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Description
Whether speaking of student or master, Zen hinges on the question. Zen practice does not necessarily focus on the answers, but on finding a space in which we may sustain uncertainty and remain present and upright in the middle of investigations. Zen Questions begins by exploring "The World of Zazen,"--the foundational practice of the Zen school--presenting it as an attitude of sustained inquiry that offers us an entryway into true repose and joy. From there, Leighton draws deeply on his own experience as a Zen scholar and teacher to invite us into the creativity of Zen awareness and practice. He explores the poetic mind of Dogen with the poetry of Rumi, Mary Oliver, Gary Snyder, and even "the American Dharma Bard" Bob Dylan. What's more, Leighton uncovers surprising resonances between the writings of America's Founding Fathers--including Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin--and the liberating ideals at the heart of Zen.
Product Details
Publisher | Wisdom Publications |
Publish Date | November 22, 2011 |
Pages | 312 |
Language | English |
Type | |
EAN/UPC | 9780861716456 |
Dimensions | 228.6 X 152.4 X 17.8 mm | 430.9 g |
About the Author
Taigen Dan Leighton, Soto Zen priest and successor in the Suzuki Roshi lineage, received Dharma Transmission in 2000 from Reb Anderson Roshi and is Dharma Teacher at Ancient Dragon Zen Gate in Chicago. After residing for years at San Francisco Zen Center and Tassajara monastery, Taigen also practiced for two years in Kyoto, Japan. Taigen is author of Zen Questions: Zazen, Dogen, and the Spirit of Creative Inquiry, Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression, and Visions of Awakening Space and Time: Dogen and the Lotus Sutra. He has edited and co-translated several Zen texts including: Dogen's Extensive Record: A Translation of Eihei Koroku, Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi, Dogen's Pure Standards for the Zen Community, and The Wholehearted Way, and has contributed to many other books and journals. Taigen teaches online at Berkeley Graduate Theological Union, from where he has a PhD. He has taught at other universities including Saint Mary's College, the California Institute of Integral Studies, and in Chicago at Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary and Loyola University Chicago. Taigen has long been active in social justice programs, including Peace and Environmental Activism.
Reviews
"Zen Questions equally introduces and expands our American understanding of Buddhist teachings, and of the many possibilities in navigating our own lives." --
"This is a wise and inspiring book."
"Taigen Leighton is full of compassion for the reader, whether a beginning or experienced practitioner."
"Leighton offers his readers an impressive array of insights into Soto Zen meditation practice."
"Clear, accurate and eminently useful."
"These delightful essays take us another step down the long lonesome road toward naturalizing dharma into our own cultural matrix."
"This is an incredibly valuable book, useful for anyone who wishes to integrate their heart-work with work in the world."
"Taigen Dan Leighton has done his homework, digs deep, and comes up with treasure."
"Brilliant text."
"Unique and scintillating. I highly recommend this book to anyone who cherishes the illumination of wisdom both ancient and modern."
"This is a wise and inspiring book."
"Taigen Leighton is full of compassion for the reader, whether a beginning or experienced practitioner."
"Leighton offers his readers an impressive array of insights into Soto Zen meditation practice."
"Clear, accurate and eminently useful."
"These delightful essays take us another step down the long lonesome road toward naturalizing dharma into our own cultural matrix."
"This is an incredibly valuable book, useful for anyone who wishes to integrate their heart-work with work in the world."
"Taigen Dan Leighton has done his homework, digs deep, and comes up with treasure."
"Brilliant text."
"Unique and scintillating. I highly recommend this book to anyone who cherishes the illumination of wisdom both ancient and modern."
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