Very thorough. Or am I being too "sensitive"? Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2019. Both of us trained in the Soto school and I also trained in the Rinzai school. These promotions will be applied to this item: Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. We read this as our topic for our Summer book group at. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then World War II came along and I found myself caught as a civilian on the island of Guam, taken to Japan, and in­ terned in Kobe. The meditation instruction is brief and simple. Although likely meant to be read over the course of ten weeks (one chapter a week), it can also still function as a good review of the practice of Zen. EMBED (for wordpress.com hosted blogs and archive.org item tags) Want more? A primer on the bases of practice, this is also a good book for the more experienced practitioner to revisit from time to time as it presents Zen in a clear, concise and accessible (if somewhat erudite) format. He is highly esteemed and well respected in the Soto Zen Tradition, and this foundational book, is one of the best for explaining how to sit zazen and begin practicing. There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight, in a manner that both guides and inspires. Does this book contain inappropriate content? There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight, in a manner that both guides and inspires. One of the earliest primers on Zen practice, this book remains invaluable in its simple introduction to the tradition. I already want to read more and find out more. This book thoroughly explains the practice of Zen and so will refine your experience of sesshin but if you read it without having any prior experience in sesshin then you might feel it boring and laden with terms which you have no experience of. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. For anyone interested in Zen please try this wonderful man's lucid, wise and socially awre books. The greatest strength of this book is the description of the meditative breathing techniques which are specifically geared for the novice as well as the more experienced practitioner. Please try again. In Taking the Path of Zen, Robert Aitken provided a concise guide to zazen (Zen meditation) and other aspects of the practice of Zen. Buy games and tech with 10$ discount by using the code "TBD": https://www.bigapplebuddy.com What the hell? … It is summed up best on the back cover of the book: “In Taking The Path of Zen, Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. As an American who has trained in Zen practice for many years Aitken Roshi has a special understanding of the problems and questions which plague Western students of Zen. We’d love your help. A good into to Zen, a less good into to Buddhism. Free shipping for many products! My single favorite Buddhist Teacher died yesterday, a man whose writing saved my life in some respects. to the practice. Will definitely have to re-read this one. flag. This is the Zen book I wish I would have had many years ago when I first started practicing. The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. Welcome back. He was not faced with the probability of biological holocaust. This is the Zen book I wish I would have had many years ago when I first started practicing. Hi and welcome! Taking the Path of Zen will serve as orientation and guide for anyone who is drawn to the ways of Zen, from the simply curious to the serious Zen student. Examines the fundamental principles of Zen Buddhism, discusses how to put these beliefs in practice in everyday life, and describes Zen customs and ceremonies. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. As an American who has trained in Zen practice for many years Aitken Roshi has a special understanding of the problems and questions which plague Western students of Zen. No_Favorite. This is a good book for the Zen student. Refresh and try again. Taking the Path of Zen Each of our Zen Garland Order centers offers an Introduction to Zen Practice. This is a good introduction to different aspects of Buddhism, complete with practical exercises. Condition: Used - Good. Clear,uncluttered and simple Robert Aitken explains Zen practise that makes it accesable for all. Recommend that all Rinzai and Soto Zen students read it. North Point Press; 1st edition (December 15, 2015). Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. The vanity of the usual kind of self-preoccupation becomes clear, and we are freed from selfish concerns in our enjoyment of the universe as it is, and of our own previously unsuspected depths.”, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice, Zen Master Raven: Sayings and Doings of a Wise Bird, The Morning Star: New and Collected Zen Writings, Lauren Hough on Leaving Cults, the Military, and Bad Jobs. This great classic is a must for those interested in an inquiry of Zen. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions. Taking the path of Zen Item Preview > remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. What the hell? Great introduction book for those interested in Zen. by Aitken, Robert. “In realizing all this, we understand how we are just bundles of sense perceptions, with the substance of a dream or a bubble on the surface of the sea. This is a good "nuts and bolts" guide to practicing zen in a center. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. The Buddha's Guide to Gratitude: The Life-changing Power of Everyday Mindfulness. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. -Yamada Koun Roshi Even when enlightenment has struck the student must continually polish his or her mirror lest the dust settle and obscure the original insight. The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. The copy that I received from Amazon looks more like a trade copy that should be selling for half the price. “I'm in a weird place because the book is about to come out. "In walking the path you draw no nearer and progress no farther. I feel this will be a valuable source of information and inspiration both for those who have a passing interest in the subject and those who have determined to set out on the path of Zen themselves. Fairly good description of the basics of meditation. This great classic is a must for those interested in an inquiry of Zen. This is an excellent book for those who are practitioners of Zen Buddhism or for those who simply want to know more about this philosophy/religion. Didn't realize there'd be so many different ways to focus on the breath. There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight, in a manner that both guides and inspires. All Zen teachers who received Dharma transmission (basically, recognition that they had achieved some level of awakening and were qualified to teach) are part of a lineage going all the way back to the Buddha. Highly recommend to anyone new (or old!) As a book lover and a keeper of books, I was disappointed. HPB condition ratings. The word Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese Chan, which means meditation. There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight, in a manner that both guides and inspires. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Aitken’s kindness and humility shines through. Previous page of related Sponsored Products, Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2020. Still, lots of very good information and guidance in a progression of sitting approaches. Practice is marked by a shift from dependance on our learned patterns and intellectual knowing to understanding through experiencing. Please try your request again later. “Taking the Path of Zen” serves as a primer for the practice of zazen meditation. I considered it a good introductory Zen book, but coming from a secular background some passages made me uncomfortable to say the least. Please try again. Throughout the book the author returns to zazen, offering further advice and more advanced techniques. Additional gift options are available when buying one eBook at a time. Clear, insightful and practical guide to this most demanding of Buddhist disciplines. Gateless gateway drug into zazen practice. It's a how-to manual for mindful living, whether one is seeking some kind of Buddhist framework or merely trying to thrive a bit more in the present moment. share. I've never read anything about 'Zen' before, this was a great way to start. Da leggere per gi appassionati. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. Highly recommended for students of Zen or Buddhism generally. Sitting with Lao-Tzu: Discovering the Power of the Timeless, the Silent, and the In... No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions About Core B... Zen: How To Live Your Life the Zen Way - Beginners Guide for Zen Meditation. Had the book been available when I first developed an interest in Zen in my late teens, my practice would be far more matured today. I find it really useful to have a book on how to practice Zen that is written by a Westerner, in a style that is easy to follow. One of the best introductions to Zen Buddhist practice there is, Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2019. Now to pass it on. The Nu Koan and other elements also rise to the more metaphysical. Very good entry level book for those interested in Zen. I had the good fortune to meet Robert once and I have met his students. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. 2/165. This book also has some historical info: how Aiken came to Zen (as a prisoner of war of the Japanese), how he established his zendo, etc. And these sentences pushed my buttons: "He [the Buddha:] did not live in a time like ours, when dangerous competition between nations threatens to blow up the world. Reviewed in Australia on November 1, 2017. It seems that studying Zen is always about new beginnings. November 21, 2020-November 28, 2020. Perhaps if you're planning to live in a Zen monastery all that might be useful, but for the rest of us - well, me anyway - it isn't. Taking the Path of Zen will serve as orientation and guide for anyone who is drawn to the ways of Zen, from the simply curious to the serious Zen student. There was a problem loading your book clubs. by North Point Press. Explanations for the philosophy and precepts, not so good. It is well written, easy to understand, and gives very specific instructions. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. Zen practice is not about getting away from our life as it is; it is about getting into our life as it is, with all of its vividness, beauty, hardship, joy and sorrow. Learn more. I wish that I had read this book earlier. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Funnily enough, I started reading this mistakenly thinking that I was continuing a different book. We find our center of gravity in the deeply healing creativity of Zen, and in the Vows of the Bodhisattva, the “Growing-Up Beyond Self-Centeredness-Being.” A good introductory text by one of the founding fathers of American Zen, this covers the basic teaching of Zen, including an emphasis on proper meditation practice. The book is well-paced and easy to follow. I feel this will be a valuable source of information and inspiration both for those who have a passing interest in the subject and those who have determined to set out on the path of Zen themselves. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity.. Aitken Roshi’s approachable and conversational style makes this a classic. Today, the word Zen is in more general use in the West. It is my sincere wish that this work will gain the wide readership it so deserves." Conscious Breathing: Discover The Power of Your Breath. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2013. This was a lovely and quick read on the basics of Zen practice. Something went wrong. If you're seriously considering practicing Zen, I strongly suggest you read this. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published --This text refers to the paperback edition. I don't remember anything about it, so I'd call it "forgettable". Zen is a path of awakening: awakening to who we really are, and awakening the aspiration to serve others and take responsibility for all of life. Unable to add item to List. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. A fantastic “spark notes” overview on (Rinzai) Zen Buddhism! This is a really good book to read for the beginners. His book will thus be a godsend for people who have sought an introduction to Zen in their own language, free of the foreignisms that cultural differences can produce. This should be required textbook for studying authentic Zen Buddhism, Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2019. He discusses correct breathing, posture, routine, teacher-student relations, and koan study, as well as common problems and milestones encountered in the process. Taking the Path of Zen , as the author says in his preface, is intended as a manual for beginning students and as a reference for the more advanced. Aitken’s instructions are remarkably clear and explained in a way that makes them easy to approach: he gives very good advice on focusing the breath, the proper sitting posture (and exercises that can be done to facilitate that posture), all the while being gently encouraging. Robert Aitken is a retired master of the Diamond Sangha, a Zen Buddhist society he founded in Honolulu in 1959 with his late wife Anne Hopkins Aitken. The short answer is yes, Zen Buddhism is a legitimate and recognized tradition in the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight, in a manner that both guides and inspires. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. This is the my first book on Zen so I can't compare with others. I would highly recommend this book. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold. I have been interested in the philosophy of Zen for most of my life. The problem with some books on Zen is that they focus too much on the dogmatic; when to sit, how to sit, what hand position to make, what gatha to say for what meal. I read his book many years ago before starting a ten day meditation period at Zen Mountain Center. Please try again. Zen’s basis is the practice of zazen or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that flows in the middle. I have now owned this book for a number of years and find myself referring back to it constantly. Fairly good description of the basics of meditation. “I welcome with great pleasure Robert Aitken Roshi's introduction to Zen practice, Taking the Path of Zen. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. My Kindle says I finished it two months ago. I found the author giving much more emphasis to the religious aspect of Zen Buddhism than I have hoped, making metaphysical claims such as the existence of multiple universes and dimensions, citing Bible passages and very dubious "scientific" studies. Explanations for the philosophy and precepts, not so good. ", Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2010. Great introduction to the practice of zazen, working with a teacher, and participating in a spiritual community. Even though I have read and wrote reviews for numerous Zen books, I had never read this one (Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken) until recently. One Moon Present Quick Start Guide: A Radical Healing Formula to Transform Your Lif... Samadhi: Unity of Consciousness and Existence (Existence - Consciousness - Bliss Bo... To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Didn't realize there'd be so many different ways to focus on the breath. A good synopsis but felt a bit too clinical and, for lack of a more appropriate word, soulless. The orientation extends to various religious attitudes and includes detailed discussions of the Three Treasures and the Ten Precepts of Zen Buddhism. Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken gifts the clinic, lifestyle, justification, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with striking clarity. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This is a brief introductory volume for Americans who have decided to take up the Way of Zen and need a starting point. And these sentences pushed my buttons: "He [the Buddha:] did not live in a time like ours, when dangerous competition between nations threatens to blow up the world. This is an ideal read during Zen meditation retreat. The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. It offers the possibility to be who we truly are, not just ideas about ourselves. Reassign his words, I felt like I was being welcomed into the mediation hall. Lovely little book that is a nice read, simple, concise, yet full of information. I have found this book to be very insightful and overall it has been a good read. Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2018, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2015. The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. Really useful for all Zen students. Ottimo libro per chi è agli inizi sul cammino dello zen, ma anche un buon ripasso e una fresca aria di vero Zen per chi è più avanti. This is scheduled at various times and in differing formats – a brief explanation of meditation and the zendo (training hall) etiquette, a half-day or full-day class, or a weekend workshop. His book will thus be a godsend for people who have sought an introduction to Zen in their own language, free of the foreignisms that cultural differences can produce. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. I loaned the book to a young woman who had been with us for the ten days. Robert Aitken is my teacher's teacher. I suggest doing at least one sesshin before reading this book. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. 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