The Still Point: A Beginner's Guide to Zen Meditation - Softcover

Loori, John Daido

4.04

25 ratings by Goodreads

9781882795017: The Still Point: A Beginner's Guide to Zen Meditation

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1882795016 ISBN 13: 9781882795017

Publisher: Dharma Communications, 1996

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The Buddha atained enlightenmnet while practicing setated meditation, zazen. Zen practice constantly returns to that fundamental way of studying the self. This minibook provides insturction in zazen, explaining the differeent sitting positions and breathing techniques, as well as giving suggestions for establishing a practice at home. These guidelines are intended to help us cultivate the still point of body and mind, without which we never fully experience our lives.

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About the Author:

John Daido Loori is the spiritual leader and abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper, New York, and the founder and director of the "Mountains and Rivers Order," an organization of associated Zen Buddhist temples, practice centers, and sitting groups in the United States and abroad. He is an authenticated lineage holder, trained in the rigorous school of koan Zen and in the subtle teachings of Master Dogen's Zen.

From Publishers Weekly:

Starred Review. Loori, the revered and celebrated founder and abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery in New York, has authored numerous books on Zen Buddhist practice (The Eight Gates of Zen). In this ultraslim illustrated primer, Loori distills that experience and wisdom into a resolute and economical guide for beginners. It will likely become a classic. Part One addresses the Zen basics such as meditation positions, hara focus, breathing, walking meditation and home practice. This section is particularly friendly for beginners with its concise instructional essays, most under 1,000 words. Loori's deceptively simple prose, arising from decades of practice and teaching, hits its mark as an arrow hits center target: the means and results are evident, but the flight is elegantly invisible. Part Two, a dharma talk on The Great Way, effectively imparts a direct expression of the spirit of Zen by the teacher to his... students. Tools such as an appropriately short glossary and suggested reading list are complemented by a 70-minute CD (not heard by PW). The CD offers timed zazen sessions of 10 and 30 minutes, plus a brief talk by Loori on the benefits of meditation. This book-and-CD package promises to be a graceful gem in the legendary cosmic Diamond Net. (Sept.)
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