The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment

Book Description

Through explorations of the three pillars of Zen--teaching, practice, and enlightenment--Roshi Philip Kapleau presents a comprehensive overview of the history and discipline of Zen Buddhism. An established classic, this 35th anniversary edition features new illustrations and photographs, as well as a new afterword by Sensei Bodhin Kjolhede, who has succeeded Philip Kapleau as spiritual director of the Rochester Zen Center, one of the oldest and most influential Zen centers in the United States.

Customer Reviews:

Additional resources for the unenlightened.......2007-06-23

I commented several months ago on a post made by Mike-in-the-Middle, asking for more resources to help a beginner (me) without easy access to a roshi who could offer clarity on Zen/Buddhist ideas. I have since received several emails which offered more resources for me to check out, and I'd like to share these resources with you.

Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor. This one is obviously of a secular bent, and I've been reading it off and on since I purchased it. It's a bit. . . scholarly, with some big 50-cent words, if you know what I mean. You definitely need a quiet place to be able to focus on his intellectual renderings, but if you can get into it, it's very insightful. Although it's "intellectual" and contains "big words," it doesn't contain a lot of the mysterious and otherworldly terminology of other such books written by Zen/Buddhist disciples. The book shows how you can practice the tenets of Buddhism without necessarily buying into all the religious aspects.

The Positive Psychology of Buddhism and Yoga: Paths to a Mature Happiness by Marvin Levine. This is the book I am currently reading. Mr. Levine makes a good comparison between the tenets of Buddhism (and yoga) and those of Western Psychology, both of which seek to put the person in touch with his/her true self. He also gives advice, gleaned from his own life and journey, about how to incorporate the ideas into your life. This book is VERY readable; Mr. Levine goes out of his way to make this book accessible to the lay person. I'm enjoying this one very much. (It doesn't have to be QUITE so quiet at my house in order for me to get into it. =)

Also recommended to me, but which I haven't yet checked out, are the following books:

Here is a short email I received.
"Saw a comment you left on a review of 3 Pillars of Zen mentioning you were looking for a good place to start. For me, the perfect start was "Buddhism Plain and Simple" by Steve Hagen. It's short, inexpensive and simple. Then I went to his website and downloaded all his free audio talks to listen to on my commute, and now i feel i can approach more advanced zen books quite comfortably (but start with the book before the audio stuff).

Another book recommended was Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck.

I hope these books will help some of you on your journey.

=)
Laurie
(Lovejoy444 at a o l dot com)

A wonderful beginning..........2007-04-13

I purchased this book around 40 years ago, when my interest in zen was very new. I read it and kept it. Recently, I picked it up again, and began re-reading it. The amazing thing was that I felt strongly that this book alone would have been nearly enough; I could have saved a lot of time and money. It isn't about books, of course, but a book can be as real as anything else. This book is that. This book is about real people and zazen, and zazen is the chief method by which one learns to go about empirically developing awareness. It will sit well with you.

The Best of it's Kind.......2006-12-13

I've read a few books on Zen meditation, and this is definitely the best one out there. It's truly the only book on the subject you need. This book teaches the basics of zazen meditation in an easy to read fashion. You'll find the meditation technique taught in this book to be extremely calming and serene.

Even if you're not looking for a book on meditation, this book gives some excellent commentary and history on Buddhism and the Buddha. The book also has great drawings showing the different meditation postures and how they can be adjusted. Most of all, this book offers a wonderful learning experience to those that are new to Zen meditation or for the experienced pro. There's something in here for everybody. It's a wonderful read and I often felt a sense of peace just in flipping through the pages.

Incredibly simpe yet powerful depiction on Zen. .......2006-07-02

Unlike other books that were written about Zen, one thing that one would suddenly notice in this book is that; it does not contains too much philosopical of Zen that often make ourselves attached to the 'beauty' which in itself devoid the ultimate purpose of Zen which is 'satori'.

