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Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings
"It has stayed with me for the last 30 years, a classic portraying Zen mind to our linear thinking." --Phil Jackson, Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls and author of Sacred HoopsZen Flesh, Zen Bones offers a collection of accessible, primary Zen sources so that readers can contemplate the meaning of Zen for themselves. Within the pages, readers will 101 Zen Stories, a collection of tales that recount actual experiences of Chinese and Japanese Zen teachers over a period of more than five centuriesThe Gateless Gate, the famous thirteenth-century collection of Zen koansTen Bulls, a twelfth century commentary on the stages of awareness leading to enlightenmentCentering, a 4,000 year-old teaching from India that some consider to be the roots of Zen.When Zen Flesh, Zen Bones was published in 1957, it became an instant sensation with an entire generation of readers who were just beginning to experiment with Zen. Over the years it has inspired leading American Zen teachers, students, and practitioners. Its popularity is as high today as ever.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1957
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September 22, 2024
There once was a master of Zen.
No koans eluded his ken.
But then came a day
One made sense – what the hey?!
Enlightenment ceased there and then.
It's one of my all-time favourites. I have read and re-read this book countless times. And I loved it every time I read! Zen Flesh and Zen Bones is a compilation of Zen koans and stories.
A Koan is a paradoxical anecdote or riddle without a solution, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning; and provoke enlightenment.
What is the sound of clap by one hand?
From a rational or intellectual perspective, it’s not easy to make sense of such a puzzle. Some people would say a single hand not clapping against another could hardly make a sound. But practitioners of Zen would say trying to answer this question from an intellectual perspective would completely miss the point of this Zen koan. The question is to be experienced and dwelt on in a much more open, meditative manner that bypasses intellectual or realistic thought. Once you are able to not look at this as merely a question to be answered in a rational way, you may come close to finding your own answer.
.................................................
The book is divided into four parts:
1). 101 Zen stories, transcribed by Nyogen, Senzaki, and Paul Reps: Its a miscellaneous collection of stories, parables, small statements.
2). The Gateless Gate by Mumon, transcribed by Nyogen, Senzaki, and Paul Reps: Is a collection of 48 Zen koans compiled in the early 13th century by the Chinese Zen master Mumon. Each koan is accompanied by a commentary and verse by Mumon. But this edition includes a 49th case composed by Anwan.
3). 10 Bulls by Kakuan, transcribed by Nyogen, Senzaki, and Paul Reps: Is a series of short poems and accompanying pictures used to illustrate the stages of a practitioner's progression towards the purification of the mind and satori (enlightenment).
The 10 Bulls depict a journey, the goal of which is enlightenment. The bull is the eternal principle of life; one's true nature.
4). Centering by Paul Reps: It is the rendering of Vigyan Bhairav Tantra- a key text of the Trika school of Kashmir Shaivism. In this book it is cast as a discourse between the god Shiva and his consort Devi or Shakti; it briefly presents 112 meditation methods or centering techniques. These include several variants of breath awareness, concentration on various centers in the body, non-dual awareness, chanting, imagination and visualization and contemplation through each of the senses. It was introduced to the west by Swami Lakshman Joo, whose western associates included Paul Reps.
..........................................
Highly Recommended!
No koans eluded his ken.
But then came a day
One made sense – what the hey?!
Enlightenment ceased there and then.
It's one of my all-time favourites. I have read and re-read this book countless times. And I loved it every time I read! Zen Flesh and Zen Bones is a compilation of Zen koans and stories.
A Koan is a paradoxical anecdote or riddle without a solution, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning; and provoke enlightenment.
What is the sound of clap by one hand?
From a rational or intellectual perspective, it’s not easy to make sense of such a puzzle. Some people would say a single hand not clapping against another could hardly make a sound. But practitioners of Zen would say trying to answer this question from an intellectual perspective would completely miss the point of this Zen koan. The question is to be experienced and dwelt on in a much more open, meditative manner that bypasses intellectual or realistic thought. Once you are able to not look at this as merely a question to be answered in a rational way, you may come close to finding your own answer.
.................................................
The book is divided into four parts:
1). 101 Zen stories, transcribed by Nyogen, Senzaki, and Paul Reps: Its a miscellaneous collection of stories, parables, small statements.
2). The Gateless Gate by Mumon, transcribed by Nyogen, Senzaki, and Paul Reps: Is a collection of 48 Zen koans compiled in the early 13th century by the Chinese Zen master Mumon. Each koan is accompanied by a commentary and verse by Mumon. But this edition includes a 49th case composed by Anwan.
3). 10 Bulls by Kakuan, transcribed by Nyogen, Senzaki, and Paul Reps: Is a series of short poems and accompanying pictures used to illustrate the stages of a practitioner's progression towards the purification of the mind and satori (enlightenment).
The 10 Bulls depict a journey, the goal of which is enlightenment. The bull is the eternal principle of life; one's true nature.
4). Centering by Paul Reps: It is the rendering of Vigyan Bhairav Tantra- a key text of the Trika school of Kashmir Shaivism. In this book it is cast as a discourse between the god Shiva and his consort Devi or Shakti; it briefly presents 112 meditation methods or centering techniques. These include several variants of breath awareness, concentration on various centers in the body, non-dual awareness, chanting, imagination and visualization and contemplation through each of the senses. It was introduced to the west by Swami Lakshman Joo, whose western associates included Paul Reps.
..........................................
Highly Recommended!
September 5, 2011
Interpreting the meaning of Zen is difficult at the best of times, and from what I know of it, I’m not even sure that intellectualising it is the best way to go anyway. Therefore, I’m just going to list a couple of my favourite Zen kōans from the 101 Zen Stories, and then try to explain how they affect the way in which I attempt to live my life.
The Moon Cannot be Stolen
Ryokan, a Zen Master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing in it to steal.
Ryokan returned and caught him. ‘You may have come a long way to visit me,’ he told the prowler, ‘and you should not return empty handed. Please take my clothes as a gift.’
The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away.
Ryokan sat naked, watching the moon. ‘Poor fellow,’ he mused, ‘I wish I could give him this beautiful moon.’
Comment:
This kōan is an example of the notion that only material earthly goods can be stolen, whereas spiritual and mental goods cannot. For example, a jealous man may kill another more talented man in order to steal his collection of authored books, but he will not be able to steal that man’s talent at writing these books.
Bertrand Russell elaborates upon this notion quite adequately in his wonderful little book Political Ideals, where he attempts to explain his personal belief in the importance of discouraging possessiveness and encouraging creativity, so that people may be less likely to be enticed by acquiring transient goods which can be stolen from them, and instead be more focused upon acquiring meaningful goods and skills which cannot be stolen from them.
Muddy Road
Tanzan and Ekido were once travelling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling.
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
‘Come on, girl,’ said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. ‘We monks don’t go near females,’ he told Tanzan, ‘especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?’
‘I left the girl there,’ said Tanzan. ‘Are you still carrying her?’
Comment:
This kōan is excellent at dramatising just how focus and discipline are necessary for staying within the moment – thus avoiding distractions and temptations – and why it is so beneficial to do so. By regretfully ruminating upon things which have already happened and cannot be changed – including holding grudges against others for their alleged wrongdoing against one’s ego – one is unnecessarily wasting away one’s present moments.
The Moon Cannot be Stolen
Ryokan, a Zen Master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing in it to steal.
Ryokan returned and caught him. ‘You may have come a long way to visit me,’ he told the prowler, ‘and you should not return empty handed. Please take my clothes as a gift.’
The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away.
Ryokan sat naked, watching the moon. ‘Poor fellow,’ he mused, ‘I wish I could give him this beautiful moon.’
Comment:
This kōan is an example of the notion that only material earthly goods can be stolen, whereas spiritual and mental goods cannot. For example, a jealous man may kill another more talented man in order to steal his collection of authored books, but he will not be able to steal that man’s talent at writing these books.
Bertrand Russell elaborates upon this notion quite adequately in his wonderful little book Political Ideals, where he attempts to explain his personal belief in the importance of discouraging possessiveness and encouraging creativity, so that people may be less likely to be enticed by acquiring transient goods which can be stolen from them, and instead be more focused upon acquiring meaningful goods and skills which cannot be stolen from them.
Muddy Road
Tanzan and Ekido were once travelling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling.
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
‘Come on, girl,’ said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. ‘We monks don’t go near females,’ he told Tanzan, ‘especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?’
‘I left the girl there,’ said Tanzan. ‘Are you still carrying her?’
Comment:
This kōan is excellent at dramatising just how focus and discipline are necessary for staying within the moment – thus avoiding distractions and temptations – and why it is so beneficial to do so. By regretfully ruminating upon things which have already happened and cannot be changed – including holding grudges against others for their alleged wrongdoing against one’s ego – one is unnecessarily wasting away one’s present moments.
July 15, 2007
Zen is allusive.
Zen uses too many unnecessary contradictions.
But their hopes are that such techniques awake the deluded mind.
Nonetheless, I think people just get heady about the writings and forget how simple buddhist psychology is. Thus they get intellectual and cute and use that as another blanket of self-deception.
This has lots of fun stories, but it is not the Buddhism I am most fond of.
I must say I have been tempted by such trips though.
Zen uses too many unnecessary contradictions.
But their hopes are that such techniques awake the deluded mind.
Nonetheless, I think people just get heady about the writings and forget how simple buddhist psychology is. Thus they get intellectual and cute and use that as another blanket of self-deception.
This has lots of fun stories, but it is not the Buddhism I am most fond of.
I must say I have been tempted by such trips though.
February 28, 2024
Zen Masters, instead of being followers of the Buddha, aspire to be his friends. Zen is not a sect, but an experience.
I first discovered this little gem of a book in the days of my youth, back in the ‘80s. Along with with a couple of Alan Watts books, it represents nearly my entire education in Zen, yet left me with a lifelong fascination for this particular manifestation of Buddhism. In the collection are 101 Zen Stories, The Gateless Gate, a collection of koans, and Ten Bulls, a collection of woodblock illustrations on the stages along the path of Enlightenment.
I do not claim to have become enlightened in any sense a Zen master would recognize, (though this book was handy during that brief phase in my youth where I played at being a profound charlatan guru). Yet I treasure the wisdom, philosophy, and humor that I learned from this book in spite of myself. (I’ve included a couple of examples below.) This is a book to return to repeatedly throughout your life. It’s easy to digest in small doses, so keep it where it comes to hand easily and often.
Peter Coyote expertly narrates the audio version of this book (the reason I’m rereading it now).
Buddha told a parable in a sutra.
A man traveling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Trembling, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Only the vine sustained him. Two mice, one white, and one black, little by little started to gnaw away the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted.
* * * * *
In a temple in the northern part of Japan, two brother monks were dwelling together. The elder one was learned, but the younger one was stupid and had but one eye. A wandering monk came and asked for lodging, properly challenging them to a debate about the sublime teaching. The elder brother, tired that day from much studying, told the younger one to take his place. “Go and request the dialogue in silence,” he cautioned.
So the young monk and the stranger went to the shrine and sat down. Shortly afterwards the traveler rose and went into the elder brother and said, “Your young brother is a wonderful fellow. He defeated me.”
“Relate the dialogue to me,” said the elder one.
“Well,” explained the traveler, “first I held up one finger, representing Buddha, the enlightened one. So he held up two fingers, signifying Buddha and his teaching. I held up three fingers, representing Buddha, his teaching, and his followers living the harmonious life. Then he shook his clenched fist in my face, indicating that all three come from one realization. Thus, he won, and so I have no right to remain here.”
