful, and deceptively easy to read, Zen Master Raven is a brilliant encapsulation of Zen in over a hundred koan-like encounters--featuring curious beginners like Mallard and Mole, to teachers-in-training like Porcupine, to the profound wisdom of masters like Brown Bear, Moose Roshi, and Zen Master Raven himself"--

      Zen Master Raven
    • 2016

      Culturally significant, this reproduction preserves the integrity of the original artifact, maintaining its historical context and authenticity. Readers will encounter original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its importance in the knowledge base of civilization. The work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the past, showcasing how foundational texts have been preserved through time.

      A Million a Minute; a Romance of Modern New York and Paris
    • 2011

      The exploration of Zen Buddhism in "River of Heaven" emphasizes the art of Haiku, highlighting its concise structure and deep introspection. The book illustrates how Haiku's seventeen syllables serve as a framework for capturing vital experiences, mirroring Zen's focus on insight and stillness. Both the poetry and the philosophy reveal that the spaces between words hold as much significance as the words themselves, inviting readers to appreciate the delicate interplay of silence and expression in both disciplines.

      The River of Heaven: The Haiku of Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki
    • 2003

      The book features the insights and teachings of Robert Aitken, a prominent figure in American Zen Buddhism, who has practiced zazen for over fifty years. His unique journey began as a civilian prisoner during World War II, where he met influential Buddhist figures. Aitken's writings, drawn from various previous collections, explore Zen practice and its relevance today, blending historical context with personal experience. This compilation offers a fresh perspective on Zen, showcasing his clarity and compassion as a teacher and writer.

      The Morning Star: New and Selected Zen Writings
    • 1997

      Original Dwelling Place

      Zen Buddhist Essays

      • 258 pages
      • 10 hours of reading
      4.1(40)Add rating

      Exploring the origins of American Zen Buddhism, Robert Aitken presents twenty-three insightful essays that delve into influential texts and personal reflections. He contemplates themes such as death, marriage, and Zen practice, consistently highlighting the beauty and joy found in everyday experiences. Aitken's writing encourages readers to appreciate the simple, fleeting moments of life, often referred to as the "dewdrop" world, offering a profound perspective on mindfulness and existence.

      Original Dwelling Place
    • 1996

      Are Christianity and Buddhism just "two paths leading to the top of the same mountain" - or are they fundamentally irreconcilable? As Buddhism takes root in the West, this question arises with ever greater frequency, sparking intriguing discussions but eluding easy answers. These conversations between Robert Aitken Roshi and Brother David Steindl-Rast offer a fresh approach to the question, one that begins with the intimacy of everyday practice rather than with philosophical and theological concepts - and one that benefits from the respect and good-will the two friends bear for eachother's traditions, even as they challenge them.

      The Ground We Share