ZEN ESSENCE (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the best book on Zen
Review: Gets immediately to the core of the matter. The translations by Cleary from the works of various Zen masters of the past are carefully chosen. The reader is led to grasp the ungraspable essence of Zen and the freedom it provides. The Translator's Introduction and Afterward (more than 30 pages) are outstanding and not available in the Pocket Book edition. No prior knowledge of Zen is required to enjoy this book completely. Everything to be said about Zen (and more) is contained in this amazing little book.

Rating:
Summary: Wondrous!!
Review: I wholeheartedly agree with the other reviewers: this book is amazing. It is worth far more than it's price. All the quotes are useful (although I recommend Charles Luk's Zen and Ch'an teaching vol. 1 to get an idea of why some of the more anti-meditation words were said) and great spurs for practice. I personally bought the pocket addition. Who says Zen is just sitting on yer arse? This gives some clear, consise, Sudden Enlightenment techniques. Truly, a collection such as this is the standard by which to measure all other teachings.

Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: Recommended as a short and sweet introduction to Zen, this book did not disappoint. Cleary's introduction and translator's afterword are superb. The translations themselves are beyond excellent. I'd give this book 6 stars if I could.

Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: This is the most important book I have ever read - especially the introduction! The intro did an excellent job of explaining how Zen can't be explained, how you can't find your essense on purpose, that you can make yourself free. Working from these few pages of the intro, I was able to finally free myself and practice Zen.

The book itself is full of quotes from Zen masters over the centuries. In these quotes you can see how much we have in common with the past, as well as get authoritative support for the non-religious / non-cult view of Zen. These simple, timeless quotes provide no-nonsense guidance for finding your own Zen essence.