This book provides a detailed biography with a focus on the influential historical writings he composed to defend Chan claims of a “mind-to-mind transmission” tracing back to the historical Buddha.
Biography
The Sound of One Hand: Paintings and Calligraphy by Zen Master Hakuin
Short film about 5 minutes. Hakuin’s self-taught, spontaneous, yet masterly and inspired painting and calligraphy, just like his teachings and writings, expressed the mind and heart of Zen for monks and lay followers alike.
Shakyamuni Descending from the Mountain
Shakyamuni Descending from the Mountain. 15th century, Japan. © Metropolitan Museum of Art
A Taste of Zen: Mazu Daoyi
A monk asked, “What is the essential meaning of Buddhism?” Mazu said, “What is the meaning of this moment?”
Zen Sickness, by Zen Master Hakuin
Afterwards, however, as I began reflecting upon my everyday behaviour, I could see that the two aspects of my life—the active and the meditative—were totally out of balance. No matter what I was doing, I never felt free or completely at ease. I realised I would have to rekindle a fearless resolve and once again throw myself life and limb together into the Dharma struggle…
Experience your own Awareness: A Conversation on Chan (Zen) Buddhism with Bill Porter
Short film: A Conversation on Chan (Zen) Buddhism with Bill Porter. About 30 minutes
The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism
With more than 5,000 entries totalling over a million words, this is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of Buddhism in English. It is also the first to cover terms from all of the canonical Buddhist languages and traditions: Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean…
Dark Side of Life, by John Snelling
Unfortunately, one of the ills of modern society is that it’s in headlong flight from the truth of the human condition, from the fact that we all, without exception, are subject to old age, sickness and death…