
The Essence of Chan
A Guide to Life and Practice According to the Teachings of Bodhidharma
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $9.45
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Daniel Henning
-
By:
-
Guo Gu
About this listen
Clear and illuminating commentary on one of Bodhidharma's most important texts—designed to help Chan practitioners apply timeless and essential advice to their practice
Legend has it that more than a thousand years ago an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma arrived in China. His approach to teaching was unlike that of any of the Buddhist missionaries who had come to China before him. He confounded the emperor with cryptic dialogues, traveled the country, lived in a cave in the mountains, and eventually paved the way for a unique and illuminating approach to Buddhist teachings that would later spread across the whole of East Asia in the form of Chan—later to be known as Seon in Korean, Thien in Vietnamese, and Zen in Japanese.
This book, a translation and commentary on one of Bodhidharma's most important texts, explores Bodhidharma's revolutionary teachings in English. Guo Gu weaves his commentary through modern and relatable contexts, showing that this centuries-old wisdom is just as crucial for life now as it was when it first came to be. Masterfully translated and accompanied by helpful insights to supplement daily practice, The Essence of Chan is the perfect guide for those new to Chan, those returning, or those who have been practicing for years.
©2012 Guo Gu (P)2023 TantorListeners also enjoyed...
-
Being-Time
- A Practitioner's Guide to Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji
- By: Shinshu Roberts, Norman Fischer - foreword
- Narrated by: Leslie Howard
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Being-Time thoroughly explores Dogen's teaching on how we practice as Buddhas by understanding the relationship between being and time as it is—and as we perceive it to be. Using Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji (The True Dharma Eye, Being-Time), Shinshu Roberts offers a twofold analysis of this teaching: the meaning of the text and practice with the text, giving examples how we apply Dogen's complex teaching to our daily lives.
-
-
A Wonderful Book with Excellent Narration
- By Chris on 09-26-24
By: Shinshu Roberts, and others
-
The Lankavatara Sutra
- By: D.T. Suzuki
- Narrated by: Ratnadhya
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Lankavatara Sutra, dating from the early years of the Common Era, sometime before 443, is one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts, not least because of its influence on later Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. One of its possible early translators in the 8th century was Gunabhadra, who is sometimes regarded as the first father of Zen in China. The Sutra takes the form of a dialogue between the Buddha in his cosmic form (as opposed to the historical figure of the Pali Canon) and the Bodhisattva or ‘Great Being', Mahamati.
-
-
Excellent!
- By Skeet Fortner on 11-09-23
By: D.T. Suzuki
-
Turning Confusion into Clarity
- A Guide to the Foundation Practices of Tibetan Buddhism
- By: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Helen Tworkov
- Narrated by: Homer Todiwala
- Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
By offering detailed instruction and friendly, inspiring advice for those embarking on the Tibetan Buddhist foundation practices, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche provides gentle yet thorough commentary, companionship, and inspiration for committing to the Vajrayana path.
-
-
Essential teaching for new Vajrayana practitioners, and anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Ngondro
- By Erik A. Reponen on 02-15-24
By: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, and others
-
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
- Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
- By: Shunryu Suzuki
- Narrated by: Peter Coyote
- Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. So begins this most beloved of all American Zen works....
-
-
terrific book. Horrible recording.
- By Matthew Wash on 06-29-18
By: Shunryu Suzuki
-
Right Concentration
- A Practical Guide to the Jhanas
- By: Leigh Brasington
- Narrated by: Jamison Walker
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The jhānas are eight progressive altered states of consciousness that can be identified with the aspect of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path called Right Concentration. Training in concentration leads to these states, each of which yields a deeper and subtler state of awareness than the previous one. The jhānas are not in themselves awakening, but they are a skillful means for stilling the mind in a way that leads in that direction, and they are attainable by anyone who devotes the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them.
-
-
great overview
- By Sam on 08-01-23
By: Leigh Brasington
-
Losing Ourselves
- Learning to Live Without a Self
- By: Jay L. Garfield
- Narrated by: Eric Meyers
- Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jay Garfield, a leading expert on Buddhist philosophy, offers a brief and radically clear account of an idea that at first might seem frightening but that promises to liberate us and improve our lives, our relationships, and the world. Drawing on Indian and East Asian Buddhism, Daoism, Western philosophy, and cognitive neuroscience, Garfield shows why it is perfectly natural to think you have a self—and why it actually makes no sense at all and is even dangerous. Most importantly, he explains why shedding the illusion that you have a self can make you a better person.
