Bookreview: The net of indra

Hi.

Sante Poromaa has been practising Zen since 1983 and teaching full time since 1998. He started practice as a student of Roshi Philip Kapleau, and he later became a student of Kapleau's successor, Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.

Together with Kanja Odland, he has been instrumental in the creation of a full-time training temple in rural Sweden called Zengården, as well as the growth and development of a network of City Zen Centers in Sweden, Finland and Scotland.

The book, The net of indra, is, more or less, an exploration of the question of whether the concept of rebirth can be incorporated into our modern, scientific worldview.

The book is divided into four parts, he starts off with testimonys, moves on to scientific and Buddhist theory and ends up with “questions”-section at the end.

The questionssection has rebirth as an common red thread, although the questions range from abortion, murder to quantumphysics and rebirth as an Buddhist pillar. I think there could have been more questions asked, as it is such an broad topic, but those asked were cunningly answered.

The theorysections show a sign of great knowledge on the authors behalf. He has gone to great lenghts to make an wide display of all there is to show in the subject, while, at the same time, keep an inquiring, almost critical, mindset to it all. I think now, looking back, this mindset is what made the book so great..

The witnesssection is a caleidoscope of different recounts, both his own and others, mixed with scholarly dissertations. It serves both to recount what people have experienced but also what has been written about the separate “cases” brought forth. These cases range from neardeathexperiences to parapsychology and even his own experiences. The fact that he brings up his own experiences brings another depth to an already almost fathomless sea, and, in hindsight, I would have liked to see that section more elaborated upon, as it is very good in and off itself.

The book The net of indra is an book about rebirth, science and the self.

As such it is an good attempt. It has very good ground to state its views from, and it also implores the reader to inquire everything more. The things you lack, such as an more elaborated survey and other small things, is well counteracted by the fact that it is well put together, well written and implores you to do the questioning yourself, to find out yourself.

Thank you Sante Poromaa for a good book and for your practice.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview: Buddhist bootcamp

Hi.
 

Just the name of the author says it all, Timber Hawkeye.
This book is an treasure-trove of oneliners packaged as one paged letters for the reader. They are smart, witty and above all piercing like the sight of an hawk.
According to the author it is based on letters sent to people over a period of time, which they might be, some of the writings have that lettery air over them,. The airiness makes it an great book to read out loud in Company of your spouse, or in the Comfort of your favourite chair...
The book is not about Buddhism per se, no lengthy discourse on its history or anything but more on one of the basic tenets of Buddhism, training the mind to see the truth. 
In the book we are given thoughtful texts, which can be read in any order, and practices, which we can use or let go of. All of this gives you a basic starting ground for our own practice, a Buddhist bootcamp if you like.
 

The downside of the book, to me, is that it is sometimes a bit simplistic, almost shallow, and a bit moralistic at other times.  
This book is more of an selfhelp/lifecoachbook than it is an book about Zen/Buddhism. Further, the author talks a lot of what he believes and what he does, and in a sense what you should do, which it should be given that it is excerpts of letters, but it might turn some people off.
Nevertheless the content rings true and i like it so much that I recommend it heartily to anyone who might find benefit in it. 

Thank you for your practice
Mtfbwy
Fugen

Bookreview: Cave of tigers

Hi.

John Daido Loori was born in Jersey City, New Jersey 1931. He was raised Roman Catholic, and only later on found his way to Buddhism and was ordained as a priest in 1983 and later on received dharma transmission in both a Soto and a Rinzailineage and was the dharma heir of the influential Japanese Zen master Taizan Maezumi Roshi. He is the author of numerous books and also the founder of the Mountains and Rivers Order and Abbot of Zen mountain monastery. He died of lungcancer On October 9, 2009.

Dharma encounter is an public interchange between a teacher and student.. The Dharma encounter can happen after a teaching or reading of a text, but it is not required. It has an long history, but can look very different depending on the sangha, although there are some very ritualized, formalised occurrences of its useage. In the book Cave of tigers we are invited to recapture edited dharma encounters (also know as dharma combat or dharma assembly) Zen mountain monastery between students an John Daido Loori.

The dharma encounters we encounter in this book are not the ritualized form, but rather a soft flowing back and forth between two long time friends. The subjects brought forth has something for the whole spectrum of zenpractitioners, whatever their level of understanding is at, presented in an modern context. What unfolds in the mix might sometimes confound you, and might require several readings before you get it, but when you do, it is a gem.

I like these kind of books who do not try to drag a specific teaching out. In the book, Daido Loori gives an short text and then adds an couple of friendly back and forths corresponding to the initial text. This gives the short text, and the Dharma encounters, an extra depth and although that is not really needed, it is very appreciated.

