One Hand Clapping: Zen Stories for All Ages

When is a tiger not a tiger?
When is a mountain more than a mountain?
What is the sound of one hand clapping?

The stories of this collection come from the Zen Buddhist tradition-- from tales told by the Buddha himself to anecdotes from the lives of the Zen masters of China and Japan who helped pass on the Buddha's teachings. These stories reflect the wisdom, directness, and spontaneity of which Zen is known.

Zen stories delight as they challenge, enchant as they point towards a different way of seeing things. In the simple language of stories passed down over hundreds of years, this collection can point us toward our own natural Mind of wisdom, insight, peace, and compassion. They help us see past our seeming differences into what is the same for all of us.

Rafe Martin, a student of Zen for over 25 years, introduces these tales, providing both background and insight into the collection. Junko Morimoto's beautiful illustrations reflect the tranquility, wit, and power of these stories.

Rafe Martin is an internationally known, award-winning author and storyteller. A long-time student of Zen, Rafe travels worldwide as a speaker and storyteller. His children's books include The Boy Who Lived with the Seals and The Rough-face Girl. He holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto, and lives in Rochester, New York.
Junko Morimoto graduated from Kyoto University of Fine Art and worked as an art teacher at an Osaka high school before becoming Art Director of the Children's Art Studio in Osaka. Her books, which include The Inch Boy, Mouse's Marriage, and My Hiroshima, have been published in the United States, Japan, Australia, England, and other European countries. My Hiroshima is now used to study English and to promote peace. Junko currently lives in Australia.