-
-
Losing the self
- By Laimis on 03-01-24
By: Jay L. Garfield
-
Being-Time
- A Practitioner's Guide to Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji
- By: Shinshu Roberts, Norman Fischer - foreword
- Narrated by: Leslie Howard
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Being-Time thoroughly explores Dogen's teaching on how we practice as Buddhas by understanding the relationship between being and time as it is—and as we perceive it to be. Using Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji (The True Dharma Eye, Being-Time), Shinshu Roberts offers a twofold analysis of this teaching: the meaning of the text and practice with the text, giving examples how we apply Dogen's complex teaching to our daily lives.
-
-
A Wonderful Book with Excellent Narration
- By Chris on 09-26-24
By: Shinshu Roberts, and others
-
The Lankavatara Sutra
- By: D.T. Suzuki
- Narrated by: Ratnadhya
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Lankavatara Sutra, dating from the early years of the Common Era, sometime before 443, is one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts, not least because of its influence on later Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. One of its possible early translators in the 8th century was Gunabhadra, who is sometimes regarded as the first father of Zen in China. The Sutra takes the form of a dialogue between the Buddha in his cosmic form (as opposed to the historical figure of the Pali Canon) and the Bodhisattva or ‘Great Being', Mahamati.
-
-
Excellent!
- By Skeet Fortner on 11-09-23
By: D.T. Suzuki
-
Turning Confusion into Clarity
- A Guide to the Foundation Practices of Tibetan Buddhism
- By: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Helen Tworkov
- Narrated by: Homer Todiwala
- Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
By offering detailed instruction and friendly, inspiring advice for those embarking on the Tibetan Buddhist foundation practices, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche provides gentle yet thorough commentary, companionship, and inspiration for committing to the Vajrayana path.
-
-
Essential teaching for new Vajrayana practitioners, and anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Ngondro
- By Erik A. Reponen on 02-15-24
By: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, and others
-
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
- Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
- By: Shunryu Suzuki
- Narrated by: Peter Coyote
- Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. So begins this most beloved of all American Zen works....
-
-
terrific book. Horrible recording.
- By Matthew Wash on 06-29-18
By: Shunryu Suzuki
-
Right Concentration
- A Practical Guide to the Jhanas
- By: Leigh Brasington
- Narrated by: Jamison Walker
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The jhānas are eight progressive altered states of consciousness that can be identified with the aspect of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path called Right Concentration. Training in concentration leads to these states, each of which yields a deeper and subtler state of awareness than the previous one. The jhānas are not in themselves awakening, but they are a skillful means for stilling the mind in a way that leads in that direction, and they are attainable by anyone who devotes the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them.
-
-
great overview
- By Sam on 08-01-23
By: Leigh Brasington
-
Losing Ourselves
- Learning to Live Without a Self
- By: Jay L. Garfield
- Narrated by: Eric Meyers
- Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jay Garfield, a leading expert on Buddhist philosophy, offers a brief and radically clear account of an idea that at first might seem frightening but that promises to liberate us and improve our lives, our relationships, and the world. Drawing on Indian and East Asian Buddhism, Daoism, Western philosophy, and cognitive neuroscience, Garfield shows why it is perfectly natural to think you have a self—and why it actually makes no sense at all and is even dangerous. Most importantly, he explains why shedding the illusion that you have a self can make you a better person.
-
-
Losing the self
- By Laimis on 03-01-24
By: Jay L. Garfield
-
Opening the Hand of Thought
- Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice
- By: Kosho Uchiyama, Tom Wright - editor translator, Jisho Warner - editor translator, and others
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For over 30 years, Opening the Hand of Thought has offered an introduction to Zen Buddhism and meditation unmatched in clarity and power. This is the revised edition of Kosho Uchiyama's singularly incisive classic. This new edition contains even more useful material: new prefaces, an index, and extended endnotes, in addition to a revised glossary.
-
-
One of the best books on Zazen
- By Otto Hannah on 09-07-23
By: Kosho Uchiyama, and others
-
An Introduction to Zen Buddhism
- By: D. T. Suzuki
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the world's leading authorities on Zen Buddhism, D. T. 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. Written in a lively, accessible, and straightforward manner, An Introduction to Zen Buddhism is illuminating for the serious student and layperson alike.
