Zen Questions

By Robert Allen

Featuring a wide array of contemporary and traditional poets, both Eastern and Western, who, with the greatest economy of words and purity of vision, have captured moments of true feeling, Zen Questions is the perfect book for anyone new to Zen and a wonderful companion volume for those searching to better understand their lives.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0740723804
• ISBN13: 9780740723803
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.0" x 1.3" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Get some answers to those nonsensical questions about Zen

This wondrous little book is an attempt to answer some of the more common questions people have of Zen. (Although helpful for an "outsider" Q & A sessions regarding Zen practice are contradictory to the "feel it-do it" nature of Zen.) The black/white/gray painting illustrations are beautiful, and worth the price alone. The author Robert Allen helps those on the outside of Zen looking in understand what it's all about...and also what it's not (there's that Eastern dualism going on). Much of Zen Buddhism is like an introverted, paradoxical algebra problem to which there is an answer but none of the formulas or equations seem to work -- Zen is as much a lifestyle as it is an art form of practice and emotional concentration. Do I practice Zen? No. But nevertheless, I still thought this was a grand little book.

Good answers, excellent introduction

Although somewhat contradictory to the nature of Zen, Robert Allen will probably answer most questions you may have about the Zen way and experience, especially if you're a beginner. (Or think you are. This book will also tell you why you're not.)Concise and to "the point", not to mention beautifully illustrated, it serves as both an excellent introduction and an inspiration.Why does Zen never provide a clear answer to anything? What's the deal with all that "one hand clapping" business? Is it all just a big joke? How does Zen relate to other major religions? Do I have to be a buddhist to practice Zen? Or intelligent? How about Japanese? Why does it have to be so complicated, or rather -- how can it be so simple?This book will inspire you -- in one way or another.In short: highly recommended.