This book, in my opinion, has reflected the deepest and the most profound level of Zen than any other books could possibly do. The content of the book is by far is the most comprehensive, straight to the point explanation that would be extremely valuable for anyone interested in Zen to perhaps masters in Zen.

The conciseness of this book really depicted in its title. The Tree Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice and Enlightment. Providing step by step lecture, instruction, real-life story, with some combination of old masters letter and commentary on various Koan, instruction on Zazen - it is by far, and can't be stressed more, that this book is the most complete , well-rounded, and straightforward book that would lead dedicated Zen's practice to enlightment.

The Drama of Practice.......2005-07-23

I have very mixed feelings about this book. It is the book which really brought me to spiritual practice; for that, I will always be grateful. It was, however, the same things about it which first drew me in, that I now find problematic.

If you are at all open to practice it is hard not to find this book exciting. There is great drama in the stories of those struggling against all odds to achieve enlightenment. It is that sense of drama which I find problematic. There is a sense of striving encouraged by this book and practice at Rochester. Metaphors of climbing a mountain are used; we are encouraged to "push harder.' But who is striving? There is an underlying sense of dualism in this flavor of practice. While that drama of achieving something is perhaps helpful for those difficult early stages of practice, it is ultimately a poison. Traditional Zen practice, such as that described here, pits you in a battle against your ego. Such warfare can, in the end, only be ego building.

This is a modern Zen practice in that there is an explanation of the "theory" of practice. At one time you just sat, heard talks on Koans, and had very brief interviews with your teacher. Eventually, you would either get it or not (mostly not, I believe). Of course, in that more historically traditional practice you would have been a monk totally removed from the concerns of the day-to-day world. I think that the practice described by Kapleau Roshi is still too close to those traditional monastic roots.

My experience at traditional Zen Centers is that they are beautiful and that meditation practice there has a sense of percptible strength-it seems quite grounded. The trouble comes when people are off the cushions. I can't say that I see a great deal of impact of practice on peoples lives. There is still plenty of confusion and reactivity. There is still an attachment to personal drama. I had teachers tell me that the first step is for people to break through and see who they really were; later they would integrate. I am not sure that step two generally occurs.

What, ultimately, is the point of Zen practice? To have an enlightenment experience? Does that drive for kensho come from a need to experience the truth of our life or does it come from a need to fix ourselves? Most of us are driven by this latter need. To the extent that our motivations remain invisible, we can't truly metabolize our experience. We "own" rather than live our realization.

My bias is that practice serves life best when it takes on our whole life as a koan. Our life becomes less of a soap opera and becomes more mundane. From that ordinariness emerge joy, compassion, love and all of the other aspects of our true nature. You might have fewer of the kind of lightening bolts of a traditional practice. Instead, you will have a grounded life which brings peace rather than pain into this world.

Tarot of Ceremonial Magick Deck: A Pictorial Synthesis of the Three Great Pillars of Magick

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Modern Day Magician
Symbolic presentation of Western Occult Magick!
Great Tarot Deck
Extraordinary Tarot Deck - will give Thoth Tarot Competition
REAL MAGICK IN A BOX

Tarot of Ceremonial Magick Deck: A Pictorial Synthesis of the Three Great Pillars of Magick
Lon Milo Duquette
Manufacturer: U.S. Games Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

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ASIN: 0880797282

Book Description

This deck combines tarot with Qabalah-based magick, Enochian magick, and Goetia.

Customer Reviews:

Modern Day Magician.......2005-11-12

I had wanted to get this deck since I saw it in a Barnes & Noble last year. Duquette was getting a bigger following but was still cult. The deck itself is worth getting for its simplicty; as I've seen with pretty much all of Duquette's stuff he waters it down and puts in a such a plain language that anyone who gets the general idea of the thing can do it successfully. As in his Illustrated Goetia, it is so watered down for the average Joe like myself that you can use cardboard as a magic circle and use the magick with success. In particular, the artwork was so bad that I could see every stroke that was painted; I actually could've and could make a better tarot deck than this myself in terms of the artwork alone. I like this deck because of that very reason- anyone with any decency could work Duquette's magick, and that is also his downfall.

Symbolic presentation of Western Occult Magick!.......2005-03-01

This deck is a wonderful presentation of all the principles of western Magick.This deck works in such sublime matters both in divination and teaching the student the Enochian,Goetia,and Qabalah systems.This deck is truly a symbolic book of occult Magick.Lon has done a great service in creating this deck.Love is the Law,Love under Will.

Great Tarot Deck.......2004-01-18

I've had this deck a little over a month now and I must say that I am very pleased with it. Duquette has done a fine job of putting together a great deal of information in a small space. One of the best decks produced in the past few years.

Extraordinary Tarot Deck - will give Thoth Tarot Competition.......2003-01-08

This is a fascinating deck. The accuracy of readings is astounding, and the deck will continuously give the same card(s), consistently, during a reading / clarification of a reading. I have always had amazing results with The Thoth Tarot, but Lon Duquette's Ceremonial Magick Deck is definitely the most accurate and consistent deck I have ever worked with.

I wasn't too sure about buying it, at-first, because the artwork reminded me of the Golden Dawn deck, but I viewed the details of the corresponding book ( ISBN: 0877287643 ), via the enlarge feature, and decided to give it a chance, based upon Lon Duquette's other works. Suffice to say, I am thrilled that I made the purchase!

I am really enjoying this deck, and I like the artwork. The artwork is not as detailed and "busy" as Crowley's Thoth Tarot, but it is not as Intense, either...it doesn't beat you over the head with Symbolism. I would certainly recommend Duquette's Ceremonial Deck to beginners, but I would also suggest buying a few books about The Goetia, to understand the whole concept.

The Ceremonial Magick Tarot is surprisingly colorful, bright, humorous and intriguing. Duquette's personality comes through in this deck, and his long years of Research are embedded in the cards, as well.

Normally, I need to tune-up a deck and work with it a while, to tune-in to it's vibe...but, this deck spoke to me, the moment I broke the seal.

I believe this deck will be a great asset to anyone already using Crowley's deck, but it will also be a great Beginner's Deck. Of all my Tarot Cards, this Deck is in my "Top 3" favorites (the ones I use the most)--and has shifted to a position above "The Masonic Tarot."

REAL MAGICK IN A BOX.......2002-12-24

This is not another novelty Tarot deck. In fact, it recaptures the true magical tradition of the Tarot as few decks have ever done. I have to admit that it isn't as pretty as the Crowley/Harris Thoth Deck or the Cicero's Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot, but it has something more than either of these classics ... in your face Magick!

The four Elemental Tablets of the Enochian system of John Dee adorn the Aces - with the Aces and Court Cards you can construct the powerful Enochian Tablet of Union. The Small Cards bear the names and sigils of all 72 Spirits of the Goetia, and the names of the 72 Qabalistic Angels of the Shemhamaphorash, and the degrees of the zodiac and days of the year sacred to these spirits. Want to project your astral body in to the elemental worlds? The Aces and Court Cards display colored tattwa symbols used for that very purpose. DuQuette didn't just through this stuff on some cards and call it Tarot. All these magical correspondences, even the colors, are organized with anal retentive perfection in strict conformity to the most revered magical and qabalistic traditions concerning the Tarot.

Customer Reviews:

Tarot of Ceremonial Magick - expanding Tarot boundaries.......2007-04-01

The only flaw in the edition of Tarot of Ceremonial Magick that I received was that under KEY XVII Star is a duplicate of the image KEY XVI Tower, although all the information was for KEY XVII Star.

If one seriously studies the Tarot, like anything else, it will start to release its secrets. This is an excellent book for allowing the limits of the Tarot to be expanded in multiple directions as well as diminsions. That doesn't mean one has to be into the I Ching, Enochian, or Alexister Crowley, though it does allow for a mention from these areas to act as a clue for further enlightenment.