-
-
great introduction to zen
- By Cliente de Kindle on 05-07-23
By: D. T. Suzuki
-
Nonduality
- In Buddhism and Beyond
- By: David R. Loy
- Narrated by: James Anderson Foster
- Length: 14 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The concept of nonduality lies at the very heart of Mahayana Buddhism. In the West, it's usually associated with various kinds of absolute idealism in the West, or mystical traditions in the East-and as a result, many modern philosophers are poorly informed on the topic. Increasingly, however, nonduality is finding its way into Western philosophical debates. In this analysis of the philosophies of nondualism of (Hindu) Vedanta, Mahayana Buddhism, and Taoism, renowned thinker David R. Loy extracts what he calls "a core doctrine" of nonduality.
By: David R. Loy
-
The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way
- Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika
- By: Nāgārjuna, Jay L. Garfield - translator
- Narrated by: Zehra Jane Naqvi
- Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Buddhist saint Nāgārjuna, who lived in South India in approximately the second century CE, is undoubtedly the most important, influential, and widely studied Mahāyāna Buddhist philosopher. His greatest philosophical work, the Mūlamadhyamikakārikā - read and studied by philosophers in all major Buddhist schools of Tibet, China, Japan, and Korea - is one of the most influential works in the history of Indian philosophy. Now, in The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, Jay L. Garfield provides a clear translation of Nāgārjuna's seminal work.
-
-
Wish i could get a refund.
- By CKW on 04-02-22
By: Nāgārjuna, and others
-
Happiness Is Overrated
- Simple Lessons on Finding Meaning in Each Moment
- By: Cuong Lu
- Narrated by: Lobo Chan
- Length: 2 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We spend so much time in pursuit of happiness—trying to purchase it, experience it, meditate our way toward it—but happiness is elusive and doesn’t last. According to the teachings of the Buddha, Cuong Lu writes, “Suffering is not a problem to be solved. It is a truth to be recognized.” Happiness Is Overrated invites us to look deeply at the truths in our lives—not glossing over or denying our suffering—and to focus on the meaning and value already within us.
By: Cuong Lu
-
The Heroic Heart
- Awakening Unbound Compassion
- By: Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
- Narrated by: Olivia Darnley
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Just as the archetypal hero possesses the heart to face trials and tribulations for the sake of helping others, the bodhisattva has a remarkable resolve to free others from suffering so that all may achieve true happiness and awakening. Through each challenge, the Buddhist hero of compassion develops rich inner qualities that empower them to be of true benefit to others.
-
-
Excellent narration. A wonderful “next book” when you move on from introductory Buddhism.
- By Phil from Downunder on 04-07-23
-
Awakening Dignity
- A Guide to Living a Life of Deep Fulfillment
- By: Phakchok Rinpoche, Sophie Wu
- Narrated by: Juri Henley-Cohn
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The notion of dignity is crucial to the question of how best to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, particularly for today’s environment in which so many of us experience self-doubt, low self-esteem, and feelings of being trapped by anxiety, dissatisfaction, or even success. How, in such a circumstance, can we gain authentic and unshakeable dignity? In Awakening Dignity, Phakchok Rinpoche draws from the Tibetan Buddhist wisdom tradition to offer a unique and fresh approach to answer this question.
-
-
Exceeded My Expectations. Just lovely!
- By James Wilson on 03-05-23
By: Phakchok Rinpoche, and others
-
Words of My Perfect Teacher
- A Complete Translation of a Classic Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
- By: Patrul Rinpoche
- Narrated by: Homer Todiwala
- Length: 17 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Words of My Perfect Teacher is the classic commentary on the preliminary practices of the Longchen Nyingtig—one of the best-known cycles of teachings and a spiritual treasure of the Nyingmapa school—the oldest Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Patrul Rinpoche makes the technicalities of his subject accessible through a wealth of stories, quotations, and references to everyday life. His style of mixing broad colloquialisms, stringent irony, and poetry has all the life and atmosphere of an oral teaching.
-
-
Great text, poorly pronounced
- By Emma on 03-24-23
By: Patrul Rinpoche
-
Zen Master Tales
- Stories from the Lives of Taigu, Sengai, Hakuin, and Ryokan
- By: Peter Haskel
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Zen Master Tales collects never-before-translated stories of four prominent Zen masters from the Edo period of Japanese history (1603–1868). Drawn from an era that saw the “democratization” of Japanese Zen, these stories paint a picture of robust, funny, and poignant engagement between Zen luminaries and the emergent chonin or “townsperson” culture of early modern Japan. These masters affirmed that the essentials of Zen practice could be conveyed to all members of Japanese society in ordinary speech, including even comic verse and work songs.
