Instant Zen

Waking Up in the Present

De: Thomas Cleary

Narrado por: Mitchell Ryan

Find yourself and tune in: such is the message of Zen. Instant Zen presents the teachings of Foyan, a twelfth-century Chinese Zen master recognized as one of the greatest masters of the Song dynasty Zen renaissance in China. These simple exercises by Foyan lead you to the awakening of insight into the real nature of self and emphasize independence and autonomy, two qualities vital to seeing and acting clearly. Newcomers will find this a useful and sophisticated introduction to authentic inner Zen practices without cultural exoticism or religious cultism. Experienced practitioners will benefit from this guide from an impeccable source and experience a return to the uncomplicated genuineness of the original Zen masters.

©1994 Thomas Cleary (P)2022 Phoenix Books

Excellent

The definitive text on Zen. Nothing else compares. Written by the most accomplished Zen master of ancient China.

An excellent book on the natural mind and the essence of non duality.

Among books regarding the quintessence of mind, these chapters are without peer. Direct, no dogma. An excellent reminder for those lost in cognition and personal narrative.

An essential on real Zen

Over the centuries Zen has apparently been changed into something else, a fixed practice and a way of life that contains none of the real Zen essence, diluted and flavored to match our western palate.

This book, by Ch’an master Foyan and wonderfully translated (and read, as far as I know) by Thomas Cleary, points directly to the ineffable Zen way, as taught by the original Ch’an masters.

If you want a taste of real, non-westernized Zen, this is one of the essential books to get.

I wish more of these books on Zen by Thomas Cleary find their way to audiobooks.

yeah

yep. I had 14 words remaining when I started this sentence so I typed it.

Settle the matter for yourself

The challenge of zen is to settle this matter of life and death for yourself in this moment. Any book that gives you mere philosophy, or dogma, should be immediately tossed away. Foyan points out the way directly; an indispensable guide.

Buddhist "pick me up"

This is the kind of dhamma talk that cuts through all the concepts we flap around to distract ourselves from seeing what's real, even if it hurts at first.
Great talk, great teacher. No apologies for slightly stilted language, it doesn't take anything away from this communication.

Content excellent, reading poor

This is not read by Thomas Cleary, the narrator did not bother to find out how to pronounce the names of the Chan masters quoted properly, making the listening quite awkward. The content, however, as all of Cleary's work, is excellent. Audible should present more from his Zen corpus (not just the 'Art of War' stuff).

Seriouse folks.. A MUST READ*

Amazing teacher! This is one of the BEST teachers I have heard.

Sadly, I feel there's a lot of false zen teachers in the west right now misguiding students.. Many of which hold tittles in various lineages, guiding students, running temples & zendo's.

This book has helped me in so may ways... for one, to see that I was not alone in what I have seen. Master Foyan cuts trough all the BS that was present in his time & is clearly the same situation in our modern era.. His "no apologies" style teachings call it as he sees it, hitting the mark right on the nose.. This book will help anyone who is interest in gaining the eyes to see which Teachers are full of BS & which are not, & help you gain the eyes to see true Dharma for yourself.

If this teacher was alive today, I wouldn't be writing this review because I'd be on my way to his monastery.

If you would rather stop being fooled by false teachers & wake up today, instead of sleeping on your cushion for another 10 years... then this is the book for you!

He even brings up some valid criticism of the "present moment" style teachers that interestingly enough seem to be on the rise again today.

Endless Bows,

May we each find our way*

-Fugon Mugen

You need to listen to this

Absolutely insane wisdom in 2 and a half hours. Must listen if you know Thomas Cleary’s work translating the zen classics

This book might change your life

This is pure Zen philosophy without the ritual nonsense about tea ceremonies, mediation techniques and sitting positions. If you like Alan Watts, then you will love this book.