A First Zen Reader

When Zen Buddhism crossed from China to Japan in the twelfth century, it entered a phase of development that was not only to inspire a magnificent range of artistic achievement but also to exert a tremendous influence upon Japanese life itself and, eventually, to bring to the attention of the West a religious philosophy both unique and challenging in its power. The purpose of this anthology is to suggest an approach to answering the perennial question “What is Zen?”. The texts translated here will give a general idea of Zen theory and practice, and are significant elements within the corpus of Zen literature. Additionally, Leggett has added a valuable ‘Note on the Ways’, in which he points out how ‘the student keeps his Zen practice in touch with his daily life’. The author’s inimitable strength lies in his ability to render Japanese Zen thought accessible to a wide readership through his translations and interpretations. Leggett’s anthology and commentary is an invaluable introduction to Zen for general readers.

Trevor Leggett (1914–2000) was a British judo teacher, author, translator, and head of the BBC’s Japanese Service for 24 years. He published over thirty books on a variety of topics including judo, Eastern philosophy and Zen Buddhism. He is fondly remembered for his erudite yet approachable contributions to the understanding of Buddhism.