With this, the traveler left.
“Where’s that fellow?” asked the younger one, running into his elder brother.
“I understand you won the debate.”
“Won nothing! I’m going to beat him up!”
“Tell me the subject of the debate,” asked the elder one.
“Why, the minute he saw me he held up one finger insulting me by insinuating that I have only one eye. Since he was a stranger I thought I would be polite to him so I held up two fingers, congratulating him that he has two eyes. Then the impolite wretch held up three fingers suggesting that between us we only have three eyes. So I got mad and started to punch him but he ran out and that ended it!”
I first discovered this little gem of a book in the days of my youth, back in the ‘80s. Along with with a couple of Alan Watts books, it represents nearly my entire education in Zen, yet left me with a lifelong fascination for this particular manifestation of Buddhism. In the collection are 101 Zen Stories, The Gateless Gate, a collection of koans, and Ten Bulls, a collection of woodblock illustrations on the stages along the path of Enlightenment.
I do not claim to have become enlightened in any sense a Zen master would recognize, (though this book was handy during that brief phase in my youth where I played at being a profound charlatan guru). Yet I treasure the wisdom, philosophy, and humor that I learned from this book in spite of myself. (I’ve included a couple of examples below.) This is a book to return to repeatedly throughout your life. It’s easy to digest in small doses, so keep it where it comes to hand easily and often.
Peter Coyote expertly narrates the audio version of this book (the reason I’m rereading it now).
Buddha told a parable in a sutra.
A man traveling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Trembling, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Only the vine sustained him. Two mice, one white, and one black, little by little started to gnaw away the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted.
* * * * *
In a temple in the northern part of Japan, two brother monks were dwelling together. The elder one was learned, but the younger one was stupid and had but one eye. A wandering monk came and asked for lodging, properly challenging them to a debate about the sublime teaching. The elder brother, tired that day from much studying, told the younger one to take his place. “Go and request the dialogue in silence,” he cautioned.
So the young monk and the stranger went to the shrine and sat down. Shortly afterwards the traveler rose and went into the elder brother and said, “Your young brother is a wonderful fellow. He defeated me.”
“Relate the dialogue to me,” said the elder one.
“Well,” explained the traveler, “first I held up one finger, representing Buddha, the enlightened one. So he held up two fingers, signifying Buddha and his teaching. I held up three fingers, representing Buddha, his teaching, and his followers living the harmonious life. Then he shook his clenched fist in my face, indicating that all three come from one realization. Thus, he won, and so I have no right to remain here.”
With this, the traveler left.
“Where’s that fellow?” asked the younger one, running into his elder brother.
“I understand you won the debate.”
“Won nothing! I’m going to beat him up!”
“Tell me the subject of the debate,” asked the elder one.
“Why, the minute he saw me he held up one finger insulting me by insinuating that I have only one eye. Since he was a stranger I thought I would be polite to him so I held up two fingers, congratulating him that he has two eyes. Then the impolite wretch held up three fingers suggesting that between us we only have three eyes. So I got mad and started to punch him but he ran out and that ended it!”
October 19, 2020
تا جایی که متوجه شدم، این مدل کتابها سادهخوان نیستند، و نباید هم باشند. ممکنه چندین صفحه رو بخوانید و بگید جالب بود. ولی مطالعهٔ جدی و تفکر در اون، بهشدت وقتگیره.
درباره ترجمه:
انتظار خیلی بیشتری از ترجمهش داشتم، نه اینکه بگم بد و افتضاح و نامفهومه، ولی بهنظرم برخی ضعفهاش از چنین ناشری بعید بود.
بخش دوم کتاب رو از روی دروازهی بیدروازه خوندم.
به انتظارم از نحوهٔ ترجمهٔ چنین نثری نزدیکتر بود.
بخش چهارم رو هم انگلیسی خوندم. مدتی با جملات ترجمه سروکله زدم، ولی درک درکش نمیکردم. بعد دیدم نسخهٔ انگلیسی، کلمه کلیدی هر جمله رو ایتالیک کرده تا تاکید رو نشون بده! شاید در نسخهای که مترجم داشته، این ایتالیکها نبودن، ولی برای من، بودنشون کلید فهم هر جمله بود
درباره ترجمه:
انتظار خیلی بیشتری از ترجمهش داشتم، نه اینکه بگم بد و افتضاح و نامفهومه، ولی بهنظرم برخی ضعفهاش از چنین ناشری بعید بود.
بخش دوم کتاب رو از روی دروازهی بیدروازه خوندم.
به انتظارم از نحوهٔ ترجمهٔ چنین نثری نزدیکتر بود.
بخش چهارم رو هم انگلیسی خوندم. مدتی با جملات ترجمه سروکله زدم، ولی درک درکش نمیکردم. بعد دیدم نسخهٔ انگلیسی، کلمه کلیدی هر جمله رو ایتالیک کرده تا تاکید رو نشون بده! شاید در نسخهای که مترجم داشته، این ایتالیکها نبودن، ولی برای من، بودنشون کلید فهم هر جمله بود
October 7, 2017
Master Okama shows his student a walking stick.
-Master: What is this?
-Student: A walking stick?
Master Okama cuts off the student's hand.
-Master: Go away and darken my towels no more.
Commentary: There is no stick. There is no hand. Whoever sees this clearly will play golf with Buddha today in The 34th Heaven.
-Master: What is this?
-Student: A walking stick?
Master Okama cuts off the student's hand.
-Master: Go away and darken my towels no more.
Commentary: There is no stick. There is no hand. Whoever sees this clearly will play golf with Buddha today in The 34th Heaven.
February 10, 2009
"My review/What I learned from this book?"
