Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Master Sheng-yen, author of Subtle Wisdom and the head of monasteries in both Taiwan and the United States, has written another inspiring introduction to the Chan Buddhist tradition of China, more familiar to Americans as Zen, its incarnation in Japan. Eastern religion bookshelves these days are crowded with Zen primers and collections of sermons by eminent monks or nuns, but Sheng-yen's work stands out, bridging the two genres in a way that has been much needed. Buddhist sermons by Asian masters, when transplanted to American soil, can be misinterpreted by an audience lacking the cultural context for deeper understanding, leading to disillusionment with the institutional practice of Chan/Zen Buddhism. Sheng-yen, having taught in America for many years, is well aware of this and places Chan meditation in the larger Buddhist picture, showing its basis in history and morality. He explains the relationship between actual practice and the ideals expressed in sermons and in the paradoxical stories of early masters in such a way that a beginning student of Chan/Zen can then read the sermons with a deeper understanding of their relevance to his or her life. Aided by a masterful introduction by well-known scholar Dan Stevenson, this work brings introductory books on Chan/Zen to a new level of sophistication, accuracy and relevance to both the more advanced and the novice American practitioner. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Most Western students recognize Chan Buddhism as the immediate, though extinct, predecessor of Japanese Zen, but in this illuminating treatise readers will discover a Chan practice that is marvelously alive. A native of mainland China, Master Sheng-yen has taught about his path to peace and enlightenment in both the United States and Taiwan. In remarkably clear prose, Stevenson mines the master's classes and retreats to present a systematic overview of Sheng-yen's Chan, from the rudiments of mediation through vain descriptions of ineffable enlightenment. Those attracted to an Americanized Zen seemingly divorced from classical Buddhist teaching will be surprised to discover a Chan path emphasizing the absolute necessity of discipline, commitment, and moral purity. A very special book; highly recommended for academic and public libraries.DJames R. Kuhlman, Univ. of North Carolina at Asheville Lib. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
