The Way of Korean Zen

By Kusan Sunim

Book Overview

The power and simplicity of the Korean Zen tradition shine in this collection of teachings by a renowned modern master, translated by Martine Batchelor. Kusan Sunim provides a wealth of practical... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590306864
• ISBN13: 9781590306864
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Weatherhill
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A Consummate Zen Handbook

The Way of Korean Zen comes highly recommended -- it is a joy to read and to digest over time. The wisdom of Zen practice is gently set forward throughout the text. Kusan Sunim (Korean for "monk") is a consummate teacher, leading the reader, or student, through a series of interesting and helpful topics including: instructions for meditation; discourses from a winter retreat; advice and encouragement; and the ten oxherding pictures. This book sets forth Kusan Sunim's deep emphasis on questioning, the heart of the Koan practice of the Korean Zen Buddhist approach. He was constantly challenging the monks and seekers who came to him with abrupt and forthright questions, such as, "right now, tell me, what is the sky?" The book also details Kusan Sunim's biography, and how he practiced extremely diligently for many years, and as a result of his sincere and concerted effort attained profound breakthroughs . Aside from Kusan Sunim's many accomplishments as a teacher, he was the first Korean Zen teacher to accept Western students in a Korean monastery. Additionally, he lived simply and strictly as a vegan Zen monk. He was a bright, radiant, challenging, freeing, and magnetic presence. For those interested in another wonderful book on Korean Zen, I would recommend: No River to Cross: Trusting the Enlightenment That's Always Right Here.

One of the best books on Zen practice available

This is one of the few Zen books I recommend to people. I practice in the Rinzai tradition and have tossed out most of my books on Zen philosophy. If you really want to understand Zen, you must practice it. It's really that simple. Everything else is just an intellectual exercise. The great thing about this book is the fact that it contains the teachings of a master who gives excellent advice on how to practice. There are very few books that give this kind of detail and talk about such a critical part of the practice as the Hwa-du (Hua-T'ou in chinese). Aside from Chan and Zen Teachings, vol. 1 (which is out of print), this is one of just a couple of books that address practice in such a down-to-earth manner. This is a true gem of a book. If you are interested in truly understanding Zen, and that requires sincere practice, you will greatly benefit from this book. The primary technique discussed is the questioning mind. It is essential to maintain the questioning mind at all times. Kusan Sunim discusses this in great detail with a very good introduction to meditation. There are lots of questions and answers, advice and encouragement, and the book ends with a commentary on the 10 ox-herding pictures. It's like having a good friend sit down with you and explain a lot of the practical questions that arise during sincere Zen practice. If you want to take your practice deeper, this book is a very worthwhile purchase. I highly recommend it.