Teachings of Zen Author:Thomas Cleary A collection of the most essential and inspiring Zen writings, from a renowned translator. Zen Buddhism emerged in China some fifteen centuries ago and remained the most dynamic and influential spiritual movement in Asia for more than a millennium. The first Zen masters sought a return to the source of Buddhism in the personal experience of... more » enlightenment. Though their teaching is sometimes considered innovation, it was actually a return to the core of Buddhist teaching and to an understanding of the importance of the personal experience of enlightenment. This anthology presents talks, sayings, and records of heart-to-heart encounters to show the essence of Zen teaching by using the words of the Zen masters themselves. The selections have been made from the voluminous Zen canon for their accessibility, their clarity, and above all their practical effectiveness in fostering insight.« less