RECOMMENDED ZEN BOOKS

 
 

Introduction to Zen Training

– Omori Sogen

This is a translation of the book by Omori Sogen Rotaishi, meant to describe some of the most basic issues that a beginning student encounters.

 

Omori Sogen: The Art of a Zen Master

– Hosokawa Dogen

This book comes in two parts: the first is a biography of the remarkable life of Omori Sogen Rotaishi, and the second part includes a number of teaching essays.

 

 

Fudochi Shimmyo Roku

– Takuan Soho

This book is a core text for our lineage of Zen training, capturing some of the core principles that are meant to be physically realized. It was written by the Zen teacher Takuan Soho (1573 – 1645) in the form of a letter to the sword master and advisor in strategy for the Shogun of Japan at the time.

 

Zen and Budo

– Omori Sogen

This small book was first written as an essay by Omori Sogen Rotaishi, one of the foremost Japanese Zen masters of the 20th century.

 

 

One Arrow, One Life

– Kenneth Kushner

One Arrow, One Life is a classic treatise on kyudo, the art of traditional Japanese archery, and its relation to the ideals and practice of Zen Buddhism.

 

Zen Kyudo

– Jitsudo Tsuha Roshi and Kenneth Setsuzan Kushner Roshi

This manual for the Chozen-ji school of kyudo can be downloaded for free. Donations are always welcome.

 

 

The Zen Leader

– Ginny Whitelaw

The Zen Leader guides you through 10 “flips” that take you from barely managing to leading fearlessly.

 

A Feast of the Senses

– Patricia Dravis Greene

Cookbook and photo essay from the Spring Green Dojo Feast of the Senses Dinner.

 

 

Facing Suffering

– Gordon M. Greene

Facing Suffering tells the story of Greene Roshi’s training as a hospital chaplain, illustrating how his Zen training influenced his chaplain work. But the bigger purpose is showing how our particular lineage of Zen engages with suffering, that deeply human dilemma that lies at the heart of Buddhism.

 

Resonate

– Ginny Whitelaw

In a time of great noise, disruption and dysfunction, it can be hard to be heard or know how to make a difference. But master the principle underlying change and you can live your most significant, joyful, and resilient life. That principle is resonance and Resonate is your guide.