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Hwadu: Zen Questions and Answers from Korea
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 7, 2018
A great book but extremely befuddling to the mind. The book begins with a number of questions and answers by the Zen Master DaeWon. Much of this section is difficult to grasp or understand as I believe the answers given by Zen Master DaeWon are meant to shift and change our perceptions on the nature of our mind and the nature of reality. Many of these questions and answers (Korans in Japanese or kong-an in Korean) or meant to be meditated on and to help the student reach enlightenment so much time needs to be spend on them. It is worth it if you are only able to reach just a fraction of understanding.
March 20, 2019
There are some interesting conversations which are philosophical in nature inspired by the belief in karma and dharma.
Not really my cup of tea (there are references to 'drinking tea' while there is a need for reflection or just silence or nothing which I liked).
I felt the life story of DaeWon is more for believers. However, through his life journey, we can also get some sense of Korean historical events.
I will suggest reading this book when you want to pass your time and want to know something about hwadu.
Not really my cup of tea (there are references to 'drinking tea' while there is a need for reflection or just silence or nothing which I liked).
I felt the life story of DaeWon is more for believers. However, through his life journey, we can also get some sense of Korean historical events.
I will suggest reading this book when you want to pass your time and want to know something about hwadu.
September 3, 2017
Zen master is a zen gem
It is difficult to find Zen master, but if u have the heart to find one, then master will come to u. Amazing book. Great Zen talks. Must read if you love Zen.
It is difficult to find Zen master, but if u have the heart to find one, then master will come to u. Amazing book. Great Zen talks. Must read if you love Zen.
May 22, 2021
how is this a q&a when the questions and footnotes are clearer and better written than the answers? of course, could be because it's translated but still?!
PS. read this in one sitting while waiting for my car routine maintenance service
PS. read this in one sitting while waiting for my car routine maintenance service
December 27, 2016
Fine book of Koans
I decided to read this book of Zen koans on my flight from Japan over to Korea. The annotations provide excellent guidance for understanding subtle differences observed in Korean Zen. I found the selected questions and answers to be mostly deep and enlightening, though for laity, some cases can take a while to firmly grasp the nature of Reality as it is discussed. I thought the autobiography was well written if not slightly self glorifying. Master DaeWon strikes me as someone who is clearly enlightened. He appears liberal in his actions and forward thinking when it comes to Zen practice and investment in the good of the material world. All of these qualities are clear in the text.
I decided to read this book of Zen koans on my flight from Japan over to Korea. The annotations provide excellent guidance for understanding subtle differences observed in Korean Zen. I found the selected questions and answers to be mostly deep and enlightening, though for laity, some cases can take a while to firmly grasp the nature of Reality as it is discussed. I thought the autobiography was well written if not slightly self glorifying. Master DaeWon strikes me as someone who is clearly enlightened. He appears liberal in his actions and forward thinking when it comes to Zen practice and investment in the good of the material world. All of these qualities are clear in the text.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews