Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings

By: Paul Reps

Narrated by: Peter Coyote

In this collection of inspirational writings, novice and experienced practitioners are treated to four key works that rank high in the Zen canon: 101 Zen Stories recounts actual experiences with Zen that span five centuries. The Gateless Gate is a 13th-century collection of mind problems used in the practice of Zen. Ten Bulls is a 12th-century commentary on the stages of awareness that lead to enlightenment. Centering is a 4,000-year-old teaching from India that may have been the source of Zen. Compiled by Paul Reps, these accessible works will help listeners contemplate the meaning of Zen for themselves.

©2007 Paul Reps (P)2007 Phoenix Books, Inc.

This book was filled with interesting stories with meaning.

It kind of reminded me of Aesop's fables but instead of a moral teaching it was much more focused on creating understanding and changing perceptions. This is all the best Zen stories and koans rolled up into one book. Near the end of the book for the last hour it switched to The Gateless Gate which is an entire book of Zen koans which are utterly confusing to me. Even with the preamble telling me to not try to logically gain meaning from them and that many times it's a statement with two answers I still cannot make sense of most Zen koans. This book also contains The Search for the Bull which is an interesting story that represents the search for ones own enlightenment or their true self. The seeker has to find the bull and then subdue it and then they can ride it home. If your looking for a collection of Zen sayings, stories and koans then look no further. With the addition of The Gateless Gate and The Search for the Bull this is like three books in one which is an excellent value.