The Three Pillars of Zen Audiobook By Roshi Philip Kapleau cover art

The Three Pillars of Zen

Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment

Preview

Try for $0.00
Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.

The Three Pillars of Zen

By: Roshi Philip Kapleau
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $18.91

Buy for $18.91

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

In this classic work of spiritual guidance, the founder of the Rochester Zen Center presents a comprehensive overview of Zen Buddhism. Exploring the three pillars of Zen - teaching, practice, and enlightenment - Roshi Philip Kapleau, the man who founded one of the oldest and most influential Zen centers in the United States, presents a personal account of his own experiences as a student and teacher, and in so doing gives listeners invaluable advice on how to develop their own practices. Revised and updated, this edition features a new afterword by Sensei Bodhin Kjolhede, who succeeded Kapleau as spiritual director of the Rochester Zen Center. A moving, eye-opening work, The Three Pillars of Zen is the definitive introduction to the history and discipline of Zen.

©2000 Roshi Philip Kapleau (P)2017 Tantor
Philosophy Zen Inspiring Zen Buddhism

Critic reviews

"For anyone seriously interested in Zen - this book will be invaluable." ( The Times Literary Supplement)

What listeners say about The Three Pillars of Zen

Highly rated for:

Authentic Tone Comprehensible Understanding Practical Instructions Monastic Approach Classic Teachings
Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    327
  • 4 Stars
    50
  • 3 Stars
    27
  • 2 Stars
    10
  • 1 Stars
    8
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    285
  • 4 Stars
    55
  • 3 Stars
    17
  • 2 Stars
    6
  • 1 Stars
    7
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    285
  • 4 Stars
    42
  • 3 Stars
    24
  • 2 Stars
    8
  • 1 Stars
    7

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Narrator insufferable

Good book ruined by the affectations of the narrator. Too bad, I had hoped for a usable audio version.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very complete

Lots of information in this book. A very thorough examination of Zen Buddhism. Highly recommend.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Just amazing

The ABC of zazen. From beginners on, this one should do for you, if you are on the searching.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Must read for anyone serious about zen

This incredible book offers a unique insight into the heart of true japanese zen. Both equally practical and inspirational this book answers all the questions you might have on your path to zen practice.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The most useful book about Zen I've read

The most interesting parts were the dokusan and personal kensho descriptions. The details of sesshin gave me the a sense of monotonity, which might be a general phenomenon in Zen in order to "ripen" the mind. This phenomenon might be the reason why books on Zen keep repeating the same ideas; this book is no exception, but I don't see this as a problem any more (it bothered me when I read Beginner's Mind). I think this book encourages the reader to start practicing without thinking too much about the details and excuses.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

go for it

Very good book to understand basics of theory, posture and experiences of practitioners. veey well read too. Enjoyed it immensely

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An incredible introduction into Zen

At over 14 hours this book goes beyond an introduction and was a joy to listen to. Not only does it provide an in depth analysis of zazen but has many stories of students reaching enlightenment. I have read many books on Buddhism but this is in my top 3.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

10/10 would read again

If you're thinking about listening, please do.
It's a very comprehensive and insightful introduction? To zen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

absolutely outstanding. Loved it.

it laid out the complete strategy for enlightenment. including natural and illusionary and dilutions that will inhibit advancement.
Also, with many Q and A directly from the source.
A must have for anyone wanting a true connection to the oneness of existence.
Great flow and perfect reiteration of lessons and information.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great

The Bassui talk and letters alone make it worth the price. A lot of good information and practical tips.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!