-
-
Great stories
- By Rishat on 09-20-23
By: Peter Haskel
-
In My Own Way
- By: Alan Watts
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 13 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Macmillan Audio presents In My Own Way, Alan Watts' acclaimed autobiography, published for the first time in audio.
-
-
This is Alan Watts at his very best, as a free spirit.
- By Gene Levinson on 03-20-19
By: Alan Watts
-
Zen in the Art of Archery
- By: Eugen Herrigel
- Narrated by: Ralph Blum
- Length: 1 hr and 20 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is almost impossible to understand Zen by studying it as you would other intellectual pursuits. The best way to understand Zen is, simply, to Zen. This is what author Eugen Herrigel allows us to do by sharing his own fascinating journey toward a comprehension of this illuminating philosophy. In Japan, an art such as archery is not practiced solely for utilitarian purposes such as learning to hit targets. Archery is also meant to train the mind and bring it into contact with the ultimate reality.
-
-
Terrific!
- By Peter S. on 04-02-18
By: Eugen Herrigel
-
Hunger Mountain
- A Field Guide to Mind and Landscape
- By: David Hinton
- Narrated by: David Hinton
- Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Come along with David Hinton on a series of walks through the wild beauty of Hunger Mountain, near his home in Vermont—excursions informed by the worldview he’s imbibed from his many years translating the classics of Chinese poetry and philosophy. His broad-ranging discussion offers insight on everything from the mountain landscape to the origins of consciousness and the Cosmos, from geology to Chinese landscape painting, from parenting to pictographic oracle-bone script, to a family chutney recipe.
By: David Hinton
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
Shōbōgenzō
- The Treasure House of the Eye of the True Teaching
- By: Eihei Dōgen
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 55 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Shōbōgenzō is the recognized spiritual masterpiece by the 13th- century Japanese Sōtō Zen Master Eihei Dōgen. It is comprised of discourses that he gave to his disciples, in person or in writing, at various times between 1231 and his death 22 years later at age 53. These discourses cover a wide range of topics pertinent to those in monastic life, though often also relevant to those training in lay life.
-
-
I'm just amazed
- By Amazon Customer on 05-01-21
By: Eihei Dōgen
-
Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away
- Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering
- By: Ajahn Chah
- Narrated by: Peter Aronson
- Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ajahn Chah was admired for the way he demystified the Buddhist teachings, presenting them in a remarkably simple and down-to-earth style for people of any background. He was a major influence and mentor for a generation of American Buddhist teachers. Previous books by Ajahn Chah have consisted of collections of short teachings on a wide variety of subjects. This new book focuses on the theme of impermanence, offering powerful remedies for overcoming our deep-seated fear of change, including guidance on letting go of attachments, living in the present, and taking up the practice of meditation.
-
-
Amazing
- By Anonymous User on 12-17-24
By: Ajahn Chah
-
Opening the Hand of Thought
- Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice
- By: Kosho Uchiyama, Tom Wright - editor translator, Jisho Warner - editor translator, and others
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For over 30 years, Opening the Hand of Thought has offered an introduction to Zen Buddhism and meditation unmatched in clarity and power. This is the revised edition of Kosho Uchiyama's singularly incisive classic. This new edition contains even more useful material: new prefaces, an index, and extended endnotes, in addition to a revised glossary.
-
-
One of the best books on Zazen
- By Otto Hannah on 09-07-23
By: Kosho Uchiyama, and others
-
The Gateless Gate
- The Classic Book of Zen Koans
- By: Koun Yamada
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Gateless Gate, one of modern Zen Buddhism's uniquely influential masters offers classic commentaries on the Mumonkan, one of Zen's greatest collections of teaching stories. This translation was compiled with the Western listener in mind, and includes Koan Yamada's clear and penetrating comments on each case. Yamada played a seminal role in bringing Zen Buddhism to the West from Japan, going on to be the head of the Sanbo Kyodan Zen Community.
-
-
Extremely helpful.
