The Story of Zen: A Journey to Inner Peace and Mindfulness | Perfect for Meditation, Stress Relief & Spiritual Growth

Vast and scope, and rich in detail, this is a book I found hard to put down.The Story of Zen is actually three books in one volume: an exploration of the origins of Zen within Buddhism, then a summary of how the Zen path was refined in Asia, and finally a recent history of how Zen has been transplanted into North America. Although the book therefore weaves through a good deal of history, and mentions many characters, along the way it still manages to include mind-stopping insights that should be helpful to people simply trying to practice the Buddhist teachings in their own lives.It is also relevant to non-Zen practitioners because it explores three challenging questions in contemporary Buddhist communities. First, is it even possible to transmit teachings from teacher to student, and, if so, how often does this involve, or at least allow, what appear to be psychologically behaviours? Second, is it possible to create a community that will reliably support its members, or will any sangha eventually erupt into chaos over issues of power and hierarchy? Third, is it possible to insulate teachers, and their communities, from the twin seductions of sex and alcohol? The final sections of the book therefore leave us with many troubling questions about the future of Zen in North America.I highly recommend this book.