Zen Writing

The Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra is among the best known of all the Buddhist scriptures. Chanted daily by many Zen students, it is also studied extensively in the Tibetan tradition, and it has been regarded with interest more recently in the West in various fields of study - from philosophy to quantum physics. In just 35 lines, it expresses the truth of impermanence and the release from suffering that results from the understanding of that truth with a breathtaking economy of language.

Written by the 17th-century Zen master Takuan Soho (1573-1645), The Unfettered Mind is a book of advice on swordsmanship and the cultivation of right mind and intention. It was written as a guide for the samurai Yagyu Munenori, who was a great swordsman and rival to the legendary Miyamoto Musashi.

Discover the inimitable genius of Ray Bradbury as he explores the art of writing, the power of creativity, and the timeless appeal of storytelling in this collection of essays that are part masterclass, part memoir, featuring a new introduction by Dan Chaon. In Zen in the Art of Writing, Ray...

This is the first book to offer the great master's incisive wisdom in short selections taken from the whole range of his voluminous works. The pithy and powerful readings, arranged according to theme, provide a perfect introduction to Dogen - and inspire spiritual practice in people of all traditions.

The Hidden Lamp is a collection of 100 koans and stories of Buddhist women from the time of the Buddha to the present day. This revolutionary book brings together many teaching stories that were hidden for centuries, unknown until this volume. These stories are extraordinary expressions of freedom and fearlessness, relevant for men and women of any time or place. In this audio, we meet nuns, laywomen practicing with their families, famous teachers honored by emperors, and old women selling tea on the side of the road.

In this series, Om Swami shares the essence of the Zen Living, combing the various branches of Zen and its associated techniques, to help the listener master the Zen way of life. There are 8 core episodes and 4 Bonus ones covering the following: Zazen, Wall-gazing, Osoji and many more to calm and center the mind while living in the world.

Old Path White Clouds presents the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Drawn directly from 24 Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources, and retold by Thich Nhat Hanh in his inimitably beautiful style, this book traces the Buddha's life slowly and gently over the course of 80 years, partly through the eyes of Svasti, the buffalo boy, and partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself. Old Path White Clouds is destined to become a classic of religious literature.

What does it take to have a long writing life? Drawing on her years of writing, teaching, and practicing Zen, Natalie Goldberg shares the experiences that have opened her to new ways of being alive - experiences that point the way forward in our lives and our writing. The "great spring" of this book title refers to the great rush of energy that arrives when you think no life will ever come again - the early yellow flowering forsythia, for example.

From bestselling author Natalie Goldberg, here is the story of her life as a spiritual seeker struggling to “free the writer within.” Threaded with the story of Goldberg’s 12-year relationship with legendary Zen master Katagiri Roshi, Long Quiet Highway illustrates the challenges—and...

In this collection of inspirational writings, novice and experienced practitioners are treated to four key works that rank high in the Zen canon: 101 Zen Stories recounts actual experiences with Zen that span five centuries. The Gateless Gate is a 13th-century collection of mind problems used in the practice of Zen. Ten Bulls is a 12th-century commentary on the stages of awareness that lead to enlightenment. Centering is a 4,000-year-old teaching from India that may have been the source of Zen.

Why practice Zen? What sets Zen apart from religion? What are its different practices? These questions, and more, are examined and answered by Zen Master Koun Yamada, whose Dharma heirs include Robert Aitken, Ruben Habito, and David Loy. Through compelling stories and a systematic approach, he guides the listener through creating and sustaining a lifelong practice. Warm and ecumenical in tone, Koun uses the insights of Zen to bring a deeper understanding of faith.

Comprising only 632 Chinese characters, the Heart Sutra is Buddhism in a nutshell. Despite its brevity, this powerful work covers more of the Buddha's teachings than any other scripture. Its influence is more profound and wide-reaching than any other text in Buddhism.

Frustrated by another incomplete book? Learn new ways to escape the hamster wheel and fill the shelves with brilliant best-sellers. Has your dream of authorship turned into a collection of half-finished manuscripts? Inspired by a great idea only to face burnout in the messy middle? Are you terrified by the evils of editing? With over a decade of experience in indie publishing, best-selling author and specialist in process streamlining Christy Nicholas has real-world expertise in transforming the practices of both novices and seasoned pros. And now she’s here to share eye-opening ...

The Placeless Abode weaves together five dharma talks delivered by Yoshin David Radin at the Rinzai-ji Zen Center of Los Angeles—his teacher Joshu Sasaki Roshi’s home temple. Structured like the sesshin, or Zen retreat, from which the material arose, each day’s talk is followed by other writings that reflect and deepen the themes addressed.

"Spending a year in the gardens with Erik Keller is illuminating and inspiring. A Therapist's Garden is the balm we need in troubling times." -Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative The Zen of mixing mud with seniors; crafting surprising salads out of weeds; and a hidden rabbit bringing joy to girls in a juvenile detention center. These are a few of the nearly 100 stories that Erik Keller takes readers on through a journey of how interacting with plants and nature can help heal mental, emotional, and physical trauma. Through ...

Leading Buddhist scholar Sam van Schaik explores the history and essence of Zen, based on a new translation of one of the earliest surviving collections of teachings by Zen masters. These teachings, titled The Masters and Students of the Lanka, were discovered in a sealed cave on the old Silk Road, in modern Gansu, China, in the early twentieth century. All more than a thousand years old, the manuscripts have sometimes been called the Buddhist Dead Sea Scrolls, and their translation has opened a new window onto the history of Buddhism.

Whether it's a speedy note-to-self, a simple shopping list or a carefully penned thank-you note, putting words on paper is a daily habit - and can also bring us great joy and calm. In this book you'll discover practical ways to turn the ordinary ritual of jotting things down into a remarkable...

Drowning in the daunting sea of revisions and edits? Break free from the shackles of unfinished manuscripts and conquer the art of refining your work into a polished masterpiece that captivates readers. In "Extreme Planning for Authors: Part Three – Editing," seasoned indie publishing expert Christy Nicholas continues her transformative series, addressing the often-feared editing stage of the writing process. If your dream of authorship has been hindered by the challenges of editing or the overwhelming task of turning drafts into polished gems, this guide is your beacon in the editorial ...

More than just another how-to manual relating to the independent film industry, in this book, Zen Filmmaker Scott Shaw, guides the reader towards understanding the deeper philosophical, psychological, and metaphysical realms of filmmaking via piercing articles and essays that detail not only his own experiences in the film industry but the interactions he has encountered via the actions and understandings of others. From this, the reader who desires to gain a deeper understanding of what the filmmaking process truly entails will be presented with facts known only to someone who has been an ...

You’ve likely heard the terms, “karma” and “meditation” before, but do you know what these words really mean? While some Buddhist principles have been popularized in the west, most people outside of Asia still know very little about Buddhism as a whole. Whether you’re seeking spiritual fulfillment, a new perspective on life, or simply want to add some healthy habits to your routine, you’re in the right place.