Zen: Dawn in the West

by Philip Kapleau

Believing that Buddhist teachings and traditional ceremonies should be adapted to twentieth-century life styles, Kapleau presents an introduction to the philosophy and practice of Zen written especially for American readers

Genres: Zen, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion

311 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

A teacher of Zen Buddhism in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition, a blending of Japanese Soto and Rinzai schools.

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book first appeared in 1980, a few months after my own tumultuous fall from the polished grace of polite society. Benumbed by a massive dosage of chlorpromazine - one of the first instruments of my recovery and, later, happiness - it gave me hope, at that watershed moment.

Kapleau tells us we are on the wrong path in life: I.e., our spiritual materialism.

You know that feeling (‘if only I had this gizmo, or that shiny new gewgaw in my life, I’d finally find peace’)? Yeah, THAT feeling! Brother, did I take a wrong turn.

And that’s what Roshi Phil told me.

Vastly energized by that insight - I soon started jogging that spring to get back in the swing - and I started collecting books about Zen.

By 1985, I started studying Krishnamurti. He showed me the Pearl in the Oyster.

The proverbial Pearl of Great Price.

And what was that treasure?

Only in the fact that life gets simpler as you keep studying the essence of life.

***

“What is the meaning of life?” asked the Monk.

“The plum tree in the garden!” roared the Master.

And the scales fell from the young monk’s eyes!

***

You know, bland is beautiful!

And the end of all our searching
Will be to arrive back at the place we started
And KNOW the place for the first time.

***

Worth the price of this book alone, are the autobiographical stories of various students and of Kapleau's own Enlightenment!

Awakening to the Truth IS within our reach.

[julieta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estoy buscando entender un poco mejor el Budismo Zen, y pensé que sería un buen principio. Sí me aclaró algunas dudas, porque es poco lo que conozco, pero me pareció un poco caótica la estructura.

[Dylan]

Patient and level-headed, not at all disdainful of the baggage that many Americans bring to Zen. There is a lot of genuine teaching and wisdom here. I’m grateful I found this book at a used bookstore in Asheville last month

[Yosep · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kapleau is completely full of shit. Don't waste your money.