An Introduction to Zen Training: A Translation of Sanzen Nyumon

by Omori Sogen, Trevor Leggett, Dogen Hosokawa, et al.

Book Overview

Introduction to Zen Training is a translation of the Sanzen Nyumon, a foundational text for beginning meditation students by Omori Sogen--one of the foremost Zen teachers of the twentieth century.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804832471
• ISBN13: 9780804832472
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The real deal-and a good read at that

It is well worth the money. As authentic as it gets without being dry. This is a good read. Some points can get a little verbose but it is only when describing complex ideas. In an ideal world all writers would explain complex ideas in simple terms so that they are easily understandable to all.

Zen training Tutor

Introduction to Zen Training, Sanzen Nyumon is one of the few books to address the many questions that naturally arise as one begins to train. Questions range from the elementary of how long one should sit at a time to the more intensive of how to maintain concentration when not sitting. Omori Rotatishi was best able to convey his points by drawing upon his vigorous training as a martial artist of the samurai era and his scholarship in both Chinese and Japanese bringing to life the many traditional Zen teaching stories. The book provides an introduction to the physical nature of training, discussing ones state of mind, the physiology, breath, posture, pain, and drowsiness. Training is placed in a context which gives sitting meditation depth and breadth. Sanzen Nyumon discusses the rationale for zazen, the foundation of Zen training. Zazen, while seemingly a simple activity, is not just "quiet sitting" and its value remains in fully understanding the subtleties of the activity. The book also provides instructions on how to sit zazen, and how to adjust one's breath, posture and mental state.