Recommended Reading

A Special Transmission

Zen Buddhism has a tradition of emphasizing direct insight and the impossibility of expressing it positively through words. A 12th-century stanza attributed to Bodhidharma famously states, “a special transmission outside the scriptures, not founded upon words and letters”. This stanza suggests that pointing directly to one’s mind can allow one to see their true nature and attain Buddhahood.

Zen focuses on enlightenment as the most fundamental aspect of Buddhism, and the idea that all humans are Buddhas who can discover this truth for themselves. Zen practices, such as reading and study, are intended to help people realize the interconnected nature of all life by prompting the practitioner to look directly at their own minds.  For additional reading on Zen training and practice, we recommend the following:

“Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” by Shunryu Suzuki

“Zen, The Authentic Gate” by Yamada Koun

“The Hazy Moon of Enlightenment” by Taizan Maezumi and Bernie Glassman

“A Flower Does Not Talk” by Zenkei Shibiyama

“Appreciate Your Life” by Taizan Maezumi

“Living By Vow” by Shohaku Okumura

“Being Upright” by Reb Anderson

“The Dhamapada” by Eknath Eswaran

“Zen Buddhism” by Heinrich Dumoulin

“The Way of the Bodhisattva” by Shantideva