Instant Zen

Waking Up in the Present

By: Foyan, Thomas Cleary - translator

Narrated by: Thomas Cleary

Length: 2 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Find yourself and tune in: such is the message of Zen. These simple exercises by Zen Master Foyan lead you to the awakening of insight into the real nature of self. The Chinese Zen classic emphasizes independence and autonomy, two qualities vital to seeing and acting clearly. Both newcomers and experienced practitioners will benefit from this guide to authentic Zen practices.

(P)1996 Audio Literature; ©1994 Thomas Cleary

This book might change your life

This is pure Zen philosophy without the ritual nonsense about tea ceremonies, mediation techniques and sitting positions. If you like Alan Watts, then you will love this book.

Excellent

The definitive text on Zen. Nothing else compares. Written by the most accomplished Zen master of ancient China.

You need to listen to this

Absolutely insane wisdom in 2 and a half hours. Must listen if you know Thomas Cleary’s work translating the zen classics

Seriouse folks.. A MUST READ*

Amazing teacher! This is one of the BEST teachers I have heard.

Sadly, I feel there's a lot of false zen teachers in the west right now misguiding students.. Many of which hold tittles in various lineages, guiding students, running temples & zendo's.

This book has helped me in so may ways... for one, to see that I was not alone in what I have seen. Master Foyan cuts trough all the BS that was present in his time & is clearly the same situation in our modern era.. His "no apologies" style teachings call it as he sees it, hitting the mark right on the nose.. This book will help anyone who is interest in gaining the eyes to see which Teachers are full of BS & which are not, & help you gain the eyes to see true Dharma for yourself.

If this teacher was alive today, I wouldn't be writing this review because I'd be on my way to his monastery.

If you would rather stop being fooled by false teachers & wake up today, instead of sleeping on your cushion for another 10 years... then this is the book for you!

He even brings up some valid criticism of the "present moment" style teachers that interestingly enough seem to be on the rise again today.

Endless Bows,

May we each find our way*

-Fugon Mugen

Seek without seeking

Growth, everytime you replay. Master Foyan, a true living teacher, walks with you now!

I listened this book, this actual audio book, first in 2009. I have since then returned to it over and over. I am fortunate to have achieved enlightenment back in the 80's. For which I credit 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' for having placed me on the right path. However, I had questions, and even though I grew spiritually, I wanted to hear from a traditional master. Since I had already received the gift; I didn't know exactly what I was expecting; so I want to express the joy I have received at hearing the stories over and over; and how through the book I discovered some true deep meditation practices. Not that he teaches them; but, that the book is almost, if not truly alive. There were times I transcended time and walked with the Masters. At times, I found Master Foyan chiding me, asking what I was doing there (as if he didn't already know); and at times just being a friend and talking about his life and the life of other old masters, and the way thus. What a joy. I've looked for other related books; but have not found another like it!

Other than the first line of this review; I'm here today adding this additional commentary 11 years later, I love it so much. I haven't listened to it for over a year; and the new phone didn't have the download.... I had lost and just regained access to my Audible account; and it's still here for me. Great folks, may they outlive my need. I'm downloading to listen to it tonight.

Let me end with. If you have questions, this book has answers. If you already have achieved what you've sought; this book has comfort, companionship and Master Foyan is a great story teller. If you're trying to find what you think you have lost.. well... it's time to get off the Donkey! Master Foyan can and will guide you back to what you never lost, or to what you never had in the first place. Can I say more? Perhaps... This IS the book on the subject of Zen you're looking for...

Settle the matter for yourself

The challenge of zen is to settle this matter of life and death for yourself in this moment. Any book that gives you mere philosophy, or dogma, should be immediately tossed away. Foyan points out the way directly; an indispensable guide.

Content excellent, reading poor

This is not read by Thomas Cleary, the narrator did not bother to find out how to pronounce the names of the Chan masters quoted properly, making the listening quite awkward. The content, however, as all of Cleary's work, is excellent. Audible should present more from his Zen corpus (not just the 'Art of War' stuff).

An essential on real Zen

Over the centuries Zen has apparently been changed into something else, a fixed practice and a way of life that contains none of the real Zen essence, diluted and flavored to match our western palate.

This book, by Ch’an master Foyan and wonderfully translated (and read, as far as I know) by Thomas Cleary, points directly to the ineffable Zen way, as taught by the original Ch’an masters.

If you want a taste of real, non-westernized Zen, this is one of the essential books to get.

I wish more of these books on Zen by Thomas Cleary find their way to audiobooks.

An excellent book on the natural mind and the essence of non duality.

Among books regarding the quintessence of mind, these chapters are without peer. Direct, no dogma. An excellent reminder for those lost in cognition and personal narrative.

Buddhist "pick me up"

This is the kind of dhamma talk that cuts through all the concepts we flap around to distract ourselves from seeing what's real, even if it hurts at first.
Great talk, great teacher. No apologies for slightly stilted language, it doesn't take anything away from this communication.