IRB Media Summary of Roshi Philip Kapleau's The Three Pillars of Zen

Annotation

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview: #1 The lack of written information on the practice of Zen meditation has always been an obstacle for Westerners who want to learn. This translation provides an authoritative exposition of the five levels of Zen, the aims and essentials of zazen, and the relation of zazen to enlightenment.#2 The lack of written information on the practice of Zen meditation has always been an obstacle for Westerners who want to learn. This translation provides an authoritative exposition of the five levels of Zen, the aims and essentials of zazen, and the relation of zazen to enlightenment.#3 To truly understand zazen, you must let go of all conceptions of body and mind. To realize perfect enlightenment, you must let fall all ideas of your body and your mind.#4 The koan system may be misused in the Soto sect, as it is in the Rinzai sect. Soto masters do not assign shikan-taza to beginners, as they prefer to have them concentrate on counting their breaths or a burning desire for enlightenment before they introduce koans.