I think the most appropriate answer would be "nothing".
I think it's on my shelf if you want it.
I think the most appropriate answer would be "nothing".
I think it's on my shelf if you want it.
September 17, 2017
Oh my god, this crap gets tiring really quickly. That which is up is down. That which is down is up. The pinecone is not a raspberry, unless the raspberry is also a pinecone. Does my fart have the Buddha nature? And so on.
It reads like Monty Python you're meant to take seriously. "No, no -- it's not gibberish. It's DEEP."
I think part of the problem is that it's so old. These stories are from another culture, another time. So it becomes a little self defeating.
"Here, read this ancient Japanese parable. Okay, now, in order to understand this, I'm going to have to explain all of Buddhism and some ancient Chinese and Japanese history."
Nope. Do it over. Take the parable and re-tell it in a modern context. Yes, this stuff has its value, but if you want to learn about zen and buddhism, this book isn't going to do it.
It starts off as a light, enjoyable read. Then it slips into pretentiousness. And then I just couldn't keep reading. I gave up at around the BULL section, where each short section has an explanation following it.
"What is zen?" is a section at the very back of the book. It gives a few different answers, and then says, "Another answer:" and leaves a big blank space.
Ha ha, funny. Ha ha, profound. Ha ha, screw you.
"Ah, but that you are so infuriated indicates that the book is working!"
No, it doesn't. What does failure look like, in that case? Maybe the surest proof that this book is a success is if no one takes it off the shelf.
It reads like Monty Python you're meant to take seriously. "No, no -- it's not gibberish. It's DEEP."
I think part of the problem is that it's so old. These stories are from another culture, another time. So it becomes a little self defeating.
"Here, read this ancient Japanese parable. Okay, now, in order to understand this, I'm going to have to explain all of Buddhism and some ancient Chinese and Japanese history."
Nope. Do it over. Take the parable and re-tell it in a modern context. Yes, this stuff has its value, but if you want to learn about zen and buddhism, this book isn't going to do it.
It starts off as a light, enjoyable read. Then it slips into pretentiousness. And then I just couldn't keep reading. I gave up at around the BULL section, where each short section has an explanation following it.
"What is zen?" is a section at the very back of the book. It gives a few different answers, and then says, "Another answer:" and leaves a big blank space.
Ha ha, funny. Ha ha, profound. Ha ha, screw you.
"Ah, but that you are so infuriated indicates that the book is working!"
No, it doesn't. What does failure look like, in that case? Maybe the surest proof that this book is a success is if no one takes it off the shelf.
March 10, 2019
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones is a collection of three zen works, 101 Zen Stories, The Gateless Gate and Ten Bulls. And one chapter from the pre-zen Rudrayamala Tantra. I think this is probably a good book for people that are interested in Zen Buddhism, and I do like reading it, but I don’t think I got a lot out of it.
The first two works are Zen koans. I enjoy reading those, some I find funny, others interesting and understandable (which most likely means I got them wrong), but there is always a part of them which I find completely baffling. Still I go back to them now and again, just because I find some of them quite beautiful.
The first two works are Zen koans. I enjoy reading those, some I find funny, others interesting and understandable (which most likely means I got them wrong), but there is always a part of them which I find completely baffling. Still I go back to them now and again, just because I find some of them quite beautiful.
May 4, 2009
One of my all time favorites. Every copy I own is well worn. I love how the stories don't state anything, but leave it up to you to interpret. The moon can not be stolen and A Parable are two of my favorites.
http://books.google.com/books?id=m9CC...
http://books.google.com/books?id=m9CC...
June 6, 2025
1957 yılında Batı dünyasına Zen Budizmi’ni tanıtmak amacıyla derlenen kitap dört ana bölümden oluşuyor: 101 Zen Öyküsü, Kapısız Geçit, 10 Boğa ve Dengeleme.
101 Zen Öyküsü, Zen Budizmi’ne ilgi duyanların daha önce karşılaşmış olabileceği kısa, özlü anekdotlardan oluşuyor. Hoşuma giden bir örnek: “Bir gün, sağanak yağmur altında çamurlu bir yolda yürüyen Tanzan ile Ekido, ipek kimonosu ve elinde ipek çantasıyla karşıdan karşıya geçmeye çalışan güzel bir kıza rastlar. Tanzan, “Gel bakalım,” diyerek kızı kollarından tutup çamurun üzerinden karşıya taşır. Ekido, gece kalacakları manastıra varana dek hiç konuşmaz. Sonunda dayanamayıp Tanzan’a şöyle der: ‘Keşişler, özellikle genç ve güzel olan kızlardan uzak durur. Bu tehlikelidir. Neden böyle bir şey yaptın?’ Tanzan sakin bir şekilde yanıtlar: ‘Kızı orada bıraktım. Sense onu hâlâ sırtında taşıyorsun.’”
Kapısız Geçit, mantıksal düşüncenin sınırlarını zorlayarak Zen öğrencisini sezgisel düşünmeye ve aydınlanmaya (satori) yönelten paradoksal sorulardan, yani “koan”lardan oluşuyor. Örnek koanlar: “Bir köpeğin doğasında Buda var mıdır, yok mudur?” ya da “Tek bir elin sesi nedir?” Bu soruların tek ve net bir cevabı yok; amaç, öğretmenin (roshi) öğrencinin yaklaşımını, kavrayışını ve zihinsel durumunu değerlendirmesi. Kitapta, bu koanlara verilen bazı yanıtlar değerlendirilip eleştiriliyor.
10 Boğa, aydınlanma yolundaki on aşamayı sembolize eden on çizim ve bunlara eşlik eden şiirlerden oluşuyor.
Dengeleme bölümü ise 112 kısa öğüt içeren, meditasyon ve farkındalık üzerine yoğunlaşan bir rehber.
