Taking the Path of Zen
by Robert Aitken
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Book Summary Information
Author: Robert AitkenEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1982-01-01
ISBN: 0865470804
Number of pages: 168
Publisher: North Point Press
Book Reviews of Taking the Path of Zen
Book Review: My introduction to Robert Aitken and his introduction Of Zen
Summary: 4 Stars
The author was held captive in japan during the war and later became a zen student. He gives a readable intro on zen buddhism, and its a good starting point for western people because he relates to the culture, and goes into detail about zen basics.
Though my first book on zen was Shunryu Suzuki's "Zen Mind , Beginners Mind", i had always seen this book at the local library and i remember at one point reading a chapter or so of it. Some years later, i went back to the same shelf and decided to read it all the way through. And i liked.
I never was a greatly realized zen practitioner or anything, though Aitken Roshi or Suzuki would insist perhaps that you didnt need to have years experience, that personal realization isnt just for the sage, but for the common man as well. But i will say that im still learning , and perhaps it is best to keep a novice mind, in the sense of open mindness to information.
All i want to say is that this book inspired me back to my study of eastern philosophy and thought.
I have even considered visiting a local temple. The closest Buddhist organization i found here was a Vietnamese temple, that teaches Mahayana tradition of Zen Buddhism. Unfortunately, literally just a minute ago, i just discovered the temple is under foreclosure, and they must relocate. They are taking donations, so if you wish to help, please visit [...]. Its a real rarity to have such a place in this part of virginia. Its kind of a southern area, yet in the city of Virginia Beach, more diversity and big navy population has brought about various peoples of different cultures, and in turn cultivated perhaps more open minded citizens.
Anyways, this book helped me return to what gave me great calmness of mind and sense of peace , years ago.
Will i take up being a Buddhist again? Im not sure, but reading this book through reinvigorated a desire for self mastery. Now how do i reconcile my faith in Christ, and yet learn from Buddhism? Not entirely certain yet. Or more accurately , i havent made up my mind yet on it for once and for all just yet, but at this point in time, i am at peace with studying it as a philosophy. I agree a great deal with the ethics found within zen buddhism, though the motives can sometimes be different from a Christians. But it doesnt mean i agree with everything that is officially stated within teachings of Buddhism. After all, Buddhism is prescribed through words in books and talks. Where as some have questioned the infallibility of the Bible, one must confront the question of apparent infallibility of Buddhist doctrine. Is it possible some Buddhist teachers or texts could be wrong when they insinuate or say that the supernatural is "illusory" or a "distraction" ? It then becomes a question of worldview. Who dictates what is illusory. Just because we are handicapped, so to speak, with what Emmanuel Kant calls, ' a limited apparatus '. Our five senses being finite and in turn, limited in its perception of the universe.
In part, with that, i make a case that just because we cant see it with our human eye balls, doesnt mean it is not real or worthy of acknowledgement. After all, who are we in this grand and yet delicate universe, to say that we know everything. There are still so many mysteries. We can not stunt our mental and spiritual growth by perhaps being so arrogant to make up our minds so militantly, and not consider any other possible outlook, or so arrogant that we wish to breathe fire upon anyone who thinks differently, accusing them of an inferior mind ,due to one's own fixated presuppositions of the universe. I think its healthy to be open to consideration of other world views, even when it CHALLENGES our own world view. If im not mistaken , Buddha said, 'Follow The Truth Where Ever It Leads'.
This raises many questions within Buddhist assumption, and that i think is very exciting. Feel free to leave some comments if you have any questions on all that. Im interested in discussing it because its so very interesting to me. I feel such a fresh inspiration. A new wonder. A new excitment. Like being born yet again. Everything is fascinating, as it were, everything is new. And i dont personally feel i am part of any religion, i cant help but to stay true to myself. I dont say this is a way that other believers in the Bible should go about there lives, mixing beliefs up. Buddha clearly seems to frown upon taking shelter under the wings of a Heavenly Father, but of course he does, in his view. But was Buddha perfect in everything he said ? Was he ALL KNOWING? Im not so sure about that. It was Dr. Carl Jung who brought to my attention of the idea that perhaps Gautama Buddha didnt realize nirvana, perhaps it was a sort of self hypnosis he underwent. Wow, what an amazing thought. Just a thought, can change so much. But while some would find such a consideration shocking, or even offensive, within the Buddhist tradtion, after reading this book, im confident that the practitioner and/or teacher of zen would welcome such an idea, and maybe finish the thought with the words of Bodhidharma....
" Kill the buddha! "
Perhaps we must not let even Buddhism stand in our way in pursuit of truth, and self realization that might arrive to an unexpected conclusion. Listen, this book was accessible and at the same time though, offered some depth for someone that isnt ready to admit he's an "idiot" in need of some "idiots guide of zen whatever" lol.
I cant wait to review the next book he did after this one, called "Mind Of Clover", im only a couple chapters from being finished with that. So ya, i recommend this as a decent 'Intro' to zen that has some intermediate flare to it. Its not a 'Zen for Dummies' , yet it isnt exhaustive. I think it will compliment your intelligence. Its worthy of a purchase.
Summary of Taking the Path of Zen
There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight, in a manner that both guides and inspires. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity.
The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. He discusses correct breathing, posture, routine, teacher-student relations, and koan study, as well as common problems and milestones encountered in the process. Throughout the book the author returns to zazen, offering further advice and more advanced techniques. The orientation extends to various religious attitudes and includes detailed discussions of the Three Treasures and the Ten Precepts of Zen Buddhism.
Taking the Path of Zen will serve as orientation and guide for anyone who is drawn to the ways of Zen, from the simply curious to the serious Zen student.
The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. He discusses correct breathing, posture, routine, teacher-student relations, and koan study, as well as common problems and milestones encountered in the process. Throughout the book the author returns to zazen, offering further advice and more advanced techniques. The orientation extends to various religious attitudes and includes detailed discussions of the Three Treasures and the Ten Precepts of Zen Buddhism.
Taking the Path of Zen will serve as orientation and guide for anyone who is drawn to the ways of Zen, from the simply curious to the serious Zen student.
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