Why Lazarus Laughed: The Essential Doctrine, Zen--Advaita--Tantra

by Wei Wu Wei

Book Overview

Why Lazarus Laughed explicates the essential doctrine shared by the traditions of Zen Buddhism, Advaita, and Tantra. Wei Wu Wei has become an underground spiritual favorite whose fans anxiously await each reissued book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591810116
• ISBN13: 9781591810117
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Sentient Publications
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Most Commendable

This book, "Why Lazarus Laughed," along with its sister, "Ask The Awakened," are both highly recommended to those who are seriously on the "Path" toward Self-Discovery, leading to "Enlightenment." "Enlightenment," in the sense used by WEI WU WEI, is our natural state, hidden behind an "Ego," and which is obscured by the objectification of the "I"-thought. When "you" quieten the activities of a "split-mind," that is, mind dichotomized into subject and its objects, "you" will discover "Whole Mind," (the universal sense of Presence sans the "I"-thought, which is the "Buddha-Mind," the "Original Face," the non-verbal "Beingness/non-Beingness," state, "True Nature," etc., etc.). These are synonomous terms for the "Awakened" state that W.W.W. describes so beautifully and vividly in these books. They are most commendable! Nirguna.

Tough read, but valuable

This book is by no means for the beginner. It's a tough, somewhat dry read which goes into detailed aspects of metaphysics; however and thankfully, it isn't a technical manual which would've overshot the purpose of this book. Personally, I found Unworldly Wise a more efficient book for a beginner as this one seems more useful for the occasional dive into more detailed perspectives.

The End of Reading

Cut to the quick! Read this and you won't need to read further. Doesn't matter whether or not you think of yourself as a student of Zen. Wei Wu Wei goes to the heart and throws it in your face so clearly that the only way you won't "get it" is if you resist. If that is the case then stop reading all together. Save your money and buy insurance. A brilliant classic!

Powerfully Stilling

This book is another gem from Wei Wu Wei. It is a fine collection of Zen Advaita and Tantra. It is a must have for anyone interested in the nature of THAT beyond the words or concepts.

A Must Read

"Man is a river...never the same for two consecutive seconds" says Wei Wu Wei in this collection of enlightening essays. Packed with insights and encouragement, every page of this book has something to offer. Why Lazarus Laughed focuses on what Zen, Advaita, and Tantra have in common; what essential doctrines they share. This focus provides a refreshing look at the common questions that we all share as human beings and gives us the inspiration we need to continue on our own personal journey of understanding. Wei Wu Wei helps us come to terms with and accept the inherent uncertainty in our uncertain world. Anyone needing inspiration on their search towards self-discovery should be sure to read this book at least twice!