While many newer Tarot books like to replace the standard understandings with their own philosophies, which may not be as proven or as sound, this book does the opposite and reaches to grasp more of the old tried and true teachings. I would recomment this book to the serious student.

Expanded from the Deck.......2005-11-24

I got the ceremonial magick deck before I got this companion book. Basicly it is a little more in depth information than what is given in the deck's instruction booklet. But the appendixes are filled with goetic magick and some other rituals. Overall, the book is a total rehash of the deck's instruction booklet and the appendix information is available elsewhere. But Duquette's deck, barring some simple artwork, is a good, accurate deck by a modern magician who knows what he's talking about. This book will be an aid to those who have the deck for it, but would be a lot better for someone who is new to reading tarot cards.

Extraordinary Tarot Deck - will give Thoth Tarot Competition.......2003-01-08

I wasn't too sure about buying it, at-first, because the artwork reminded me of the Golden Dawn deck, but I viewed the details of this book, via the enlarge feature, and decided to give it a chance, based upon Lon Duquette's other works. Suffice to say, I am thrilled that I made the purchase!

Normally, I need to tune-up a deck and work with it a while, to tune-in to it's vibe...but, this deck spoke to me, the moment I broke the seal.

This book is a wonderful guide to the Ceremonial Tarot Deck, I recommend purchasing them simultaneously.

a real good book on tarot, this.......2002-04-11

use tarot cards to get a read on the nasdaq. i think there is a lot of money to be made this way. this book may be the breakthrough volume needed for this type thing. i'm sure going to try!

REAL MAGICK IN A BOX.......2002-01-12

The four Elemental Tablets of the Enochian system of John Dee adorn the Aces - with the Aces and Court Cards you can construct the powerful Enochian Tablet of Union. The Small Cards bear the names and sigils of all 72 Spirits of the Goetia, and the names of the 72 Qabalistic Angels of the Shemhamaphorash, and the degrees of the zodiac and days of the year sacred to these spirits. Want to project your astral body into the elemental worlds? The Aces and Court Cards display colored tattwa symbols used for that very purpose. DuQuette didn't just through this stuff on some cards and call it Tarot. All these magical correspondences, even the colors, are organized with anal retentive perfection in strict conformity to the most revered magical and qabalistic traditions concerning the Tarot.

Customer Reviews:

Background for the Dark Ages.......2000-06-24

This book provides lots of background for Vampire: the Dark Ages. It has what's going on with the different classes (Nobility, Clergy, and Peasantry) also it has background on the Italian City-States which was the largest cities at the time and allows the GM to have large campains that's in the city and in the countryside. It was a great start for my Venice game and recomend it for other GM's that want to set their game in or around Italy.

The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching Practice Enlightenment

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The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching Practice Enlightenment
Edited By Philip Kapleau
Manufacturer: Beacon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K0CI9Q

Zen Teaching, Zen Practice: Philip Kapleau And The Three Pillars Of Zen

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Reviewing ourselves
What's Enlightenment Got To Do With It?

Zen Teaching, Zen Practice: Philip Kapleau And The Three Pillars Of Zen

Manufacturer: Weatherhill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0834804409
Release Date: 2000-03-01

Customer Reviews:

Reviewing ourselves.......2005-05-09

The articles in this book, edited by Kenneth Kraft, were contributed by eleven people who studied and practiced Zen under the aegis of Philip Kalpeau Roshi, whose seminal guide - 'The Three Pillars of Zen' - and personal example, did much to put authentic Zen practice on the map in the West. As such, this text deserved more than the scathing remarks found in the single Amazon.com review to date. It attempts to assess the fruits of Kapleau's teaching and influence. By extension, it serves as comment on the legacy of Kapleau's teachers, Yasutani Roshi and Harada Roshi.

