Zen Dog - Hardcover

Adler, Judith; Tucker, Toni

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0609608797 ISBN 13: 9780609608791

Publisher: Clarkson Potter, 2001

Synopsis

Find enlightenment at the end of a leash with this delightful look at the Buddha nature of our canine companions.
An afternoon nap in a patch of sunlight, a meandering walk in the woods, a full-body shake to greet another soul. No other creature displays the joy of living in the moment quite like a dog or exhibits the unquestioning devotion, honesty, and sheer selflessness that is the essence of the Buddha nature. Zen Dog celebrates this great truth, bringing koans and canines together for the first time.

Inspiring quotations from the Buddha, Lao Tzu, and other Zen masters are paired with charming black-and-white photographs of dogs that illuminate the message. A dog wagging its tail in the breeze, for example, provides a surprisingly apt answer to the age-old question, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” And the image of a family pet awaiting a tasty table scrap offers a whole new perspective on the saying, “If you know the power of a generous heart, you will not let a single meal pass without giving to others.”

The perfect gift for dog lovers and spiritual seekers, Zen Dog might even prove who the true “masters” in pet-owner relationships really are.

About this title

About the Author:

TONI TUCKER’s photographs have appeared in Dog & Kennel, Pet Business, and other publications. She lives in Connecticut and New York City.

JUDITH ADLER is a marketing and public relations executive whose clients have included Chase Bank and BMG Music. She lives in New York City.

From Publishers Weekly:

While scores of books have expounded upon the spiritual qualities of man's best friend (why do so many writers think that they are the first to come up with the not-so-profound thought that "dog" is "God" spelled backwards?), Zen Dog is unusual in exploring the topic from a Buddhist perspective. The canine stars of this gift book are pictured in black-and-white photographs by Toni Tucker; the portraits are imaginatively paired with quotes from Buddhist, Taoist and other sources. Compiler Judith Atler calls dogs "furry, slobbering, barking, begging, shedding little Zen masters" who almost perfectly embody Buddha nature. While some serious Buddhists may dismiss the book as pure fluff, perhaps it will inspire others to appreciate the nirvanic qualities of the perfect Frisbee catch.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarkson Potter
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0609608797
• ISBN 13: 9780609608791
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 108