"This book has been a steadfast portal through which millions in the West have peered to catch at the very least a glimpse of Zen mind at play in all its thought-shattering dialogue, humor, joy, and wisdom."--Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are Zen Flesh, Zen Bones offers a remarkable collection of primary sources which enable readers to experience the meaning of Zen directly for themselves. It includes: 101 Zen Stories, a collection of tales recounting the experiences of Chinese and Japanese Zen Buddhist teachers over a period of over five centuries The Gateless Gate, a famous collection of Zen koans Ten Bulls, a commentary on the stages of awareness leading to enlightenment Centering, an ancient text from India that many consider to provide the foundations for Zen Buddhism When Zen Flesh, Zen Bones was first published in 1957 it created an instant sensation with an entire generation of readers who were just beginning to discover Zen. Over the years it has inspired leading Zen teachers, students and practitioners around the world, and its popularity is as strong today as ever.

These are unique stories of timeless wisdom and understanding from the Zen Masters. With rich and fascinating tales of swords, tigers, tea, flowers and dogs, the writings of the Masters challenge every perception - and seek to bring all readers closer to enlightenment. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

With over 1,000,000 copies sold, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones has inspired countless lives.

Zen Buddhism conveys its profound and powerful truths through epigram, parable and brief, enigmatic and often amusing stories of the masters. In addition to 101 Zen Stories, this volume contains The Gateless Gate, a collection of koans or puzzles that students used to attune their minds to enlightenment, and 10 Bulls, an illustrated account of a bull-hunt which symbolizes the ascending stages of awareness. In Centreing, an ancient Sanskrit text at the roots of Zen, Shiva offers '112 ways to open the invisible door of consciousness'. Zen can never be summed up in a Bible or definitive body of doctrine, but for anyone seeking the inspiration and illumination of Zen wisdom, these classic texts make the ideal place to start.

In Buddha, Tao, Zen, "Father of American Beat Zen" Dwight Goddard reveals the history of Zen's transmission and development, from Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment in India, to Bodhidharma's journey to bring the Dharma to China, through a succession of remarkable teachers, ending with Hui-neng, the Sixth Patriarch of Buddhism, whose experiential insight into traditional Chinese Taoism gave Chinese Ch'an and Japanese Zen their characteristic form and spirit. In The Gateless Gate, discover the 48 essential koans of Zen Buddhism, those "mind-puzzle" stories used by Zen Masters throughout the ages to unlock their students' minds, illuminated by the sometimes biting commentary of 13th Century Zen Master Mumon. Bringing two classic Zen texts together in one slim, portable volume, A Pocketful of Zen is the ultimate hip-pocket companion for modern Zen seekers traveling the path to Enlightenment.

Written for the neophyte who has no prior knowledge of the subject, Buddhism and Zen defines basic terms, translates key words, and answers the ten most frequently asked questions that are posed by Westerners interested in Zen Buddhism. Much of the Western world's interest in Zen is based on our growing awareness that the literal, the pragmatic, and the rational, while useful, often fail to explain the phenomena of the emotions, the unconscious, and the subconscious. Insights gleaned from psychoanalysis and various other forms of therapy have better prepared us for noncognitive enlightenment and paradox and non sequitur--it is no longer an unthinkable step from "The first shall be last and the last shall be first" to "The way that can be described is not the true way" and "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The Buddha said, "If you try to see me through my form, or if you try to hear me through my voice, you will never reach me and will remain forever a stranger to my teaching."

This primer, first published in 1953 and long out of print, is a concise compendium of essential information for the seeker who wishes to explore Zen Buddhism.