He covers both a lot off different subjects and an important part of the Buddhist tradition, that of the public back and forthdiscussion that is, in my view, a good practice. I only hope that we get to see more of that in the future, and it no be shyed away, because there is so much to be won in presenting it more..

But you don't have to wait that long, you can get engaged right now, right here.

Thank you for your practice.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview: Inside the grass hut

Hi.

Ben Connelly is a Soto Zen priest in the Katagiri lineage at Minnesota Zen Meditation Center. In the book he has taken on a thirty-two linepoem by Zen master Shitou (700-790) called "Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage" and uses it as a stepping stone to illuminate the meaning of spiritual practice, humility, simplicity, and living lightly.

Even though the language in the book, and poem, is easy, has an air of zen aesthetics, and talk about the simplicity of life in a down to earth kind of style, they are not an light read in the sense of thoughts and the impact they will leave on you. Both the poem and the book opens up a spectrum of thoughts and inklings to the features of our hut.

Each chapter in the book focuses on a single line of the poem.
By doing so Connelly lets the reader immerse himself thoroughly in each line, explore it and then step out for air before moving on to the next line/chapter.

Line by line, chapter by chapter, Connelly shows the reader how the poem draws on and expresses elements from the thousand years of Buddhist thought that preceded it, how it is applicable in living a daily, simple, life with a deep connection to all things.

The book is going to be an valueable companion to life in general and Shitou's poem for anyone, not just Zennies, who find these gems.

Song of the grassroof hermitage

I’ve built a grass hut where there’s nothing of value.
After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap.
When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared.
Now it’s been lived in – covered by weeds.
The person in the hut lives here calmly,
Not stuck to inside, outside, or in between.
Places worldly people live, he doesn’t live.
Realms worldly people love, he doesn’t love.
Though the hut is small, it includes the entire world.
In ten square feet, an old man illumines forms and their nature.
A Great Vehicle bodhisattva trusts without doubt.
The middling or lowly can’t help wondering;
Will this hut perish or not?
Perishable or not, the original master is present,
not dwelling south or north, east or west.
Firmly based on steadiness, it can’t be surpassed.
A shining window below the green pines –
Jade palaces or vermilion towers can’t compare with it.
Just sitting with head covered, all things are at rest.
Thus, this mountain monk doesn’t understand at all.
Living here he no longer works to get free.
Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice guests?
Turn around the light to shine within, then just return.
The vast inconceivable source can’t be faced or turned away from.
Meet the ancestral teachers, be familiar with their instruction,
Bind grasses to build a hut, and don’t give up.
Let go of hundreds of years and relax completely.
Open your hands and walk, innocent.
Thousands of words, myriad interpretations,
Are only to free you from obstructions.
If you want to know the undying person in the hut,
Don’t separate from this skin bag here and now.

- Shitou Xiqian

Thank you for your practice.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview: Why i am a buddhist

Hi.

The book takes a grounding in the life and thoughts of the author Stephen T. Asma. 
From there we go through the Buddhist basics in a ”no-nonsens with redmeat and whiskeyway” as the frontpage of the book says.Asma is professor of philosophy and interdisciplinary humanities at Columbia College in Chicago. He has written extensively on Buddhism and taught it at the university level.

Asma does a good job laying out the basiscs of the basics of Buddhism in a very elegenagt punchy style which will attract people of all ages. Providing just enough technical language to educate the reader without getting bogged down in Sanskrit terms or doctrinal details is another one of the upsides. 
His chapters on Buddhism and science and Buddhism and the arts are good. He deconstructs the quantum mechanics mysticism that seems popular in New Age thought and demonstrates the connection between Zen and the arts in a nice way. 

He puts forth the notion for thinking about Buddhism in terms of a "first language" (cultural Buddhism) and a "second language" (learned Buddhism). He also makes a great deal of the difference between what he terms "Chicago" Buddhism and what he sees as a more New Agey form of California Buddhism.

Asma also talks about how there are two main groups of Buddhists, all variations aside. There is the group which grows up with Buddhism and a a second group which comes to Buddhism later in life, seeking it out. A topic he covers fairly well in the exposee.

He also talks about the attraction of Buddhism and Buddha, and does a good job about it.

The author teaches philosophy at a Chicago college which makes me wonder why he wrote this book as he did, maybe as some sort of textbook to be used at his lectures, as there is plenty of anecdotes who would work there. But then comes the question on why would he then leave so much out that needs to be in a comprehensive  book about Buddhism and why does he include writings the way he does.

He attacks views of spirituality and schools of Buddhism and dismisses them right off, which makes no sense.

His discussion of cravings, for example, is all about romantic love, which could be a good start to the chapter, but where's the rest?

The chapter on parenthood leaves a lot, even though he showes he is protective of his kid, there is not much buddhistparenthooding in the chapter. His ending chapter, in which he looks at Buddhism and the global stage, he both outlines the attacks on and uses of Buddhism but includes an assault on Islam in favor of Christianity. It makes for an final example of the uneven quality of the sections in the book - some are very good and others are not. 
 

Near the end we come back to the message of balance. 
Buddhism is all about the middle road. 
Buddhism is a practice of both mind and body, you cant just read/write or just sit your way to it's core. 
But with a bit of practice, and/or editing Asma might might get it, just as you can.

Thank you for your practice.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview: Mahayana Buddhism, the doctrinal foundations of Mahayana Buddhism

Hi.

This is a book about a branch of the Buddhist tree, the Mahayana Buddhism. 

It covers not only the branch and leaves of the tree, but also takes a look at the root, and the stem holding the branch up.It is an scholarly book made by an scholar. And it shows. 

The reference pages alone is 30 pages long. 

Do note though, this is not an introduction for the beginner. 

Each side in the book is crammed to the max with facts, names, dates, terms, and sad to say, his own views.

The author, Paul Williams, is a Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy and Co-director of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol. 

That means he's a scholar, used to reading scholarly texts, which is why I again and again, ask myself, why?!?

Don't get me wrong, its a very good book. 

His writing is good, clear and the issues are discussed in an interesting way which gets me, as a reader, interested in reading more. He presents the history, central texts and teachings, and disputes of the Mahayana with more or less well-focused discipline.

He presents a core text and then adds the rest as notes to the text, which gives 120 (!) pages of notes. 

And that in a book of 440 pages. I don't see that as an problem, it is actually helpful sometimes when you read. It gets you some kind of flow in the storyline. Alas if you are not used to reading books like these I can see a problem...

The problem I have with this book, is that, now and then, he puts in his own thoughts and views in the mix and muddling it up. If this had been any fluffy pinkcloudbook about Buddhism, I can see some people doing like that. But this is an scholarly book on Buddhism done by a Buddhist scholar in an scholarcontext. 

You don't do that. 

Period.

Despite some minor setbacks this is by far the best allcovering introduction on Mahayana Buddhism in english out there. It is not something you begin with but as you feel the need to get your feet wet, this is your perfect companion on the trip.

Thank you for your practice.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview ”solens hjärta”- ”The heart of the sun”

Hi.

Lama Ngawang was an Tibetan lama who got to sweden in 1976 at the request of his holiness the 16:th Gyalwa Karmapa and honorable Kalu Rinpoche. 

He saw to it the Stupa in Fellingsbro was made, founded an Tibetan Buddhist centre in Tar, Nograd County, Hungary and he also ran the Buddhist center in Stockholm until his death in 2011.

"When we practice Dharma, our minds doesnt become discriminatory, we need no longer be one-sided when we desire to help someone. We are impartial and no longer distinguishes the good or bad practice. We walk a middle ground. If we exercise without discriminating against other religious traditions, then we find it all in our own practice. If we follow a tradition while we also believe that all the other traditions are worse, then it's pointless to be in no tradition at all. Such a view destroys everything.
All schools have been part of our tradition. "

This book consists of oral instructions that has been given at the Buddhist center Karma Shedrup Dargye Ling in Mälarhöjden, Stockholm. 

The teachings was then translated from Tibetan into Swedish by interpreters and has been edited by Elin Lagerkvist.

According to the book, and people who had met him, Lama Ngawang had favorite lyrics which he often told when he taught. 

You also see this in the book, as phrases and quotations from these keep popping up again and again in the book.

We are currently reading this book as part of the bookclub in the sangha here in skövde, and i look forward to the discussions that will arise, because they will be plenty if you go by all the things that is taken up in this book.

The book covers some of the basics of Buddhism such as Samsaras six worlds, the six paramitas and suffering. 

It also covers things like mind, meditation and chenrezig. 

This is all covered in a “thick Tibetan-Buddhism sauce” which is sometimes spread so thick that even some of my friends, who follow the tibetan Buddhist path, thought it a bit hard to swallow.

The texts in the book are edited talks done by an, what must have been, wonderful man. 

The image of an smiling man permeates through the texts presented in it. 

The texts themselves have been ordered into ”sections” ranging from the six realms of samsara to ”why do we meditate” in a very nicely edited version which the book book presents in an orderly and good fashion.

The downside is that it´s clear that it is talks that has been given, written down and edited. 

This is prominently clear when reading the texts and there is no real continuation or theme to the texts that is presented.

It is full of nonbuddhist truth, halftruths, and what must be teachings from the Tibetan Tradition, which i have not taken part in, which also gives an air of an edited talk, not really finished yet. 

Furthermore there are some things lacking, and you sometimes wonder who's opinion is displayed, Lama Ngawangs or the editor, Elin Lagerkvists. 

This gives me a bad taste, as i almost feel that his lifeteachings are tainted, which i think wasn't the purpose.

Now, don't get me wrong, the book is brilliant sometimes. 

I look forward to reading version 3 of it, the one after the next-next editorialredoing, if we ever get there. 

But i guess we will. 

Because Lama Ngawang was one of the important forefigures when Buddhism came to Sweden, and this is his written teachings.

Nevertheless, i find myself continuing reading the book with an smile on my face and an interest of whats coming next, as, all in all, it is an good book about Tibetanflavoured Buddhism, and in the end you shouldn't judge a book by its cover...

In the meantime, Thanks Elin Lagerkvist, it made an good reading in my Sangha here, and also gave birth to a lot of good discussions.

Thank you for your practice.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview: Vandring på spårlös stig

Hi.

Kanja Odland Roshi is a ZenBuddhist priest in the lineage of Harada-Yasutani. She has been a student of both Roshi Philip Kapleau and his successor Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. She was ordained as a priest in 1999, and was given permission to teach by Roshi Kjolhede in 2001. Together with Sante Poromaa Roshi, she has been instrumental in the creation of a full-time training temple in rural Sweden called Zengården, as well as the growth and development of a network of City Zen Centers in Sweden, Finland and Scotland. This, her first book, was published in 2013.

In the book you will find retreat diaries, a description of how to perform Zen meditation, excerpts from instructions to a student, a tale from Japan and a depiction of the first meeting of zen. These things are all very good, but the book also contains Kanja Odlands own images, which add an extra layer upon this creation of hers. 

The pictures are alone enough to buy the book. They often give more than the text itself, although the texts are not bad, at all, the pictures are somewhat brilliant. I really look forward to seeing more books from Odland, even one with only pictures and reflections around them.

Kanja Odland has an talent for making good stories. A talent that really shines through in this book. The stories presented are almost all about herself and her experiences, but nevertheless are they, each on their own, an object of a good, thoughtprovoking, tantalizing, teaching.

Some may say that retreatnotes, or any diarynotes are not worth reading, and i sometimes agree, but with this book, Odland has proven that there are gems out there, and this is one of them. 

My only wish were that there were more...

If there is one thing I think the book lacks, aside from more digressions on some places is that it should have been written in english. But considering the language used sometimes, I foresee an english translation coming...

All in all, all I have left to say is thank you Kanja Odland for the book and for your practice.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview: The accidental Buddhist

Hi.

In reading this book, you get the feeling of being a passenger on the Dinty W. Moore journey of Discovery, this trip: Buddhism!

By being allowed to come along the journey we get to experience a variety of sights and shows as we are bussed/driven/ferrried/flown along to see different locations and people in the various paths of the American Buddhist scene.

And what a journey it is. 

Moore learns to sit and count his breaths at a Zen retreat, sets up a Buddhist altar in his home, visits a Tibetan Buddhist community, meets a Jesuit priest who teaches Zen, Meets a woman who runs a business that makes meditation cushions, studies a copy of Mindfulness in Plain English at a Theravada retreat led by its author, and meets His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

And thats just some of the things we encounter in his travelogue.

The Writing, throughout the book is easy to read, conversational with loads of observations that are humourous, honest, selfrevealing and insightful. 

Add to that that it is an good surfacesurvey of the landscape, and you have yourself a book worth reading.

But as to all chartertravelling theres an downside.

Yes, there is sights, shows and whatnot, but if you are looking for something more look elsewhere.

This is a quiet journey towards insight. 

Perhaps too low-key for eager inquirers as it is a bit shallow at times.

Moore might have a very witty writingsstyle, and i must confess i laughed out loud more than a couple of times, some of the jokes are more of insidejokes.

The depth he goes in to each stop on the journey is sometimes not enough time even to get to the bathroom..

That being said, Moore's journeyjournal is valuable on an entirely different, perhaps unintended, account: as a travelogue detailing the tremendous diversity that is American Buddhism.

In the last chapter, a real nugget, he discusses the landscape of Buddhism and how we and it can coexist and benefit from each other .

He shows us the geography of Buddhism, American style, and discusses it in short bursts, Moorestyle. 

And its this Moorestyle that makes this book a good book. There is numerous books on ”innerjourneys” and the like, but there is only a few good men, and Moore has the rare ability to be both sincere about religion and good-humored about the human condition.

Moore concludes, as i'd like to too, as i'm coming to a close that, concerning God's existence, he's not going to worry. "If there is a God, I should live my life according to principles of kindness, compassion, and awareness, and if there is no God, well then i should live my life according to principles of kindness, compassion and awareness anyway. How wonderfully simple. How Buddhist.”

