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Zen Questions

Zazen, Dogen, and the Spirit of Creative Inquiry

Published by Wisdom Publications
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Whether speaking of student or master, Zen hinges on the question. Zen practice does not necessarily focus on the answers, but on finding a space in which we may sustain uncertainty and remain present and upright in the middle of investigations. Zen Questions begins by exploring "The World of Zazen,"--the foundational practice of the Zen school--presenting it as an attitude of sustained inquiry that offers us an entryway into true repose and joy. From there, Leighton draws deeply on his own experience as a Zen scholar and teacher to invite us into the creativity of Zen awareness and practice. He explores the poetic mind of Dogen with the poetry of Rumi, Mary Oliver, Gary Snyder, and even "the American Dharma Bard" Bob Dylan. What's more, Leighton uncovers surprising resonances between the writings of America's Founding Fathers--including Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin--and the liberating ideals at the heart of Zen.

About The Author

Product Details

  • Publisher: Wisdom Publications (November 7, 2011)
  • Length: 276 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780861717088

Raves and Reviews

"Zen Questions equally introduces and expands our American understanding of Buddhist teachings, and of the many possibilities in navigating our own lives." --

– Jane Hirshfield

"This is a wise and inspiring book."

– Roshi Joan Halifax, author of Being with Dying

"Taigen Leighton is full of compassion for the reader, whether a beginning or experienced practitioner."

– Susan Moon, author of Not Turning Away: The Practice of Engaged Buddhism

"Leighton offers his readers an impressive array of insights into Soto Zen meditation practice."

– Christopher Ives, author of Imperial-Way Zen

"Clear, accurate and eminently useful."

– Peter Coyote (HoSho JiShi, ordination name), actor and author.

"These delightful essays take us another step down the long lonesome road toward naturalizing dharma into our own cultural matrix."

– Zoketsu Norman Fischer, author of Sailing Home

"This is an incredibly valuable book, useful for anyone who wishes to integrate their heart-work with work in the world."

– James Ishmael Ford, author of Zen Master WHO?, co-editor of The Book of Mu

"Taigen Dan Leighton has done his homework, digs deep, and comes up with treasure."

– David Chadwick, author of Crooked Cucumber: the Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki

"Brilliant text."

– Steven Heine, author of Did Dogen Go to China

"Unique and scintillating. I highly recommend this book to anyone who cherishes the illumination of wisdom both ancient and modern."

– Lewis Richmond, author of Work as a Spiritual Practice

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More books from this author: Taigen Dan Leighton