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How to Grow a Lotus Blossom
Paperback
Published January 1, 1977
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May 8, 2014
An excellent book but not one for the beginner in the Soto tradition. Rev. Kinnett's journey is one of varying degrees of the kensho experience, when close to her death. Usually it's difficult to find the more esoteric texts within Zen. I bought this book in 1997, after practicing zazen for a few years. As my practice within Zen increased so did my knowledge of the more mystical aspects of 'just sitting'.
Many times in Zen I've heard people advocating shunning such visions and experiences as simple makkyo. Something not to be pondered upon, but simply discarded. IMO this is a nonsensical approach to the student's progression in zazen. What Rev. Kinnett describes in stark terms and refreshing eloquent honesty is her personal experiences of the second kensho and then finally the third. Attacks by Mara and the burden of her karma, taking in her recollection of previous existences back to her lameness she found in her existence as a tiger trapped in a cage. "I've been a monk so many times', she states, this is fairly obvious for her to have found the Buddha's teaching and been such an ardent follower of the Dharma.
Many within the Soto church and even those from different Buddhist sects dislike this book. But I must say it's possibly my favourite written by a most remarkable lady and Zennist.
Many times in Zen I've heard people advocating shunning such visions and experiences as simple makkyo. Something not to be pondered upon, but simply discarded. IMO this is a nonsensical approach to the student's progression in zazen. What Rev. Kinnett describes in stark terms and refreshing eloquent honesty is her personal experiences of the second kensho and then finally the third. Attacks by Mara and the burden of her karma, taking in her recollection of previous existences back to her lameness she found in her existence as a tiger trapped in a cage. "I've been a monk so many times', she states, this is fairly obvious for her to have found the Buddha's teaching and been such an ardent follower of the Dharma.
Many within the Soto church and even those from different Buddhist sects dislike this book. But I must say it's possibly my favourite written by a most remarkable lady and Zennist.
Displaying 1 of 1 review