Bookreview: There is no God and...

Hi.

2013 can be called a year of God, with both the nobelprize in physics for the theoretical discovery of ”the Godparticle” and the publishing of Brad Warners book ”There is no God and he is always with you”.

One of the major things that rub people with this years Nobelprize and in Brad Warners book and is best described by the author himself when he talks about the power, and troubles, of words, and in this case a specific word, God.

"The word God, on the other hand, is much more immediate and richer. Rather than asking you to ponder its meaning, the word God just punches you in the face, after which you have to deal with how to respond. It has all kinds of messy layers of meaning and connotation. It sparks emotions and tangents. Sometimes it makes people feel settled and happy. Sometimes it makes them angry. Or it makes them confused. Or it makes them frustrated. Or all of the above at the same time. It's a dangerous word.

"That's what I've encountered in my practice. Zen is not something dry and orderly. It cannot be easily fit into premeasured boxes. It's very messy, because it is alive. The universe we inhabit is a dynamic, living thing. God is a good word to use for what Zen is about because shoving the word God into a tidy intellectual container would be like trying to shove a live octopus into a Kleenex box." p 175- 176

But is it so bad to be rubbed sometimes?

Brad Warner first book, Hardcore Zen, came out in 2003, and, using an musicanalogy, it was a hardcore take on buddhism, and zen in particular. 

Since then he has produced, with this, a total of five books, and just like a rough diamond, smoothed out the edges. 

Notice i said smoothed, because in true Warnerstyle, they're still there.

The book is still a Brad Warner book, full of nononsense, straightforward writings, pokings and Brad's take on things ranging from the Godconcept to the Bible to various spiritual concepts all wrapped in a graceful, heartful, humoristic aura which really brings a new level to the reading while gently pushing the reader forward.

Brad Warner talks about what belief in God and what God means to him as a Zen Buddhist practitioner. 

He also recognizes that one of the difficulties with such questions is that the answers depend on what you mean by God, as well as what you mean by belief and by Buddhism.

The main subject of the book is the Godconcept, which we explore, through Brads eyes and writing, as he travels to different locations throughout the book, meeting people and exploring places and events. You might refer to it as a travellers guide in a dual sense, both in the world and in...

My favourite parts in the book is the discussion of "enlightenment porn" (pp 34-46) and the section on karma (pp 116-120). Which brings up two important topics, that doesn't have to do with the concept of God, and takes them back down to earth so to speak. 

In them he talks about the adoration of the ”enlightenmentexperience” and the misconception of Karma and the industry that these things has brought. Subjects worthy of another book i sense...

There are some minor obstacles though. 

He refers to his views of things as the Buddhist view rather than a Buddhist view, which is unfortunate when he, already in the beginining states that this is his takes on things. ”I wrote this book to explain what god means to me”. (p. VII)

His takes on the concept of God, is unconvincing, though thoughtprovoking, and might have been more elaborately discussed. Especially since he tries hard, though not hard enough to convince the reader of the rightness of his views in matters discussed.

When it all comes down to it, this book is basically about Brads take on the concept of God and other things in the spritual scene. Does that make it any less readable?

No. I still find it one of the best of his books.

Although ”Sit down and shut up” is number one on my list of his books, i would recommend this book to anyone who asks.

Thank you Brad, for a much needed, and very good, book.

Mtfbwy

Fugen

Bookreview: Special karma

Hi.

The author of the book, Merry white Benezra, on her blog says ”Special Karma is a personal novel that tracks my experience as a resident at a Rinzai Zen monastery over an eight-month period. In it, I have tried to convey both the natural beauty of the setting, the everyday activities and challenges of monastic life, and some of the philosophical tenets underlying Buddhism. ”

This encompasses everything I have to say about the book really.

Its not so long, 130 pages, but packed with an very good, personal exploration of what practice means.

As the book progresses we are allowed to follow a woman, Iris, and her interactions and thoughts about the practice in, mainly, a zencommunity. There she meets Life, misconduct, practice, beauty, dharma.

The settings and characters are conveyed very well, and gives the book an ”feel-good” feeling although it is an very ”heavy book” in some ways.

She softly touches many of the ”troubles” that you can experience when in an close community, both within yourself and in interactions with others.

When you read the text on the back of the book you believe that its main theme is the misconduct of an zenmaster, which is an hot topic, as always.

However, the misconducting zenmastertheme is only subtly touched, and not, in my view explored enough. Its lingering in the dark shadows of the story itself, just like the shark in Jaws, just being there, using the music and settings to get the effects through.

