The Three Pillars of Zen

Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment

By: Roshi Philip Kapleau

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

In this classic work of spiritual guidance, the founder of the Rochester Zen Center presents a comprehensive overview of Zen Buddhism. Exploring the three pillars of Zen - teaching, practice, and enlightenment - Roshi Philip Kapleau, the man who founded one of the oldest and most influential Zen centers in the United States, presents a personal account of his own experiences as a student and teacher, and in so doing gives listeners invaluable advice on how to develop their own practices. Revised and updated, this edition features a new afterword by Sensei Bodhin Kjolhede, who succeeded Kapleau as spiritual director of the Rochester Zen Center. A moving, eye-opening work, The Three Pillars of Zen is the definitive introduction to the history and discipline of Zen.

©2000 Roshi Philip Kapleau (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"For anyone seriously interested in Zen - this book will be invaluable." ( The Times Literary Supplement)

Narrator insufferable

Good book ruined by the affectations of the narrator. Too bad, I had hoped for a usable audio version.

Just amazing

The ABC of zazen. From beginners on, this one should do for you, if you are on the searching.

Very complete

Lots of information in this book. A very thorough examination of Zen Buddhism. Highly recommend.

Must read for anyone serious about zen

This incredible book offers a unique insight into the heart of true japanese zen. Both equally practical and inspirational this book answers all the questions you might have on your path to zen practice.

The most useful book about Zen I've read

The most interesting parts were the dokusan and personal kensho descriptions. The details of sesshin gave me the a sense of monotonity, which might be a general phenomenon in Zen in order to "ripen" the mind. This phenomenon might be the reason why books on Zen keep repeating the same ideas; this book is no exception, but I don't see this as a problem any more (it bothered me when I read Beginner's Mind). I think this book encourages the reader to start practicing without thinking too much about the details and excuses.