Zen (Endless Path)

At its core, Zen Buddhism is the attempt to understand the meaning of life directly, without being misled by logical thought, or language. It tries to free the mind from the slavery of words and intervention of intellect by learning how to see into one s true nature through meditation. Those who practice it are concerned with the direct experience, the here and now rather than the what if . Zen Buddhism s emphasis on simplicity and the importance of the natural world has also generated a distinctive aesthetic. In Japan, and increasingly in the Western world, millions of people have been influenced by Zen through arts such as calligraphy, painting, poetry, music, garden landscaping, tea ceremony and flower arranging. Endless Path: Zen is a guide to help you understand and begin practicing the basics of Zen Buddhism, to be used in the everyday routine of daily living through meditation, koan study, gardening, cooking even making the tea!

Rev Dr Dave Keizan Shoji Scott FRSA is an internationally published food and travel writer specializing in Japanese culture and Zen Buddhism. A high-ranking karate black belt and instructor, he has been studying Zen for over 20 years. He is a dharma holder under the auspices of Zen Master Genpo Merzel, spiritual leader of the White Plum sangha. He is the author of many books including Samurai and Cherry Blossom; The Elements of Zen; and Explorer Japan. James Harrison was editor of Natural Choice, a weekly collectable on complementary therapies and medicine, which (in 1984) was ahead of its time and which covered everything from acupuncture to Zen Buddhism.