Teaching of the Great Mountain: Zen Talks by Taizan Maezumi

I was surprised by this book in a very good way. You know-order another Zen book, see what you get sort of thing. This is one of the rare ones, up there with Zen Master Seung Sahn's The Compass of Zen. Anyway, this book is so very, very simple in it's approach. In fact, almost every page gives you the feel of Taizan Maezumi speaking without any paper before you. The English at times is slightly off, which to me is what makes it all the more charming.In this book he covers the following subjects quite well: koans, God, precepts, The Four Dharma Seals, some chapters devoted to Masters gone by, Joshu's "Mu", and the tree has no roots-to name a few. This book represents all our Zen traditions-just like my own school of Kwan Um Zen (Korean)-here, too-we see reverence of the bodhisattva of compassion Kwan Yin (*Kanzeon* in Japanese). Sometimes we call Kwan Yin Avalokitesvara-anyway, she is the bodhisattva that really sums up all of what it means to practice every day in Zen. 1000 arms, big ears, 1000 eyes, and ears. Why? To hear, and see the suffering of all beings. 1000 arms of bodhisattva help. That is Zen practice, helping all people. And this message rings home in this book. This is one reason I hold it now as a dear treasure.Enjoy!;)

Taizan ("Great Mountain") Maezumi Roshi speaks directly to the heart and mind of the reader in this beautiful collection of dharma talks. Editor Tenkei Coppens Sensei has done a masterful job mirroring Maezumi Roshi's voice by setting his simple and direct words to poetic format. At times warm and playful, at other times sharp and cutting, Zen Master Maezumi Roshi's teisho bring the experience of Zen to life within the reader. This book is one that you don't want to miss!