
The Spirit of Zen
Spirit Of...
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Narrated by:
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Fred Stella
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By:
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Sam van Schaik
About this listen
An engaging introduction to Zen Buddhism, featuring a new English translation of one of the earliest Zen texts
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.
Both accessible and illuminating, this book explores the continuities between the ways in which Zen was practiced in ancient times, and how it is practiced today in East Asian countries such as Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as in the emerging Western Zen tradition.
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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.
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Overall
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Not Review
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Performance
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
As an orphan in the slums of Tsu City, Japan, Kodo Sawaki had to fight his way to adulthood, and became one of the most respected Zen masters of the twentieth century. Though he remained poor by choice, he was rich in spirit. A student of Kosho Uchiyama, Arthur Braverman has compiled an anthology of Sawaki's writings and a garland of sayings gathered from throughout his lifetime. One of a few collections of Sawaki's teachings published in English, his life and work bracket the most intriguing and influential period of modern Zen practice in Japan and America.
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Narrator Mistakes Nonfiction For Drama
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What listeners say about The Spirit of Zen
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- JK
- 04-28-24
OUTSTANDING
I highly recommend listening to this book, it is one of the best books I have read/listened to on the subject.
I have the physical book, so was able to read and listen at the same time, make notes and repeat certain sections.
The author mr. Sam van Schaik is amazing and I will try to find more books by him.
The narrator, mr. Fred Stella, as usual, is a pleasure to listen to.
My thanks to all involved, JK.
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- Shahid
- 03-18-23
Brilliant and fascinating
Well worth the time -- will probably listen to again. So much great information and insights to consider.
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