Taking the Path of Zen

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$9.50

Taking the Path of Zen By Robert Aitken With a Foreword by Gary Snyder There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight , in a manner that both guides and inspires . InTAKINGTHEPATH OF ZEN Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. As one of the few Western Roshis (the Zen title " Roshi" means "teacher") Robert Aitken is at once faithful to Eastern tradition and to uniquely Western problems and attitudes . TAKING THE PATHOFZEN will serve as orientation and guide for anyone who is drawn to the ways of Zen, from the sim pi y curious to the serious Zen student . The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or meditation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from this center. He discusses correct breathing, posture, routine, teacherstudent relations, and koan study , as well as common problems and milestones encountered in the process . Throughout the book the author returns to zazen, offering further advice and more advanced techniques. The orientation extends to various religious attitudes and includes detailed discussions of the Three Treasures and the Ten Precepts of Zen Buddhism . These subtle and complex ethical structures are usually introduced to the serious student of Zen only after years of meditation and study. As citizens ofa troubled world, facing war and exploi tation and the possibili ty ofannihilation, people are questioning with some urgency the basic tenets oflife. Aitken Roshi 's purpose in presenting this comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism is to offer Zen practice more widelyas an option in the human search to resolve such questions .

ISBN: 0-86547 -080-4

Taking the Path of Zen Robert Ai tken

North Point Press San Francisco 1982

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