The Book of Zen: The Path to Inner Peace - Hardcover

[back cover]
Zen seems to revel in mystification. But does the hype live up to close scrutiny? The Book of Zen traces its history through India, China, Korea, and finally to its home in Japan through the charismatic characters that developed its traditions.

Explore the Zen principles of emptiness, illusion, and Buddha nature. Experience a transcendental state of enlightenment by following the practices of zazen and shikantaza. Learn how to listen for the sound of one hand clapping.

Find out how to incorporate Zen into your life, through painting, poetry, ikebana, and the ritual of the tea ceremony.

[front flap]
The Book of Zen provides an introduction that is at once historical, practical, and informative. Written for the general reader, it attractively presents the history and ideologies of Zen Buddhism in passages that are easy to read and highly illustrated.

[back flap]
Eric Chaline is a professional journalist and writer with book credits in Asian philosophy, history and art, yoga and Hindu philosophy, the martial arts of China and Japan, and the application of Zen Buddhism in everyday life.
A graduate of Cambridge University and The School of African and Oriental Studies, London, he lived in Japan for seven years where he was introduced to the teachings of the Sato Zen school. He now lives and works in London.

Eric Chaline is an English journalist and the author of several books on Asian philosophy, history, and art, as well as on the application of Zen Buddhism in everyday life. He spent many years in Japan, but now lives in London.