An Introduction to Zen Buddhism

by D.T. Suzuki

Other authorsCarl Jung (Foreword)
Paperback, 1994

Status

Available

Call number

294.3927

Publication

Grove Press (1994), Paperback, 144 pages

Description

One of the world's leading authorities on Zen Buddhism, D. T. Suzuki was the author of more than a hundred works on the subject in both Japanese and English, and was most instrumental in bringing the teachings of Zen Buddhism to the attention of the Western world. Written in a lively, accessible, and straightforward manner, An Introduction to Zen Buddhism is illuminating for the serious student and layperson alike. Suzuki provides a complete vision of Zen, which emphasizes self-understanding and enlightenment through many systems of philosophy, psychology, and ethics. With a foreword by the renowned psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung, this volume has been generally acknowledged a classic introduction to the subject for many years. It provides, along with Suzuki's Essays and Manual of Zen Buddhism, a framework for living a balanced and fulfilled existence through Zen.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member all4metals
A very introductory book on Zen Buddism. I found it very useful in understanding this philosophy.
LibraryThing member antiquary
Very influential in popularizing Zen in the west. From my further reading I feel it represents very much Suzuki's personal interpretation of the Zen tradition, but it has its own place in religious history for introducing many westerners to Zen
LibraryThing member Rodo
If you are expecting a logical explanation of Zen Buddhism in this book you will be sorely disappointed. Suzuki doesn't even attempt to do that (nor should he, in my opinion). Zen does not make sense at all if you approach it that way.

This book is a classic, but I don't recommend reading it as the
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first book on Zen (Herrigel's approach would probably be more useful for the Western readers), nor do I think it should be read as the last book. It is, after all, an introduction and doesn't try to be more than that.
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LibraryThing member danoomistmatiste
Works by D.T. Suzuki should be on everyone's reading list. He is the foremost authority on Zen.

Language

Original publication date

1914 (as magazine articles)
1934-08 (book)
1954 (English translation)

Physical description

144 p.; 8.19 inches

ISBN

0802130550 / 9780802130556
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