Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn

In this illuminating collection, Zen Master Seung Sahn offers insight into the nature of Zen practice and the human experience through a rich tapestry of correspondence with his students. Only Don’t Know uniquely presents both the students’ letters and the Zen master’s replies, allowing readers to witness the dynamic interplay between inquiry and wisdom. The Zen master’s teachings, likened to the precise placement of acupuncture needles, provide clarity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of one’s true nature, transcending the constraints of ego and thought.

Readers will find invaluable guidance on navigating life’s complexities with a clear mind and open heart. Through the exploration of questions about existence, identity, and purpose, the book emphasizes the importance of direct experience and self-belief. It invites individuals to embrace the interconnectedness of all beings, fostering a mindset of love and action for the benefit of others. Zen Master Seung Sahn’s responses, filled with timeless wisdom, encourage readers to let go of attachments and engage with the present moment, ultimately leading to personal growth and the ability to help others. This book is a testament to the transformative power of Zen teachings and is an essential read for anyone seeking to navigate the challenges of life with greater awareness and equanimity. By engaging with the letters and teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn, readers are invited to reflect on their own journeys, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927–2004) was the first teacher to bring Korean Zen Buddhism to America, having already established temples in Japan and Hong Kong. In 1972 he came to the United States and started what became the Providence Zen Center, the first center in what is now the Kwan Um School of Zen, which now includes more than eighty centers and groups worldwide. His students called him Dae Soen Sa Nim, "Great Honored Zen Teacher," and he was the 78th Zen master in his line of dharma transmission in the Chogye order of Korean Buddhism. His books include The Compass of Zen, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, Only Don't Know, and The Whole World Is a Single Flower: 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life.