Opening the Hand of Thought

Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice

By: Kosho Uchiyama, Tom Wright - editor translator, Jisho Warner - editor translator, Shohaku Okumura - editor translator

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

For over 30 years, Opening the Hand of Thought has offered an introduction to Zen Buddhism and meditation unmatched in clarity and power. This is the revised edition of Kosho Uchiyama's singularly incisive classic.

This new edition contains even more useful material: new prefaces, an index, and extended endnotes, in addition to a revised glossary. As Jisho Warner writes in her preface, Opening the Hand of Thought "goes directly to the heart of Zen practice...showing how Zen Buddhism can be a deep and life-sustaining activity." She goes on to say, "Uchiyama looks at what a person is, what a self is, how to develop a true self not separate from all things, one that can settle in peace in the midst of life."

By turns humorous, philosophical, and personal, Opening the Hand of Thought is above all a great book for the Buddhist practitioner. It's a perfect follow-up for the listener who has heard Zen Meditation in Plain English and is especially useful for those who have not yet encountered a Zen teacher.

©2004 Jisho Warner (P)2022 Tantor

Breaks thru Zen's opacity

Sean's narration is spot on. A long time personal favorite, very pleased to revisit 20 after first reading it.

One of the best books on Zazen

Uchiyama Roshi was one of the great masters of the twentieth century. Listen carefully and use his words as a guide to practice.

Excellent book for Zen/Chan practitioners!

Love everything about this book. Smoothly takes you to an effective practice, clearing all the possible confusions regards this amazing practice. Also the narrator voice is right for this type of book. Thank you so much.

Succinct and Potent

A simple book with a power in its words ready to sink into the listeners soul.

Clarity

Clearly described insight into self from the Zen perspective. I have listened to it multiple times.