- By Dominic on 12-11-24
By: Koun Yamada
-
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
- A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings
- By: Paul Reps
- Narrated by: Peter Coyote
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this collection of inspirational writings, novice and experienced practitioners are treated to four key works that rank high in the Zen canon: 101 Zen Stories recounts actual experiences with Zen that span five centuries. The Gateless Gate is a 13th-century collection of mind problems used in the practice of Zen. Ten Bulls is a 12th-century commentary on the stages of awareness that lead to enlightenment. Centering is a 4,000-year-old teaching from India that may have been the source of Zen.
By: Paul Reps
-
The Essential Dogen
- Writings of the Great Zen Master
- By: Kazuaki Tanahashi - editor, Peter Levitt - editor
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the first book to offer the great master's incisive wisdom in short selections taken from the whole range of his voluminous works. The pithy and powerful readings, arranged according to theme, provide a perfect introduction to Dogen - and inspire spiritual practice in people of all traditions.
-
-
A Great Pearl of Little Price
- By IndyInAsiaPacific on 06-08-17
By: Kazuaki Tanahashi - editor, and others
-
Shōbōgenzō
- The Treasure House of the Eye of the True Teaching
- By: Eihei Dōgen
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 55 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Shōbōgenzō is the recognized spiritual masterpiece by the 13th- century Japanese Sōtō Zen Master Eihei Dōgen. It is comprised of discourses that he gave to his disciples, in person or in writing, at various times between 1231 and his death 22 years later at age 53. These discourses cover a wide range of topics pertinent to those in monastic life, though often also relevant to those training in lay life.
-
-
I'm just amazed
- By Amazon Customer on 05-01-21
By: Eihei Dōgen
-
Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away
- Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering
- By: Ajahn Chah
- Narrated by: Peter Aronson
- Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ajahn Chah was admired for the way he demystified the Buddhist teachings, presenting them in a remarkably simple and down-to-earth style for people of any background. He was a major influence and mentor for a generation of American Buddhist teachers. Previous books by Ajahn Chah have consisted of collections of short teachings on a wide variety of subjects. This new book focuses on the theme of impermanence, offering powerful remedies for overcoming our deep-seated fear of change, including guidance on letting go of attachments, living in the present, and taking up the practice of meditation.
-
-
Amazing
- By Anonymous User on 12-17-24
By: Ajahn Chah
-
Opening the Hand of Thought
- Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice
- By: Kosho Uchiyama, Tom Wright - editor translator, Jisho Warner - editor translator, and others
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For over 30 years, Opening the Hand of Thought has offered an introduction to Zen Buddhism and meditation unmatched in clarity and power. This is the revised edition of Kosho Uchiyama's singularly incisive classic. This new edition contains even more useful material: new prefaces, an index, and extended endnotes, in addition to a revised glossary.
-
-
One of the best books on Zazen
- By Otto Hannah on 09-07-23
By: Kosho Uchiyama, and others
-
The Gateless Gate
- The Classic Book of Zen Koans
- By: Koun Yamada
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Gateless Gate, one of modern Zen Buddhism's uniquely influential masters offers classic commentaries on the Mumonkan, one of Zen's greatest collections of teaching stories. This translation was compiled with the Western listener in mind, and includes Koan Yamada's clear and penetrating comments on each case. Yamada played a seminal role in bringing Zen Buddhism to the West from Japan, going on to be the head of the Sanbo Kyodan Zen Community.
-
-
Extremely helpful.
- By Dominic on 12-11-24
By: Koun Yamada
-
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
- A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings
- By: Paul Reps
- Narrated by: Peter Coyote
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this collection of inspirational writings, novice and experienced practitioners are treated to four key works that rank high in the Zen canon: 101 Zen Stories recounts actual experiences with Zen that span five centuries. The Gateless Gate is a 13th-century collection of mind problems used in the practice of Zen. Ten Bulls is a 12th-century commentary on the stages of awareness that lead to enlightenment. Centering is a 4,000-year-old teaching from India that may have been the source of Zen.
By: Paul Reps
-
The Essential Dogen
- Writings of the Great Zen Master
- By: Kazuaki Tanahashi - editor, Peter Levitt - editor
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the first book to offer the great master's incisive wisdom in short selections taken from the whole range of his voluminous works. The pithy and powerful readings, arranged according to theme, provide a perfect introduction to Dogen - and inspire spiritual practice in people of all traditions.
