Introduction to Zen Training: A Physical Approach to Meditation and Mind-Body Training (the Classic Rinzai Zen Manual)

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 book addresses many of the questions which arise when someone first embarks on a journey of Zen meditation--ranging from how long to sit at one time to how to remain mindful when not sitting--and it concludes with commentaries on two other fundamental Zen texts, Zazen Wasen (The Song of Meditation) and the Ox-Herding Pictures.

Written to provide a solid grounding in the physical nature of Zen meditation training, this text delves into topics such as: BreathingPainPosturePhysiologyDrowsinessHow to find the right teacherThe differences between the two main Japanese schools of Zen: Soto and Rinzai ZenAs a master swordsman, Omori Sogen's approach to Zen is direct, physical, and informed by the rigorous tradition of Zen and the martial arts that flourished during Japan's samurai era. For him, the real aim of Zen is nothing short of Enlightenment--and Introduction to Zen Training is a roadmap in which he deals as adeptly with hundreds of years of Zen scholarship as he does with the mundane practicalities of meditation.

Sogen prescribes a level of rigor and intensity in spiritual training that goes far beyond wellness and relaxation, and that is rarely encountered. His is a kind of spiritual warriorship he felt was direly needed in the middle of the twentieth century and that is no less necessary today.

With a new foreword from Daihonzan Chozen-ji, the headquarters Zen temple established by Omori Sogen in Hawaii, this book is an essential text for every student of Zen meditation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804852030
• ISBN13: 9780804852036
• Release Date: February 2020
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.1" x 7.9"

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.