Genel olarak, Zen Budizmi hakkında genel bir fikir edinmek isteyenler okuyabilir. Konuyla ilgili olanlar için yüzeysel kalabilir.
Kurban Bayramının ilk günü Eti Kemiği Zen'i bitirmem ironik oldu: kitap kemiksiz 205 sayfa. İyi bayramlar.
101 Zen Öyküsü, Zen Budizmi’ne ilgi duyanların daha önce karşılaşmış olabileceği kısa, özlü anekdotlardan oluşuyor. Hoşuma giden bir örnek: “Bir gün, sağanak yağmur altında çamurlu bir yolda yürüyen Tanzan ile Ekido, ipek kimonosu ve elinde ipek çantasıyla karşıdan karşıya geçmeye çalışan güzel bir kıza rastlar. Tanzan, “Gel bakalım,” diyerek kızı kollarından tutup çamurun üzerinden karşıya taşır. Ekido, gece kalacakları manastıra varana dek hiç konuşmaz. Sonunda dayanamayıp Tanzan’a şöyle der: ‘Keşişler, özellikle genç ve güzel olan kızlardan uzak durur. Bu tehlikelidir. Neden böyle bir şey yaptın?’ Tanzan sakin bir şekilde yanıtlar: ‘Kızı orada bıraktım. Sense onu hâlâ sırtında taşıyorsun.’”
Kapısız Geçit, mantıksal düşüncenin sınırlarını zorlayarak Zen öğrencisini sezgisel düşünmeye ve aydınlanmaya (satori) yönelten paradoksal sorulardan, yani “koan”lardan oluşuyor. Örnek koanlar: “Bir köpeğin doğasında Buda var mıdır, yok mudur?” ya da “Tek bir elin sesi nedir?” Bu soruların tek ve net bir cevabı yok; amaç, öğretmenin (roshi) öğrencinin yaklaşımını, kavrayışını ve zihinsel durumunu değerlendirmesi. Kitapta, bu koanlara verilen bazı yanıtlar değerlendirilip eleştiriliyor.
10 Boğa, aydınlanma yolundaki on aşamayı sembolize eden on çizim ve bunlara eşlik eden şiirlerden oluşuyor.
Dengeleme bölümü ise 112 kısa öğüt içeren, meditasyon ve farkındalık üzerine yoğunlaşan bir rehber.
Genel olarak, Zen Budizmi hakkında genel bir fikir edinmek isteyenler okuyabilir. Konuyla ilgili olanlar için yüzeysel kalabilir.
Kurban Bayramının ilk günü Eti Kemiği Zen'i bitirmem ironik oldu: kitap kemiksiz 205 sayfa. İyi bayramlar.
April 12, 2016
گوشت ذن استخوان ذن - ترجمه و گردآوری مسعود برزین - انتشارات کتابخانۀ بهجت - چاپ سوم بهمن 1364 - تیراژ 5000 نسخه - 88 صفحه
عنوان کتاب در چاپ اول "صدای یک دست" بود. از چاپ دوم به بعد عنوان جدید انتخاب شده است. کتاب مجموعه 112 داستان کوتاهی است که به استادان و رهروان مکتب ذن نسبت داده شده است. قسمت هائی از این داستانها برای اولین بار در قرن سیزدهم میلادی در ژاپن منتشر شده است. جهت آشنایی با مفاهیم مطرح شده در کتاب، اولین داستان آن را نقل می کنم
یک فنجان چای
نان ئین، استاد ژاپنی مکتب ذن، یک استاد دانشگاه را که برای تحقیق و پژوهش درباره ذن به آن کشور رفته بود به حضور پذیرفت
نان ئین برای او چای ریخت ولی حتی وقتی هم که فنجان پر شد، به ریختن چای ادامه داد
استاد دانشگاه که ناظر لبریز شدن فنجان بود طاقت نیاورد و گفت: فنجان که پر شده، دیگر جا ندارد
نان ئین پاسخ داد: شما نیز چون این فنجان لبریز از عقاید و افکار خود هستید
مادام که فنجان فکرتان را خالی نکرده اید، من چگونه می توانم ذن را به شما نشان دهم؟؟
عنوان کتاب در چاپ اول "صدای یک دست" بود. از چاپ دوم به بعد عنوان جدید انتخاب شده است. کتاب مجموعه 112 داستان کوتاهی است که به استادان و رهروان مکتب ذن نسبت داده شده است. قسمت هائی از این داستانها برای اولین بار در قرن سیزدهم میلادی در ژاپن منتشر شده است. جهت آشنایی با مفاهیم مطرح شده در کتاب، اولین داستان آن را نقل می کنم
یک فنجان چای
نان ئین، استاد ژاپنی مکتب ذن، یک استاد دانشگاه را که برای تحقیق و پژوهش درباره ذن به آن کشور رفته بود به حضور پذیرفت
نان ئین برای او چای ریخت ولی حتی وقتی هم که فنجان پر شد، به ریختن چای ادامه داد
استاد دانشگاه که ناظر لبریز شدن فنجان بود طاقت نیاورد و گفت: فنجان که پر شده، دیگر جا ندارد
نان ئین پاسخ داد: شما نیز چون این فنجان لبریز از عقاید و افکار خود هستید
مادام که فنجان فکرتان را خالی نکرده اید، من چگونه می توانم ذن را به شما نشان دهم؟؟
February 24, 2009
really enjoyable koans that open your mind.
My favorite is Temper; I have transcribed it below, sorry for any mistakes:
A Zen student came to Bankei and complained: "Master, I have
an ungovernable temper. How can I cure it?"
"You have something very strange," replied Bankei. "Let me see
what you have."
"Just now I cannot show it to you," replied the other.
"When can you show it to me?" asked Bankei.
"It arises unexpectedly," replied the student.
"Then," concluded Bankei, "it must not be your own true nature.
If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were
born you did not have it, and your parents did not give it to you.
Think that over."
My favorite is Temper; I have transcribed it below, sorry for any mistakes:
A Zen student came to Bankei and complained: "Master, I have
an ungovernable temper. How can I cure it?"
"You have something very strange," replied Bankei. "Let me see
what you have."
"Just now I cannot show it to you," replied the other.
"When can you show it to me?" asked Bankei.
"It arises unexpectedly," replied the student.
"Then," concluded Bankei, "it must not be your own true nature.
If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were
born you did not have it, and your parents did not give it to you.
Think that over."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2017
This was a strange one. I found the Zen tales at times amazing - one sent shivers down my spine and utterly stopped my mind. The rest of the time I was puzzled, bemused and oddly infuriated!
I loved the Kashmiri Shaivism text at the end - beautiful, concise, a lifetime's worth of wisdom teachings :)
I loved the Kashmiri Shaivism text at the end - beautiful, concise, a lifetime's worth of wisdom teachings :)
July 31, 2019
از مشکلاتی که مواجهشدن با این متنها دارد این است که مخاطب متن را مستقل از سنت بعضا چندهزارسالهی پشتسر آن میخواند و نتیجتاً کتاب برایش تبدیل به گونه کتابهای «خودیاری» میشود. پس واقعا چندان خوشبین نیستم که حتا آنجا که از خواندنش لذت بردم، لذتم چندان اصیل بوده باشد
Currently reading
March 13, 2009I like it so far..., but I'm not to attached to it.
July 17, 2020
I finally understand why people like Alan Watts and Osho used to rave about this book being one of the best books on Zen. It’s a marvellous collection of ancient Zen texts - short, meaningful and often amusing stories, parables and conversations; and much more!
An absolute delight!
An absolute delight!
May 24, 2016
This was a great collection of Zen writings, which may or may not enlighten you on the subject. It did contain classic Zen stories and koans, and I really enjoyed reading it.
July 5, 2025
9/10.
The collection was decently put together, but it is in no way academic in nature.
It's good as for the feelz, but since Zen is all about the references to the sutras and the main tenets of Buddhism, it ends up lacking in that regard.
The collection was decently put together, but it is in no way academic in nature.
It's good as for the feelz, but since Zen is all about the references to the sutras and the main tenets of Buddhism, it ends up lacking in that regard.
February 16, 2018
„Плътта на Дзен. Костите на Дзен“ е уникална по своята същност книга. Тя е съкровище, едно такова тъничко и дребничко, че без проблем можеш да я побереш в джоба си. Съдържанието ѝ обаче далеч не е толкова лесно за побиране в човешкия ум. То е отвъд всякакви логически и разумни обяснения, с които човекът е свикнал да обяснява света около и в себе си.
Книгата съдържа 4 книги на възраст над 4000 хиляди години. Пол Репс е успял да събере и поднесе на света неуловимата есенция на Дзен:
- 101 дзен истории – реални поучителни истории между дзен учители и техните ученици;
- Вход без врата - дзен коани - задачи, които се използват при Дзен за достигане на по-голяма осъзнатост от практикуващите;
- Десетте бивола – рисунки и коментари към тях, описващи етапите, през които преминава човешкото съзнание по пътя към просветлението;
Центриране – техники за медитация от древния трактат „Виджяна Бхайрава Тантра“, които носят аромата на Дзен същността.
Преди всичко тази книга трябва да се чете с невинно сърце и с широко отворено съзнание, за да се вникне в съдържанието й, чиято основна цел е да накара човешкия ум да надскочи себе си, да възприема написаното с чиста нагласа, без предразсъдъци и предварителни заключения.
Всичко включено в „Плътта на Дзен. Костите на Дзен“ е само способ да се отиде по-далеч. А самият Дзен? Дзен е преди всичко начин на живот, съзиране, осъзнаване... Нещо отвъд думите! Дзен е преживяване!
Същността
В края на живота си Бодхидхарма повикал четирима от своите последователи и им рекъл:
- Ще ви задам само един въпрос: в как��о се състои същността на моето учение? Този, който отговори вярно, ще ме наследи.
Възцарила се тишина на напрегнато очакване. Всички погледи се насочили към първия ученик, който се смятал за най-мъдър.
-Излизане от границите на ума, в това се състои твоето учение.
Бодхидхарма казал:
-Ти се докосна само до кожата на моето учение, не повече.
Обърнал се въпросително към втория си ученик.
-Не съществува човек, който би могъл да излезе от границите на ума – отговорил ученикът. – Но вътре в него може да бъде постигната пълна тишина. Ето това е същността на учението ти.
Ти докосна костите на моето учение – казал Бодхидхарма и насочил поглед към третия ученик.
-Същността на твоето учение е неизразима.
Бодхидхарма се засмял и рекъл:
-Ти я изрази и каза нещо за нея. Докосна костния ѝ мозък.
Четвъртият ученик не казал нищо, от очите му потекли сълзи и в пълно мълчание той паднал в нозете на Учителя.
Бодхидхарма го признал за свой наследник.
Книгата съдържа 4 книги на възраст над 4000 хиляди години. Пол Репс е успял да събере и поднесе на света неуловимата есенция на Дзен:
- 101 дзен истории – реални поучителни истории между дзен учители и техните ученици;
- Вход без врата - дзен коани - задачи, които се използват при Дзен за достигане на по-голяма осъзнатост от практикуващите;
- Десетте бивола – рисунки и коментари към тях, описващи етапите, през които преминава човешкото съзнание по пътя към просветлението;
Центриране – техники за медитация от древния трактат „Виджяна Бхайрава Тантра“, които носят аромата на Дзен същността.
Преди всичко тази книга трябва да се чете с невинно сърце и с широко отворено съзнание, за да се вникне в съдържанието й, чиято основна цел е да накара човешкия ум да надскочи себе си, да възприема написаното с чиста нагласа, без предразсъдъци и предварителни заключения.
Всичко включено в „Плътта на Дзен. Костите на Дзен“ е само способ да се отиде по-далеч. А самият Дзен? Дзен е преди всичко начин на живот, съзиране, осъзнаване... Нещо отвъд думите! Дзен е преживяване!
Същността
В края на живота си Бодхидхарма повикал четирима от своите последователи и им рекъл:
- Ще ви задам само един въпрос: в как��о се състои същността на моето учение? Този, който отговори вярно, ще ме наследи.
Възцарила се тишина на напрегнато очакване. Всички погледи се насочили към първия ученик, който се смятал за най-мъдър.
-Излизане от границите на ума, в това се състои твоето учение.
Бодхидхарма казал:
-Ти се докосна само до кожата на моето учение, не повече.
Обърнал се въпросително към втория си ученик.
-Не съществува човек, който би могъл да излезе от границите на ума – отговорил ученикът. – Но вътре в него може да бъде постигната пълна тишина. Ето това е същността на учението ти.
Ти докосна костите на моето учение – казал Бодхидхарма и насочил поглед към третия ученик.
-Същността на твоето учение е неизразима.
Бодхидхарма се засмял и рекъл:
-Ти я изрази и каза нещо за нея. Докосна костния ѝ мозък.
Четвъртият ученик не казал нищо, от очите му потекли сълзи и в пълно мълчание той паднал в нозете на Учителя.
Бодхидхарма го признал за свой наследник.
January 22, 2020
18th book of 2020.
An interesting collection of Zen writings, including:
101 Zen Stories - Such as:
A great Japanese warrior named Nobunaga decided to attack the enemy although he had only one tenth the number of men the opposition commanded. He knew that he would win, but his soldiers were in doubt.
On the way he stopped at a Shinto shrine and told his men: 'After I visit the shrine I will toss a coin. If heads comes, we will win; if tails, we will lose. Destiny holds us in her hand.'
Nobunaga entered the shrine and offered a silent prayer. He came forth and tossed a coin. Heads appeared. His soldiers were so eager to fight that they won their battle easily.
'No one can change the hand of destiny,' his attendant told him after the battle.
'Indeed not,' said Nobunaga, showing a coin which had been doubled, with heads facing either way.
The Gateless Gate -Such as:
A monk told Joshu: 'I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me.'
Joshu asked: 'Have you eaten your rice porridge?'
The monk replied: 'I have eaten.'
Joshu said: 'Then you had better wash your bowl.'
At that moment the monk was enlightened.
10 Bulls - Such as:
I hear the song of the nightingale,
The sun is warm, the wind is mild, willows are green along the shore,
Here no bull can hide!
What artist can draw that massive head, those majestic horns?
Finally, Centreing (112 Shiva answers to Diva's Questions) - Such as:
50. At the point of sleep when sleep has not yet come and eternal wakefulness vanishes, at this point being is revealed.
101. When a mood against someone or for someone arises, do not place it on the person in question, but remain centred.
An interesting collection of Zen writings, including:
101 Zen Stories - Such as:
A great Japanese warrior named Nobunaga decided to attack the enemy although he had only one tenth the number of men the opposition commanded. He knew that he would win, but his soldiers were in doubt.
On the way he stopped at a Shinto shrine and told his men: 'After I visit the shrine I will toss a coin. If heads comes, we will win; if tails, we will lose. Destiny holds us in her hand.'
Nobunaga entered the shrine and offered a silent prayer. He came forth and tossed a coin. Heads appeared. His soldiers were so eager to fight that they won their battle easily.
'No one can change the hand of destiny,' his attendant told him after the battle.
'Indeed not,' said Nobunaga, showing a coin which had been doubled, with heads facing either way.
The Gateless Gate -Such as:
A monk told Joshu: 'I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me.'
Joshu asked: 'Have you eaten your rice porridge?'
The monk replied: 'I have eaten.'
Joshu said: 'Then you had better wash your bowl.'
At that moment the monk was enlightened.
10 Bulls - Such as:
I hear the song of the nightingale,
The sun is warm, the wind is mild, willows are green along the shore,
Here no bull can hide!
What artist can draw that massive head, those majestic horns?
Finally, Centreing (112 Shiva answers to Diva's Questions) - Such as:
50. At the point of sleep when sleep has not yet come and eternal wakefulness vanishes, at this point being is revealed.
101. When a mood against someone or for someone arises, do not place it on the person in question, but remain centred.
August 10, 2015
You do not need to be a Buddhist for this book to work its magic on you. All you need is an open mind, and the desire to find a more peaceful way to be in the world. Here is how I use this book:
Every morning, before I even get dressed, I light a stick of Japanese incense and read a single koan. I sit and meditate on that koan for some period of time (often only 5 minutes), and then I go about my day. But, I try to remember that koan, and I think about it all day. I try to find ways that this day's koan is manifest in my life.
I have read this book 3 times. Every time, I come out the end as a healthier, more balanced individual. I know some people become frustrated with this book because, they say, it doesn't make any sense. Yes it does. Just assume it does, and assume that you don't understand it YET. That is how it works.
BTW, I actually finished this months ago, I just forgot to update Goodreads.
Every morning, before I even get dressed, I light a stick of Japanese incense and read a single koan. I sit and meditate on that koan for some period of time (often only 5 minutes), and then I go about my day. But, I try to remember that koan, and I think about it all day. I try to find ways that this day's koan is manifest in my life.
I have read this book 3 times. Every time, I come out the end as a healthier, more balanced individual. I know some people become frustrated with this book because, they say, it doesn't make any sense. Yes it does. Just assume it does, and assume that you don't understand it YET. That is how it works.
BTW, I actually finished this months ago, I just forgot to update Goodreads.
January 18, 2015
Admittedly: I would NEVER have picked this book up on my own. Never. But one of my good friends at school gave it to me to read and told me it was one of his favorites. We are in the habit of talking about books a lot and reading similar things so I read this as an act of friendship. As a Christian, there is an immediate, significant worldview dissonance with Zen/Buddhism so there's really no way this reading could have gone well for me. But just generally speaking, I found it to be a very unenjoyable reading experience-- I had NO IDEA what anything meant for about 80-85% of the book. It literally just felt like random words and sentences strung together.
July 9, 2022
You have wondered about the sound of one hand clapping? Or about whether the dog has Buddha-nature? You are not likely to find the answer in this book--but you may find a more productive way to think about the question (as Trinity said to Neo, "It is the question that drives us").
In addition to being a handy collection of many of the classic koans of Zen Buddhism, this book includes a good selection of thought-provoking anecdotes about some of the people in Zen's history.
Acquired May 1996
Cheap Thrills, Montreal, Quebec
In addition to being a handy collection of many of the classic koans of Zen Buddhism, this book includes a good selection of thought-provoking anecdotes about some of the people in Zen's history.
Acquired May 1996
Cheap Thrills, Montreal, Quebec
September 25, 2017
I remember being quite inspired by this book, but details are sketchy. I'll have to give it a re-read, at some point.
June 18, 2020
Aklını kullanarak aydınlanma yolunu açan çok güzel, geleneksel hikayeler.
April 10, 2023
Kitabın ilk bölümündeki Zen öyküleri güzeldi. Sonrasında ''MU'' yorumları kısmı oldukça sıkıcıydı.
Bir solukta okunan bir kitap değil. Tercümeyle de ilgili olabilir.
Bir solukta okunan bir kitap değil. Tercümeyle de ilgili olabilir.
June 21, 2024
Un buen libro para entender mejor el budismo zen de primera mano. Algunas me han parecido bastante buenas, como el zen de cada instante (muy indicada para los despistados), otras bastante sin más.
June 29, 2023
Zen Flesh Zen Bones is comprised of four books: 101 Zen Stories, The Gateless Gate, 10 Bulls, and Centering. I need to start off by saying that every page in this compilation of Zen writings is terrifically weird and mystifying in its own way, so this may not be the book for everyone. Some of the “lessons” (although this might not be the most appropriate term since its connotations seem to be connected with the mind and Zen practitioners’ aim is that of going beyond the mind) it presents can be easily assimilated whereas others might puzzle most readers.
I myself felt very frustrated at times while reading some of the pages contained herein because, unless you are very well-acquainted with the Zen tradition, the writing can come off as being absolutely baffling. Still, it is important to keep in mind that Zen masters used to make their teachings deliberately confusing because they knew that at some point after long periods of mental exertion the students’ logical minds would give in and the light of consciousness would be all that remained; and that, if I am not mistaken, is the main goal of Zen.
Most of the short stories included in the first book were not particularly abstruse; on the contrary, I feel like they are an easy and entertaining read. Although you may at first think that they are very short and simple narrations, if you really take the time to let them sink in, you will feel the depth of power and wisdom in all of them.
The second book, The Gateless Gate, is made up of koans, brief problems which are paradoxical and almost inscrutable. They are meant to help the students disengage from their logical minds and attain enlightenment after giving up on reasoning. I found most of these koans extremely odd and nearly inscrutable. Here’s an example: “Wakuan complained when he saw a picture of bearded Bodhidharma: ‘why hasn’t that fellow a beard?’” As you may imagine, trying to go through all of them can be really exhausting, especially if you are bent on fully understanding every single line you read without exception.
The last two books are loaded with extraordinary spiritual insights which are not too hard to grasp. 10 bulls offers a beautifully written description of what one might experience when walking the path towards awakening to one’s spiritual nature. This journey is divided into ten different stages and reading about each of them felt exquisitely reassuring and intimate. The last book presents 112 techniques to really get in touch with the Divine within. The language used in this book feels magical and poetic and all of the exercises can be easily put into practice in one’s everyday life.
I myself felt very frustrated at times while reading some of the pages contained herein because, unless you are very well-acquainted with the Zen tradition, the writing can come off as being absolutely baffling. Still, it is important to keep in mind that Zen masters used to make their teachings deliberately confusing because they knew that at some point after long periods of mental exertion the students’ logical minds would give in and the light of consciousness would be all that remained; and that, if I am not mistaken, is the main goal of Zen.
Most of the short stories included in the first book were not particularly abstruse; on the contrary, I feel like they are an easy and entertaining read. Although you may at first think that they are very short and simple narrations, if you really take the time to let them sink in, you will feel the depth of power and wisdom in all of them.
The second book, The Gateless Gate, is made up of koans, brief problems which are paradoxical and almost inscrutable. They are meant to help the students disengage from their logical minds and attain enlightenment after giving up on reasoning. I found most of these koans extremely odd and nearly inscrutable. Here’s an example: “Wakuan complained when he saw a picture of bearded Bodhidharma: ‘why hasn’t that fellow a beard?’” As you may imagine, trying to go through all of them can be really exhausting, especially if you are bent on fully understanding every single line you read without exception.
The last two books are loaded with extraordinary spiritual insights which are not too hard to grasp. 10 bulls offers a beautifully written description of what one might experience when walking the path towards awakening to one’s spiritual nature. This journey is divided into ten different stages and reading about each of them felt exquisitely reassuring and intimate. The last book presents 112 techniques to really get in touch with the Divine within. The language used in this book feels magical and poetic and all of the exercises can be easily put into practice in one’s everyday life.
August 3, 2022
This had everything, from mutilation to chuld abandonment. Excellent read.
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