-
-
A Great Pearl of Little Price
- By IndyInAsiaPacific on 06-08-17
By: Kazuaki Tanahashi - editor, and others
-
The Lankavatara Sutra
- By: D.T. Suzuki
- Narrated by: Ratnadhya
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Lankavatara Sutra, dating from the early years of the Common Era, sometime before 443, is one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts, not least because of its influence on later Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. One of its possible early translators in the 8th century was Gunabhadra, who is sometimes regarded as the first father of Zen in China. The Sutra takes the form of a dialogue between the Buddha in his cosmic form (as opposed to the historical figure of the Pali Canon) and the Bodhisattva or ‘Great Being', Mahamati.
-
-
Excellent!
- By Skeet Fortner on 11-09-23
By: D.T. Suzuki
-
An Introduction to Zen Buddhism
- By: D. T. Suzuki
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the world's leading authorities on Zen Buddhism, D. T. 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. Written in a lively, accessible, and straightforward manner, An Introduction to Zen Buddhism is illuminating for the serious student and layperson alike.
-
-
great introduction to zen
- By Cliente de Kindle on 05-07-23
By: D. T. Suzuki
-
Zen
- The Authentic Gate
- By: Yamada Koun
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why practice Zen? What sets Zen apart from religion? What are its different practices? These questions, and more, are examined and answered by Zen Master Koun Yamada, whose Dharma heirs include Robert Aitken, Ruben Habito, and David Loy. Through compelling stories and a systematic approach, he guides the listener through creating and sustaining a lifelong practice. Warm and ecumenical in tone, Koun uses the insights of Zen to bring a deeper understanding of faith.
-
-
Slow down and listen
- By Captain Morgan on 11-22-22
By: Yamada Koun
-
Sky Above, Great Wind
- The Life and Poetry of Zen Master Ryokan
- By: Kazuaki Tanahashi
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ryokan (1758–1831) is, along with Dogen and Hakuin, one of the three giants of Zen in Japan. But unlike his two renowned colleagues, Ryokan was a societal dropout, living mostly as a hermit and a beggar. He was never head of a monastery or temple. He liked playing with children. He had no dharma heir. Even so, people recognized the depth of his realization, and he was sought out by people of all walks of life for the teaching to be experienced in just being around him.
-
-
The Great Fool
- By Susie on 03-03-15
-
Zen Is Right Now
- More Teaching Stories and Anecdotes of Shunryu Suzuki, Author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
- By: Shunryu Suzuki, David Chadwick - editor
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The teachings of Shunryu Suzuki have served for innumerable people as the gateway to Zen practice and meditation. In Zen Is Right Now, devoted student and biographer David Chadwick sheds new light on Suzuki’s presence and teachings through selected quotes from his lectures and a variety of stories told by his students.
-
-
some nice little snippets of wisdom to contemplate
- By Robert H. on 01-09-24
By: Shunryu Suzuki, and others
-
The Diamond Sutra
- By: Red Pine
- Narrated by: Brian Arens
- Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Zen Buddhism is often said to be a practice of mind-to-mind transmission without reliance on text—in fact, some great teachers forbid their students to read or write. But Buddhism has also inspired some of the greatest philosophical writings of any religion, and two such works lie at the center of Zen: The Heart Sutra, which monks recite all over the world, and The Diamond Sutra, said to contain answers to all questions of delusion and dualism. This is the Buddhist teaching on the perfection of wisdom and cuts through all obstacles on the path of practice.
-
-
all of it
- By Realcheese on 02-12-25
By: Red Pine
-
Being-Time
- A Practitioner's Guide to Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji
- By: Shinshu Roberts, Norman Fischer - foreword
- Narrated by: Leslie Howard
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Being-Time thoroughly explores Dogen's teaching on how we practice as Buddhas by understanding the relationship between being and time as it is—and as we perceive it to be. Using Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji (The True Dharma Eye, Being-Time), Shinshu Roberts offers a twofold analysis of this teaching: the meaning of the text and practice with the text, giving examples how we apply Dogen's complex teaching to our daily lives.
-
-
A Wonderful Book with Excellent Narration
- By Chris on 09-26-24
By: Shinshu Roberts, and others
-
The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha
- A Translation of the Majjhima Nikāya
- By: Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, Bhikkhu Bodhi
- Narrated by: Taradasa
- Length: 47 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This book offers a complete translation of the Majjhima Nikāya, or Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, one of the major collections of texts in the Pāli Canon, the authorised scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. This collection - among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings - consists of 152 suttas or discourses of middle length, distinguished as such from the longer and shorter suttas of the other collections.