In the end this is a book about love, really. Not only do you get an very intimate view from Iris, and the people she encounter through all the stages along the path of love. But you also get a view of all parts of love, that it hurts, its part of life and its all good practice.

Thank you for this.

May the force be with you

Fugen

Bookreview: Sex, sin and Zen

Hi.

Brad Warner's book Sex, Sin, and Zen is funny, witty, useful and a fresh breath of air as it takes on one of the maybe least openly discussed subjects in Buddhism, that of SEX!


Now, this book is not for everybody.
It contains some strong language (both about buddhism, buddhists and sex), and some might not like that being brought forth.
The same goes that he still takes a standpoint in his own experiences some times, and some might not like that either.
And i think some chapters could be somewhat left out or edited, but where would that leave the book, kif there were no "not-so-good"-chapters.
Not to mention his, and he makes a pun of it in thebook, constant talking about his earlier books.
You either like his style or not.
He has been described as being all sorts of bad-boy archetypes.
As he himself admits, he takes a certain pleasure in being oppositional.
But it seems like somewhere down there is something you like about him.
The same goes for this book.

The new thing he brought forth is some chapters where he takes "sexual angles on Buddhism".
Which is exactly what they are, certain aspects of Buddhism from a sexual Angle.
This is something new, and as for me, not seen before.
I found these chapters more entertaining and "educational" than many of the regular ones...


Next to that he Discusses zen tachers and some of his dealings within the sexual sphere.
More exactly his writings for Suicide girls and his interview with Nina Hartley.
Now, i really liked some of the things he says here, and would like to hear more from Nina, who said some really good things in the interview by the way...


And a quote from him, which, i think, in its essence says so much towards his view on practice (my bold)...  

“…Teacher-student romantic relationships will always be a part of the landscape of Zen and other spiritual traditions. It’s important to understand that these relationships do happen and to understand that when they do, the reasons are always various and complex. Sometimes the relationship is clearly abusive and wrong, but not always. In fact, I’ll also be so bold as to say that most of the time there is nothing any more sleazy or abusive going on than goes on in any other romantic relationship. It’s also vital that members of the community examine the real reasons behind whatever feelings they have about the matter. This is after all, what the practice is for – self-examination rather than the examination of others.”

Finally the gem is turning into an diamond.
Don't get me wrong, Brad Warner has done some good books before.
Sit down and shut up is a classic amongst Zen/Buddhism literature.
But this book shows he's getting on the path of good authorship. 
He's being both witty, thoughtful and really readable.
And at the same time, he's not really there..
But please read and enjoy yourselves.

May the force be with you
Fugen

Bookreview: True love

Hi.

The famous Thich Nhat Hanh has written a lot of books, on a variety of topics,and there is something for all in his writings.

This book is about love.
Not just any love, but the love that springs from the buddhist tradition.
He talks about the four aspects of love as described in the buddhist tradition:
1) Maitri: Loving kindness
2) Karuna: Sympathy, or the ability to ease others pain
3) Mudita: Joyful loving
4) Upeksha: Freedom through love
From these four aspects he gives explanations and practices applicable in you daily life.

The essential message he gives is the practice of mindfulness and understanding.
Understanding is a big part of being able to love, and understanding comes from being mindful and seeing things as they are.
So in short, it all comes back to mindful presence, being there, not just in body, but in full absolute awareness and not just once in a while either...

This is truly a book to recommend to those who really want to know love.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

Bookreview: zen parenting

Hi.

There's a brand called zen.
Don't get me wrong, i know it's a part of buddhism.
But it's also a branded name, in so much as it is used in the sence of doing something "intently, singlemindedly".
Todays book is much like this.
Zen parenting is a very good book for the parents out there.
Not if they want to learn anything about the buddhist sciptures or the life of buddha, but if the want to be here, now.
The way to do this is not by a certain method but to be here, mindfully seeing what is happening and mindfully responding to it.
And the teacher in the most cases is the children.

I said that in the most cases the children were the teachers, but not always so.
In the book they have chapters like "work and zen" and "zen during divorce" in which the emphasis is put on the workplace and undergoing divorce.
Both wonderfully done and brings about some good advices.

Each chapter in the book is put forth in a most elegant way, made for easy reading.
It starts up with a short story, and the lesson of the story is discussed.
A short section called living the lesson follows, in which the authors puts forth some things to think about and work into the practice of being a parent.
Because that's what the book is about, being a parent.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

A threesome of brad warner

Hi.
This is partly an translation of an article i made for a swedish buddhist magazine and partly an new review

The article
Two books for the price of one

If you Mention Brad Warner, you always get emotional (and sometimes strong) words ...

The man has been called "the pornobuddhist", he writes articles for the Suicide Girls, a page might not be loaded if you have "notforchildrensetup" on your computer. But it is also possible to read them on his own website .

He was born in 1964, has been a bassist in a punk band, released a number of their own records, has become a zenpriest in "Dogen Sangha" and written two books,

Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies & the Truth About Reality and Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye.

The first, hardcore zen, is about how he became involved in Buddhism, taking up some of its important parts. The second, sit down and shut up, take up Zen master Dogen's book Shobogenzo and with the help of it another deep step down into Buddhism.

He describes his approach as "no bullshit Buddhism", which largely mirrors his books and articles, they are straight, usually simple letters about things that may seem difficult.

In the first of the books Hardcore Zen, it shows that he has been with the punk scene, it is full of reference to punk songs and punkrelatreade occasions. Nevertheless, it is a very good book. Brad is quick in the turns, witty in its language and it's sometimes difficult to hold back a smile. In chapters such as "Gimme Some Truth" and "The Great Heart of Wisdom Sutra" he makes up with great Buddhist concepts such as truth and the heartsutra. One of the most referenced chapters in the book "Do not worry, it will come ... with enlightenment!" He talks about "Kensho" and raises an event that can only be described as a "kenshomoment".

The chapter "In my next life i want to come back as a pair of Lucy Liu's pants", he makes up with questions about reincarnation. He also points out the view that was emphasized by Kanja Odland sensei in Buddhism-now No. 2-2008 "we are all one", which also runs through parts of his second book, Sit Down and shut up.

In "Sit down and shut up", it was observed that he has gone further in his development, both as a writer and as a Buddhist. The language is much better and his present attitude of the various Buddhist concepts show a greater understanding of Buddhism. It may also be that he has another book to relate to that helps. The starting point of "Sit Down and Shut Up" is the Zen master Dogen's book "shobogenzo", a book of about 1200 pages on zenbuddhism.

In chapters such as "why Dogen matters" and "Genjo Koan" he explains the importance of the Dogen and his letters, both from a personal and other points of view.

In chapters such as "cleaning up your room" and "evil is stupid", he goes in to our own state and what we must do to improve our situation.

But he is not without controversy, in the chapter "The day they shot a hole in the jesus egg", he goes onto to speculate that the closest an Buddhist has to "God" is "Universe" itself, which has started a major uproar within the Buddhist circuits and also led to people leaving his sangha.

Even though he may be a controversial and sometimes provocative writer, he has a lot of points. I was going to close with a reference from the "sit down and shut up"'s chapter Zen and stress management: "If there's any single point i dont mind repeating until you're sick to death of it, it's that there are never any shortcuts. "

Thats the article and since then he's released a third book "zen wrapped in karma dipped in chocolate".
In this book we're allowed to follow brad warner during one of his, maybe, more turmoiled periods in his life.
He is unfaithful, breaks up with his wife, Mother and grandmother dies, receives laureates from all over for holding talks and retreats, becomes the head of Dogen sangha, gets into turmoil with some its members, all the while mixing it up with some zenbuddhism.
All of this get's worked into this, his third, book in a very elegant way.
Or at least some of it.
He's Brad Warner, after all...
The issues surrounding this book still echoe in the halls of amazon (if they have halls...). And temperatures run high even speaking of some of the things mentioned in the book.
One of these is the "gummoincident", in which "the nowadadys head of another sangha" was not so pleased that the "pornobuddhist" was appointed the head of Dogensangha.
Sidenote: he wasn't the only one of the former sangha who "disagreed", but the most "famous" and perhaps persistent of them.
This "feud" has since been on the tapestry a couple of times, with Gummo trying to make a mends and other people not so forthgoing...
Or make your own mind up, it's all out there...
The thing to remember though is that there is no "only one side to the story" and that we're all responsible for what happens around us.

In general the book is quite readable, and it has some really good bits in it.
And if you've read the other two you should pick it up, but in my opinion it's hard to beat the second of his books.
I mean, even the title says it all: sit down and shut up!

Mtfbwy
Fugen

Bookreview: Daily wisdom & more daily wisdom

Hi.

I like these little quaint books full of quotes and reminders from a little of everywhere, and these are a great example of that.
Daily wisdom & More daily wisdom are both collections of quotes out of books published by wisdom publications and edited by Josh Bartok.

The book's blend of useful insights for daily reflection, from a variety of different of buddhist schols, make them an good read and gives some good moments of thought.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

The posture of meditation

Hi.

What significance does the posture of body have for the meditation and the experience of meditation?
The author of the book, Will johnson, shows that when it comes to meditation practices, the body is as important as the mind.
This is a fact that may come as a surprise to the many people who regard meditation as a strictly mental activity, and as Will Johnson shows, the physical aspect of the practice is far too often underemphasized.
He goes to some lenghts at showing the importance of the relationship between the body and the mind.

In this book johnson offers guidance and exercises for working with the posture of meditation and also gives advice on how to carry its benefits on into all the rest of life.
An almost "new agey-feeling" creeps in on the text, but if you can see past that this one of the best books i've read on meditation and how to get it right.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

Bookreview: Jake fades

Hi.

Have you read ”tuesdays with morrie” by Mitch albom?
Then you’ll love this one.
It’s the sequel novel to that one.
Although written by another writer, it touches the topic started in Albom’s book, death, impermanence and the joy of life.
It all starts out with the standard relationships, father-son, teacher-student, life-death in a way you might not suspect. The teacher says to his student that he’ll leaving some of his teaching in the upcoming retreat to the reluctant student.
What then follows is an magical journey through the space and time.

This book opens a somewhat different look on zenpractice, commitment, relationships, and it shakes the foundation of some of the most fundamental concepts the “hamsterwheel-human of today” might have.
A book for everyone to read and ponder upon.

The author, David Guy, teaches at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is the author of numerous books, including The Autobiography of My Body and The Red Thread of Passion. His book reviews appear regularly in the Washington Post, the New York Times, and other papers, and he is a contributing editor to Tricycle: The Buddhist Review.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

Bookreview: Wake up to your life

Hi.

Wake Up To Your Life begins by introducing Buddhism, covering basic topics such as the four noble truths, the three disciplines of morality, meditation, and understanding, and the cultivation of mindfulness. It continues with contemplations on death and impermanence, karma, reactive emotions, and the four immeasurables, and ends with practices for mind training, insight, and direct awareness. All the while he discusses the topics, he gives methods of meditating over the current Topic, giving it yet another base to stand on.

Ken Mcleod is an Buddhist trained in the Tibetan way. Some may say that this is an disadvantage when coming to speak about awareness.
I disagree. When speaking about awareness and “being in midst of life” this is for the better.
He views the matter from another perspective than usual, not from the perspective of mindfulness, awareness, and attention but more on “active attention”.
This leads to en perspective who is wider than usual, although it doesn’t miss the point.
I can’t say I agree with everything he says, like when he speaks about a teacher having to be an person, and that he strikes down on some sort of teacher he apparantly has met, who didn’t do as he thought he would deal with things…

This being said, I think it is important to see that Mcleod is an “Buddhist lighthouse” for beginners and those been on the path a while as he displays and discusses things in a manner suitable for the current generation, Giving everybody something they need/can use.

Is this a book I recommend then?
Yes.
Even though he sometimes may seem a bit hard to handle. He still cuts through to the point with the skill of an surgeon. And I also do think this will be an important book in the future, who will find it’s home in many people’s bookshelves and hearts.

Mtfbwy
Fuugen

Bookreview: No self no problem

Hi.

Author Anam Thubten, who was born in Eastern Tibet, undertook Buddhist training in the Nyingma tradition at an early age and has been teaching in the West since the 1990s.
The book is simply written, straightforward, and remind you of the work of Thich Nhat Hanh.
No Self No Problem tackles one of the great challenges of being a Buddhist: eliminating the sense of the separate self (the ego) as a means to reach enlightenment.
In the book he tries to encourage the reader to come to the understanding that anyone and everyone can lose their attachment to the ego.
Simultaneously, Thubten points out that the way to enlightenment is far easier than we think it is: it simply comes down to losing attachments.
Thubten acknowledges that failure can, does, and will happen along the way; accepting that truth will make things easier, although failure does not give excuse for not trying.
He takes up such different subjects as Meditation, Mindfulness, Acceptance, enlightenment and nonattachment.
Or my favourite chapterheadline : “truth’s eternal mantra:”hey, it’s your fantasy!”
He has some special moments in his book, including that where he’s explaining his definition of "Buddha Nature":

"There are many words we can use to describe what our true nature is. The simplest word in Buddhism for that is Buddha Nature. The definition of Buddha Nature is that we are already enlightened.
We are perfect as we are.
When we realize this, we are perfect. When we do not realize this, we are also perfect."

Although he is an tibetan schooled Buddhist, his style and writing strikes me more of that of an “western buddhist” or someone like that.
And the things he puts forth as well as the manner they are presented in seem more westernized.
Maybe this is just what the “Buddhist society” needs, an other vew of the perspectives of tibetan Buddhism.
An buddhism that is not all about love, brotherhood and compassion, but one that strikes at the heart of the matter.

I think this is one of those “keepsakebooks” that you keep just to be able to read them again and again.
And it is something to read for all people interested in buddhism, both those that are new and more experienced in the dharma of buddhism.
And yes, I’d love to see more from this author.

Mtfbwy
Fugen