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Preface and Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part I Zen Beliefs
1 The Ox-herding Pictures
2 Zen Roots
The legacy of India
The life of the Buddha
The account of the Buddha’s life in the Buddhacarita and other
sources
3 Doctrines Germane to Zen
The dharma of the Buddha
The First Noble Truth
The five aggregates
The Second Noble Truth
Dependent Origination
The Third Noble Truth
The Fourth Noble Truth
The Pancha Sila
Sila, Samadhi, Panna
4 Zen and the Mahayana Sutras
Sunyata
Zen and Yoga
5 Buddhism Reaches China
Bodhidharma
Hui-k’o
Hui-neng
The Zen Movement after Hui-neng
The Five Houses
Kuei-yang
Lin-chi
Ts’ao-tung
Yun-men
Fa-yen
The Sung Period
6 The Transition from China to Japan
The cultural influence of Rinzai Zen
Myoan Eisai
Enni Ben’en
Dogen Kigen
Zen after Dogen
Part II Zen Practice
7 Meditation
The theory
The practice
Zazen
Kensho
Soto Zen
Monks and monasteries
8 Koan Practice
9 The Master–Pupil Relationship
Dokusan
Kyosaku
10 Holding the Mind
Notes
Glossary
Further Reading
Index
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“An excellent, concise introductory text for the study
of Zen. It aims to convey what Zen is about to an audience that is
unfamiliar with the tradition. Prior exposure to Buddhism is not
required… The book is divided into two parts. The first is
a doctrinal explication of Zen beliefs, presented within the context
of the historical development of Zen. This approach clarifies the
meaning of beliefs and also demonstrates the influence of events
and personalities on the evolution of doctrine. The second part acquaints
readers with specific Zen practices, such as particular meditation
forms and koan practices. Fowler also includes a useful glossary.
Highly recommended.” Choice
“This is an extremely lucid and readable introduction to Zen, which serves as a good introduction to Buddhism in general. Merv Fowler has performed an excellent task in bringing together material on the history, scriptures, teachings and spiritual practices associated with Zen. The book is a first-class introduction for students as well as the general reader. The author tackles very competently and reliably the salient features of the Zen tradition. I thoroughly recommend it.” G. D. Chryssides, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and author of Readings in the Study of New Religious Movements and Exploring New Religions
“What a marvelous book! It invites the reader into the heart of Zen understanding and practice with well-chosen anecdotes, examples, questions and quotations. Exciting to read, it appeals to the reader's own experience with carefully constructed bridges to the teachings and practices of Zen. In providing a historical approach, Merv Fowler sets the necessary philosophical context needed to appreciate Zen at a deep level. The opening chapter of the ox-herding pictures immerses the reader in the riches of Zen right from the start.” John M. Koller, author of The Indian Way and Asian Philosophies
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