Manual of Zen Buddhism by D.T. Suzuki


Manual of Zen Buddhism
Title : Manual of Zen Buddhism
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0802130658
ISBN-10 : 9780802130655
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 192
Publication : First published November 30, 1934

Here are the famous sutras, or sermons, of the Buddha, the gathas, or hymns, the intriguing philosophical puzzles known as koan, and the dharanis, or invocations to expel evil spirits. Included also are the recorded conversations of the great Buddhist monks—intimate dialogues on the subjects of momentous importance. In addition to the written selections, all of them translated by Dr. Suzuki, there are reproductions of many Buddhist drawings and paintings, including religious statues found in Zen temples, each with an explanation of its significance, and the great series of allegorical paintings “The Ten Oxherding Pictures.”

Manual of Zen Buddhism Reviews

  • Kyle

    Satori can happen at any moment for anyone, offering a glimpse of insight into everything, and it is good to know the thoughtful Daisetsu provided a manual to let us in the West know what to do when it happens, how it connects to a revered practice of meditation and inner peace made popular in parts of Asia. This book is more than a Hitchhikers’ Guide to far out wisdom of the Far East, but a rather more sensible understanding of the many incarnations of Buddha, the Bodhisattva and Arhats who inspired such contemplative devoting across India, China and Japan. There is also the intriguing notions about space and time, particularly an understanding of place in both the past and future, that is understated throughout the prayers, teachings and admonitions that curiously get treated like it ain’t no thing, and perhaps there is some subtle proof that then and there is no different than here and now.

  • Elie

    very rough around the edges.

  • Christopher Mattick

    Despite the title, not really a manual, and not the right book for the complete novice.



  • Tony Ferraro

    Jesus!

    Starts off nice and easy and then whammo! Right into the thick .. If you can make it through all the triple-non-logic then you may find some choice gems .. Last sections seem skippable but don't skip'm .. The two Ox sequences are good ..

    And, for- what i thought was- a 'cool' 'non-religion' there sure are a many "don't"s and "nor"s and "[it is and it is not]"s .. Hahaha

    Overall:
    Nice reminder to chill out

  • Jenny Modica

    Torture to read.. I’ve learned nothing of value from this book and that’s the opposite of Buddhism

  • Conor

    More primary sources of Zen Buddhism rather than a manual but still extremely valuable and I learned a lot

  • Edward

    The companion volume to Suzuki's Introduction to Zen Buddhism, this is mostly of collection of source materials and quotations from great Zen masters like Dogen or Hakuin. For this reason it's better to read the other book first if you can, although there are still some notes and explanatory sections here.



    "There is really nothing to argue about in this teaching;

    Any arguing is sure to go against the intent of it;

    Doctrines given up to confusion and argumentation

    Lead by themselves to birth and death."

  • Jenna

    TORTURE! I don't think religion should be so abstract and mystical. Good grief this was hard to understand. I've known wonderful Buddhists in my life, but this manual? Not accessible for me. I think religion should be accessible.

  • Sean A.

    critical metaphysics.

  • Thomas

    Suzuki is a very good writer on Zen, highly suggest this author.

  • Jason

    A great reference book for important Zen writings.