Zen Teaching, Zen Practice: Philip Kapleau and The Three Pillars of Zen - Buddhist Meditation Book for Mindfulness, Enlightenment & Spiritual Growth - Perfect for Home Study, Zen Centers & Meditation Retreats

"Three Pillars of Zen" has to be viewed in the context of its time -- the period of the "spiritual supermarket," when Werner Erhard's est was first arousing controversy, the Hare Krishna devotees were selling stuff in airports, etc. In the context of the times, the Rochester Zen Center may have been rather sane and sober in comparison. Judging it against the standards and climate of today is not entirely fair. We've had much more experience with Buddhism and with adapting it to American culture. Kapleau's tradition heavily emphasized the kensho experience and so had the Rinzai-zen flavor of rigorous striving. The use of the stick had its rationale in this context, but is a bit archaic. It is more suited to the austere warrior spirit of the traditional Japanese martial arts dojo than it is to modern day urban America or Japan. Kapleau's contribution should be viewed with balance and nuance, drawing lessons for today, while recognizing what was good in the basic impulseThe articles in this book, edited by Kenneth Kraft, were contributed by eleven people who studied and practiced Zen under the aegis of Philip Kalpeau Roshi, whose seminal guide - 'The Three Pillars of Zen' - and personal example, did much to put authentic Zen practice on the map in the West. As such, this text deserved more than the scathing remarks found in the single Amazon.com review to date. It attempts to assess the fruits of Kapleau's teaching and influence. By extension, it serves as comment on the legacy of Kapleau's teachers, Yasutani Roshi and Harada Roshi. While the collection of essays edited by Ken Kraft can be read as an independent work, the 'retrospective' nature of this material is best digested in light of the aspirations found in Kapleau's seminal work (The Three Pillars of Zen) - which inspired the contributors. The opening article by Albert Stunkard details something of the background to Kapleau's own quest - including their meeting with D.T. Suzuki in post-war Japan. Mostly written in an informal style, all of these summary-essays have something interesting to say. It is salutary to note that one contributor - Rafe Martin, reflected on his concern over the bearing that intensive Zen practice might have upon his children. Happily, if the verdict of a practitioner from the next generation (Josh Schrei, Chapter 5) is anything to go by, the diligence of his parents' generation has commanded respect, rather than contempt. Without making a big deal out of it, Schrei contrasts the spirit motivating his parents' quest, with the 'pop-spirituality' now found in some quarters, promising 'seven easy steps to enlightenment,' financial abundance, or to fulfil the search for ideal soul-mates etc. As against the dubious 'mix -n' -match' approach, for which 'spirituality' is merely an accessory, Schrei notes the 'no-frills' spirit behind Zen and its uncompromising refusal to pander to egotistical whims. Still, otherwise diligent practitioners - not least Kapleau himself, have had to concede that Zen will undergo certain modifications in the West. The 'vertical' or 'hierarchical' authority structure of traditional Zen temple life seems fated to acquire a more diffused, horizontal dimension. Contributors such as Bodhin Kjolhede, Sunyana Graef and Mitra Bishop, who carry on the mantle of Philip Kapleau, have had to tread the delicate line between innovative 'adaption' and the danger of dissolution. Mitra Bishop asks if American Zen is 'too comfortable'? - citing the rigours she faced, training in Japan. Be that as it may, almost all the second generation Zen teachers in the West are exploring ways to adapt their teaching methods to the needs of their students. If you are interested in Zen as a practice, this book will put certain things in better perspective. It is, above all, an honest book. But to get a feel for the background against which it was written, I strongly recommend taking a careful look at 'The Three Pillars of Zen.' We would all be poorer, spiritually speaking, without the substantial contribution that Philip Kapleau made to the growth of Zen Buddhism in the West. This collection of essays is a fitting tribute to P.K. and his work.I'm familiar with the author from my colleges days and purchased these additional titles to read this fall and winter. The Three Pillars of Zen was read in college as part of a core curriculum on World Religions. I adhere to my Zen practice and believe these titles will enhance more understanding.Philip Kapleau and the Three Pillars of Zen dispayed a need by some people wishing to try to undersatnd the practice of Zen Sitting dureing the last part of the 20th century.This book is generaly from his students & doesn't go over the top; it speaks with clear lucidity and good advice that fits for all Buddhist traditions.A quiet book for a quiet day and good day for all even if the day is hidden behind a light deprivation from slow rain beating a stacato on the Sycamore leaves outside my window as drops form crystals that hang from the swaying branch.