The Korean Approach To Zen

Chinul (1158–1210) was the founder of the Korean tradition of Zen. He provides one of the most lucid and accessible accounts of Zen practice and meditation to be found anywhere in East Asian literature. Tracing Back the Radiance, an abridgment of Buswell’s Korean Approach to Zen: The Collected Works of Chinul, combines an extensive introduction to Chinul’s life and thought with translations of three of his most representative works.

The power and simplicity of the Korean Zen tradition shine in this collection of teachings by a renowned modern master, translated by Martine Batchelor. Kusan Sunim provides a wealth of practical advice for students, particularly with regard to the uniquely Korean practice of hwadu, or sitting with questioning. An extensive introduction by Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism without Beliefs, provides both a biography of the author and a brief history of Korean Zen.

Insights into the experience and philosophy of Buddhism from a Korean perspective. This book presents the author?s lifelong study and practice of Buddhism from a Korean perspective. With depth, sensitivity, and candor, Sung Bae Park discusses his country?s contribution to Mahayana Buddhism and also shares his personal experience. A monk in the Korean Chogye order during his early twenties, Park is uniquely qualified to offer the reader some valuable insights into the experience and philosophy of the Zen Buddhist. Focusing on the Korean concepts mom (which refers to the body) and momjit (which refers to its gestures or functions), Park examines their nondual, interdependent nature and their relevance to ordinary human beings who are living in these turbulent times. He also introduces a specialized spiritual practice using the hwadu, which aids the religious practitioner in loosening his conceptual, intellectual grip on his life and the world around him. In addition, the author explores the relevance of his views to other religions and philosophies, including Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Those well acquainted with Buddhism will find much food for thought here, as familiar topics such as emptiness, nonduality, and enlightenment are presented in a refreshingly original way, and those new to Buddhist thought may find themselves stimulated to learn more. A helpful glossary of terms is included. Sung Bae Park is Professor of Asian Philosophy and Religions and Director of the Center for Korean Studies at Stony Brook University, State University of New York. He is the author of Buddhist Faith and Sudden Enlightenment, also published by SUNY Press.

Kusan Sunim (1901-83) was one of the greatest modern masters of Korean Zen. As the Zen Master of the Songgwang Monastery, he preached the sermons and dharma talks collected here. First published in 1985 and long out of print, these pithy, down-to-earth, refreshingly practical guides to meditation and spiritual cultivation are now again available to followers of Buddhism and the Way of Zen. A brief history of Korean Buddhism, a fascinating account of life in a Korean monastery, and a biography of Master Kusan provide important background information, and the glossary of Korean and general Buddhist terms is a valuable tool for readers new to the field of Buddhist studies. Of special interest is Master Kusan's presentation of a meditation practice, unique to Korean Zen, the hwadu. Zen students familiar with koan riddles and the "just sitting" practice of Japanese Zen will be eager to learn of this distinctively Korean approach to meditation, and to read Master Kusan's detailed instructions for its practice. Master Kusan also offers a interpretation of the classic Ten Oxherding Pictures, illustrated by the ink paintings of "Living National Treasure" Sokchong Sunim.

"Don't-know mind" is our enlightened mind before ideas, opinions, or concepts arise to create suffering. Practicing with don't-know mind has long been a central concern of Korean Zen. Here, an American Zen master in the Korean lineage brings the teaching to life by using stories about the Chinese and Korean Zen masters as jumping-off points for his own teaching. Don't-Know Mind is a clear, direct, and heartfelt presentation of Zen teaching applicable to anyone, both for formal practice and for all the rest of life.

Zen Master Beopjeong spent over thirty years on South Korea's bestseller lists. Praised as "one of the great spiritual leaders of our time" (Korea Herald) and "one of the most popular and influential religious leaders in Korea" (Korea Times) who "left immeasurable teachings to all of us" (President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak), Beopjeong wrote on the foibles of modern life and the joys of nature and simplicity. His direct uncomplicated prose continues to appeal to new generations of readers. Beopjeong's musings and insights are presented in English-Korean parallel text. Illustrated with Korean art throughout, each page in translation is mirrored by its original Korean hangul script on the facing page. The translator, D. Bannon, is a member of the American Translators Association (ATA). "A true work of art." --Tom Larsen, YA Entertainment. "An incredible translation." --SeungHan Chung, MBC America. "A a worthy consideration for Buddhist and Spirituality collections. Recommended." --Midwest Book Review