Classics of Buddhism and Zen cover

Classics of Buddhism and Zen

by Thomas Cleary

This five-volume collection of essential Zen and early Buddhist texts from esteemed translator Thomas Cleary offers a window into the heart of the tradition. Each volume contains pivotal teachings drawn from centuries of Zen writing in China, Japan, and beyond. Volume one includes: Zen Lessons: The Art of Leadership, a guide to enlightened conduct for people in positions of authority Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom, open and direct instruction on the Zen canon from Chinese masters of the Tang and Song dynasties The Five Houses of Zen, wide-ranging teachings from the early Chinese masters Minding Mind: A Course in Basic Meditation, on attaining a state of true objectivity in meditation Instant Zen, the teachings of Foyan

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Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?