-
-
I can't believe it's FINALLY an audible book!
- By Yetanotherguy on 12-08-19
By: Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, and others
-
Practical Zen
- Meditation and Beyond
- By: Julian Daizan Skinner, Shinzan Miyamae - foreword
- Narrated by: Julian Daizan Skinner
- Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Zen master Julian Daizan Skinner guides the listener through a sequence of meditation techniques that can safely lead even a complete novice through to advanced levels. Based on his own long experience of the Rinzai Zen tradition, as taught by the great 17th-century masters Hakuin and Bankei, Daizan highlights the key points for success and addresses the pitfalls. Structured around a traditional teaching framework called 'the two wings of a bird', Daizan clearly lays-out how these methods build and combine to create a transformative and sustaining practice.
-
-
Practical Zen
- By Adin on 04-08-24
By: Julian Daizan Skinner, and others
-
The Lotus Sutra
- The White Lotus Sutra of the True Dharma
- By: Hendrik Kern, Nicolas Soames - translator
- Narrated by: Taradasa
- Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Lotus Sūtra is one of the most important Mahāyāna texts and the most widely read, chanted and revered, particularly in Asian Buddhist countries, notably China and Japan. It is certainly a remarkable document, replete with the Mahāyāna characteristics of fantastical images, extraordinary appearances, magical happenings, views of time and space which are galactic in size; and pronouncements which are definite, unequivocal, practical in some areas and dependent upon a faith commitment in others.
-
-
Lotus Sutra
- By UBS on 10-10-19
By: Hendrik Kern, and others
-
Food for the Heart
- The Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah
- By: Ajahn Chah
- Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
- Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This collection brings together for the first time Ajahn Chah's most powerful teachings, including those on meditation, liberation from suffering, calming the mind, enlightenment and the "living dhamma". Most of these talks have previously only been available in limited, private editions and the publication of Food for the Heart, therefore, represents a momentous occasion: the hugely increased accessibility of his words and wisdom.
-
-
You Don't Need to be a Buddhist to Understand Him
- By Mesut on 09-17-16
By: Ajahn Chah
-
Right Concentration
- A Practical Guide to the Jhanas
- By: Leigh Brasington
- Narrated by: Jamison Walker
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The jhānas are eight progressive altered states of consciousness that can be identified with the aspect of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path called Right Concentration. Training in concentration leads to these states, each of which yields a deeper and subtler state of awareness than the previous one. The jhānas are not in themselves awakening, but they are a skillful means for stilling the mind in a way that leads in that direction, and they are attainable by anyone who devotes the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them.
-
-
great overview
- By Sam on 08-01-23
By: Leigh Brasington
What listeners say about The Essence of Chan
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bruce N. Teague
- 11-18-23
Told by a Master
Guo Go clear teaching goes the heart of the matter placing Chan in it’s historical context
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 01-23-24
Great Introduction to Chan
Wonderful book. Forever grateful. The language is easy to grasp while the concepts are quite deep.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dan Baker/Alishare
- 12-28-23
Deep and human
This was very informative, practical, entertaining and helpful. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to realize the goal of meditation.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- John
- 12-17-24
Outstanding content with CONSTANT mispronunciations
As for the content of this book? Highly recommended! But it is an absolute shame that the narrator didn't bother to learn the correct pronunciation of the subject, Chan, let alone other words unique to the Chan, Zen, or Buddhist vernacular. It's so poor and distracting that I had to stop listening. Perhaps he should have watched even a single YouTube video by the author?!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amanda Steng
- 09-25-24
The Essence of Chan
Great guide for readers wanting to know the Way of Chan. Easy to follow. Lots of explanation of the roots of living and what practitioners can expect from practice.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JK
- 08-15-23
GOOD
I just finished this book.
I am surprised that there are no reviews. I found this to be a very interesting, concise book about Zen Buddhism.
If you are familiar with Zen Buddhism, it covers all you need in a concise manner.
If you are not familiar with Zen Buddhism, but picked this book up because it caught your eye, then it is an opening to study Buddhism and in this case Zen Buddhism.
The narrative, mr. Daniel Henning has a pleasant, clear voice.
My thanks to all involved,JK.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful