Jaffe discusses how zen and japanese culture was received upon its first publication and analyzes the book in light of contemporary criticism, especially by scholars of japanese buddhism. An introduction to zen buddhism and millions of other books are available for. The highly influential book that helped bring eastern spiritual principles to the western world. This book appears to be a reprint of a 1934 book of this name by d. Daisetsu teitaro suzuki suzuki daisetsu teitaro, october 18, 1870 july 12, 1966 was a japanese author of books and essays on buddhism, zen and shin that were.
Written in a lively, accessible, and straightforward manner, an introduction to zen buddhism is illuminating for the serious. At the end of the conflict, though, christmas humphreys, president of the buddhist society of london, traveled to japan to work with suzuki on the translation of his new manuscripts and the reprinting of his book, essays on zen buddhism. Suzuki s books have been widely read and commented on by many important figures. An introduction to zen buddhism is a 1934 book about zen buddhism by daisetz teitaro suzuki. From 1897 to 1908 he worked in the united states as an editor and translator, and later became a lecturer at tokyo imperial university. Essays in zen buddhism, first series daisetz teitaro suzuki. John cage, zen buddhism, and the inner life of artists the way of acting. Dt suzuki is one of the most influential writersphilosophers on zen and buddhist teachings in the. His major works in english on the subject of buddhism number a dozen or more, and of his works in.
Daisetsu teitaro suzuki was a japanese author of books and essays on buddhism, zen and shin that were instrumental in spreading interest in both zen and shin to the west. Suzuki was born teitaro suzuki in hondamachi, kanazawa, ishikawa prefecture, the fourth son of physician ryojun suzuki. Preface to first edition in my introduction to zen buddhism published 1934, an outline of zen teaching is sketched, and in the training of the zen monk 1934 a description. Suzuki s works on zen buddhism are among the best contributions to the knowledge of living buddhism that recent decades have produced. It provides, along with suzukis essays in zen buddhism and manual of zen buddhism, a framework for living a balanced and fulfilled existence. There are truckloads of books about zen, but many assume the reader already knows something about zen. The object is to inform the reader of the various literary materials relating to the. Many outside japan encountered buddhism for the first time through his writings and teaching, and for nearly a century his work and legacy have contributed to the ongoing religious and cultural interchange between japan and the rest. Among his more notable works are essays in zen buddhism and an introduction to zen buddhism. Jan 28, 20 buy an introduction to zen buddhism by suzuki, d. 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. Suzuki was a leading authority on buddhism and is known for his introduction of zen buddhism to the west.
Daisetsu teitaro suzuki was a key figure in the introduction of buddhism to the nonasian world. He is probably now the greatest living authority on buddhist philosophy, and is certainly the greatest authority on zen buddhism. An introduction to zen buddhism and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. Marc lesser on bringing the zen mindset to life marc lesser is a zen priest, mindfulness teacher, and executive coach that helps people bring the zen mindset to work and life. He was trained as a buddhist disciple in the great zen monastery at kamakura. Daisetz teitaro suzuki was japans foremost authority on zen buddhism, and the author of over 100 works on the subject. One of my favorites, the book that led me to zen, is peter matthiessens the snow leopard, which won the national book aw. Suzuki was the author of more than a hundred works on the subject in both japanese and english, and.
Description of the book an introduction to zen buddhism. Suzuki quotes author of an introduction to zen buddhism. Introduction to zen buddhism, are to the second edition of these works, published in. Zen buddhism an introduction to zen, a form of buddhism that emphasizes seeking ones own buddha nature through meditation. Can be found in suzuki s book zen and japanese culture. In my introduction to zen buddhism published 1934, an outline of zen teaching is sketched, and in the training of the zen monk 1934 a description of the meditation hall and its life is given. A practitioner of rinzai zen buddhism, suzuki, in his writings about the ultimate experience of satori and the meditative use of koans, made zen terms almost household words in. Suzukis most popular book is an introduction to zen buddhism. Suzuki was the single greatest ambassador of zen buddhism to the west. Buy a cheap copy of manual of zen buddhism book by d. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read an introduction to zen buddhism. Download pdf the complete works of d t suzuki free online.
If you are a genuine beginner and dont know a zabuton from zucchini, here are some books for you. Many outside of japan encountered buddhism for the first time through his writings and teaching, and for nearly a century his work and legacy have contributed to the ongoing religious and cultural interchange between japan and the rest of the world, particularly the united states. However, there is a 1964 book by suzuki of the same name that contains 9 chaptersincluding the 3 chapters from the 1934 versionand in my edition about 124 content pages. Richard jaffes introduction acquaints a new generation of readers with suzuki s life and career in both japan and america. An introduction to zen buddhism daisetz teitaro suzuki. Many in the west encountered buddhism for the very first time through his writings and teaching, and for nearly a century his work and legacy have contributed to the ongoing religious and cultural interchange between japan and the rest of the world, particularly the united states and europe.
The companion book, manual of zen buddhism, is recommended to be used with this introduction. Through his books and lectures, suzuki became zen s leading voice in america during the mid20th century. Description of the book introduction to zen buddhism. Suzuki was also a prolific translator of chinese, japanese, and sanskrit literature. In this seminal anthology, a perfect sourcebook for the student of zen, suzuki collects the famous sutras, or sermons, of the buddha, the gathas, or hymns, the intriguing philosophical puzzles known as koan, and the. Suzuki provides a complete vision of zen, which emphasizes selfunderstanding and enlightenment through many systems of philosophy, psychology, and ethics. To complete a triptych the present manual has been compiled. One of the worlds leading authorities on zen buddhism, and a nobel peace prize nominee, d. An introduction to zen buddhism ebook written by d. During world war ii, many of his books were destroyed and became difficult to find amidst a world at total war. I never got to meet jiho, but i really enjoyed her book. Although his birthplace no longer exists, a humble monument marks its location a tree with a rock at its. Golden elixir press, 2015 pdf, free download use the link on the right side of this page.
Suzuki s works on zen buddhism are among the best contributions to the knowledge of living buddhism. Whereas daisetz suzuki s zen was dramatic, shunryu suzuki s is ordinary. In the preface, the author says my purpose in this book is to provide a manual that may be used, chapter by chapter, as a program of instruction over the first few weeks of zen training. The twentyseven yearold japanese scholar first visited the west in 1897, and over the course of the nex. Daisetz teitaro suzuki suzuki daisetsu, october 18, 1870 july 12, 1966 was a famous japanese author of books and essays on buddhism, zen and shin that were instrumental in spreading interest in both zen and shin and far eastern philosophy in general to the west. Many outside japan encountered buddhism for the first time through his writings and teaching, and for nearly a century his work and legacy have contributed to the ongoing religious and cultural interchange between japan and the rest of the world, particularly the united states and europe. Suzuki was also a prolific translator of chinese, japanese. Most other respondents to your question have given you books on zen practice. In this collection of his most important essays dr suzuki explores the history of buddhism, the daily life of a zen monk and the path to enlightenment. A short concise introduction to zen philosophy and practice by an american woman zen master who lived and taught in tokyo, japan for decades. Suzuki s first books in english were a translation of ashvaghoshas discourse on the awakening of faith in the mahayana 1900 and outlines of mahayana buddhism 1907. From the audio renaissance tapes, zen and the love of nature.
One of the worlds leading authorities on zen buddhism, d. Approximately one third of this book is a long discussion by suzuki that gives a buddhist analysis of the mind, its levels, and the methodology of extending awareness beyond the merely discursive level of thought. Written in a lively, accessible, and straightforward manner, an introduction to zen buddhism is illuminating for the serious student and layperson alike. This book is in the public domain in the united states of america. Erich fromm as far as zen is concerned suzuki was the apostle of the west. Many outside of japan encountered buddhism for the first time through his writings and teaching, and for nearly a century his work and legacy have contributed to the ongoing religious and cultural interchange between japan and the rest of the world, particularly the united states and europe.
No claim is made here for a scholarly treatment of the subjectmatter. The book has come to be regarded as one of the most influential books on zen in the west. Suzuki, a scholar in buddhist philosophy, zen practitioner, and polyglot he wrote this book and many books in english, is largely known for bringing buddhism to the written in english, 1934. A monk once went to gensha, and wanted to learn where the entrance to the path of truth was. If the western world knows anything about zen buddhism, it is down to the efforts of one remarkable man, d. Preface to first edition in my introduction to zen buddhism published 1934, an outline of zen teaching is sketched, and in the training of the zen. Patriarch of zen buddhism in china vi vii ontents iv bout the uthors vii cknowledgements ird edition viii preface to the ird edition xii introduction p l s an introduction to zen buddhism by d. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. Daisetsu teitaro suzuki is considered a key figure in the introduction of buddhism to the nonasian world. Buy a cheap copy of an introduction to zen buddhism book by d.
Suzuki has 91 books on goodreads with 8349 ratings. Many outside of japan encountered buddhism for the first time through his writings and teaching, and for nearly a century his work and legacy have contributed to the ongoing religious and cultural interchange between japan and the rest of the world, particularly the united. Taking the path of zen covers much of the same territory as daido roshis eight gates of zen. The buddhist name daisetsu, meaning great humility, the kanji of which can also mean greatly clumsy, was given to him by his zen master soen or soyen shaku. Suzuki found in world wisdoms books are notable in that they include much of his work on shin buddhism. A notable example is an introduction to zen buddhism, which includes a 30page commentary by famous analytical psychologist carl jung, who wrote of suzuki. It provides, along with suzukis essays and manual of zen buddhism, a framework for living a balanced and fulfilled existence through zen. I must say dt suzuki is being woefully let down by the presentation and editing in this book.
The fact that zen has now become a household word in the englishspeaking world is almost entirely due to him. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Although this book was written in 1960 it gives you a feel for buddhism and some of its gathas and prayers plus one of its most beloved teachings of the ten ox story which my dear teacher and friend father robert kennedy writes in the introduction to his book zen gifts to christians. Suzuki spent several lengthy stretches teaching or lecturing at western universities, and devoted many years to a professorship at otani university, a japanese buddhist school. And, unfortunately, many others were written by people who dont know anything about zen. Jan 28, 20 this book appears to be a reprint of a 1934 book of this name by d. If the book really serves as a sort of introduction to zen. First published in kyoto by the eastern buddhist society, it was soon published in other nations and languages, with an added preface by carl jung. The clarity of dr suzuki s writing helps the reader to an understanding of zen, in giving the reader the ability to understand zen rather than dictating what zen is. Suzuki s work is quite simply the most accessible entry point for the zen novice.
For other parts of the world, please consult local. 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. An inspiration to the likes of thomas merton, aldous huxley, john cage, jack kerouac, and more, d. Satori was focal for daisetz, and it was in large part the fascination of this extraordinary state that made his writings so compelling. Suzukis book an introduction to zen buddhism in pdf, epub, mobi, kindle online. Suzuki is probably the prime motivator in the popular spread of zen buddhism to the west during the early 20th century. Suzuki s most popular book is an introduction to zen buddhism. If you are looking for a good introduction to the main tenants of zen and dont know where to start, look no further. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The theatre writings of tadashi suzuki zen coloring flowers zen coloring book zen haiku and other zen. If the book really serves as a sort of introduction to zen buddhism, and leads the reader up to the study of my other works, the object is attained. The difference is that aitkens book might be better for someone whos already got a foot in the door at a zen center. Please avoid this copy if you want to purchase any book to understand zen. It provides, along with suzukis essays and manual of zen buddhism, a framework for living a.
1228 814 1102 1433 1318 41 1230 1347 1144 1502 134 739 1475 84 927 554 1554 1264 376 824 508 436 109 1390 528 1380 24 1175 1297 1204 762 803 155 1197 242 804 1364 587