The Undying Lamp of Zen: Testament of Zen Master Torei - Zen Meditation Guide for Mindfulness & Enlightenment | Perfect for Buddhist Practitioners & Spiritual Seekers

This essay describes the importance of true Zen practice and contrasts it with false teachings and perspectives that actually hamper the progress of students. It was written by a teacher who lamented the decline of Zen in his time (the 18th century), and who was attempting to spur on the efforts of his contemporaries to practice diligently and in accordance with what had actually been intended by his lineage. Torei urges students to continue on ever deeper in their practice, even after "seeing nature", never stopping their progress toward the ultimate realization of the Buddhas. Without being elitist, Torei makes it clear that there are false paths and false teachers, and that following these can have disastrous consequences. Torei thought he was dying when he produced this work, and that may have influenced the tenor of it. However, he was careful to have his teacher, the renowned Hakuin, read it before he allowed it to be seen by a more general audience. Hakuin commented that it would be appropriate for students more toward the beginning of their practice. As a more intermediate student of Zen I found this to be very helpful.