While the collection of essays edited by Ken Kraft can be read as an independent work, the 'retrospective' nature of this material is best digested in light of the aspirations found in Kapleau's seminal work (The Three Pillars of Zen) - which inspired the contributors. The opening article by Albert Stunkard details something of the background to Kapleau's own quest - including their meeting with D.T. Suzuki in post-war Japan. Mostly written in an informal style, all of these summary-essays have something interesting to say. It is salutary to note that one contributor - Rafe Martin, reflected on his concern over the bearing that intensive Zen practice might have upon his children. Happily, if the verdict of a practitioner from the next generation (Josh Schrei, Chapter 5) is anything to go by, the diligence of his parents' generation has commanded respect, rather than contempt. Without making a big deal out of it, Schrei contrasts the spirit motivating his parents' quest, with the 'pop-spirituality' now found in some quarters, promising 'seven easy steps to enlightenment,' financial abundance, or to fulfil the search for ideal soul-mates etc. As against the dubious 'mix -n' -match' approach, for which 'spirituality' is merely an accessory, Schrei notes the 'no-frills' spirit behind Zen and its uncompromising refusal to pander to egotistical whims.

Still, otherwise diligent practitioners - not least Kapleau himself, have had to concede that Zen will undergo certain modifications in the West. The 'vertical' or 'hierarchical' authority structure of traditional Zen temple life seems fated to acquire a more diffused, horizontal dimension. Contributors such as Bodhin Kjolhede, Sunyana Graef and Mitra Bishop, who carry on the mantle of Philip Kapleau, have had to tread the delicate line between innovative 'adaption' and the danger of dissolution. Mitra Bishop asks if American Zen is 'too comfortable'? - citing the rigours she faced, training in Japan. Be that as it may, almost all the second generation Zen teachers in the West are exploring ways to adapt their teaching methods to the needs of their students. If you are interested in Zen as a practice, this book will put certain things in better perspective. It is, above all, an honest book. But to get a feel for the background against which it was written, I strongly recommend taking a careful look at 'The Three Pillars of Zen.' We would all be poorer, spiritually speaking, without the substantial contribution that Philip Kapleau made to the growth of Zen Buddhism in the West. This collection of essays is a fitting tribute to P.K. and his work.

What's Enlightenment Got To Do With It?.......2004-01-09

A valuable companion to the 'Three Pillars of Zen', helps
curb one's enthusiasm for the brand of zen that the
Three Pillars arouses.

This book also wont do much to heal the rift between
the zennies and the traditonalist buddhists who
unfortunately see such zen as truly heretical and un-buddhist.

The book shows us behind the scenes of the community that arose in the
wake of Three Pillars, and all the neurotic 'seeking' after
some neurological catharsis / post-traumatic-stress-disorder
experience of 'enlightenment'.

The account by the person
who grew up as a child in this weird environment, watching
all the anxious and serious sleep-deprived
adults hurrying around in silence
and getting beaten by sticks and yelled at until they
broke down or broke through, makes one appreciate the average
Christian sunday-school as an environment for kids.
(Though, the Pentecostals might compete in the yelling
department, not sure about the sticks.)

There was little mention that I could see about the
casualties of this practice, those who must have
suffered actual psychological trauma as a result.
It makes me wonder if the book isn't a little too
sanitized, as far as being a representative
retrospective.

Kapleau's heir, Bodhin's comments
about not getting the point of Suzuki-roshi's Soto Zen are
pretty enlightening as well. As much as the Three Pillars
stimulated my own neurotic 'seeking' after neurological

kundalini mutation some years ago, I can now appreciate
not having been subjected to the practices described in
this book, but instead doing a little gardening,
cleaning the toilets, and getting hit with the stick
only when I asked for it.

I hope to God I never become a zen 'master', or
a yoga 'master', for that matter. The whole cultic
notion of 'masters' is pretty sickening to me now,
and this book just reinforces my opinion.

Customer Reviews:

The Three Pillars of Zen.......2001-05-14

I have read the "Three pillars of Zen" on a number of occasions including the anniversary edition. On each occasion I have found it to be more and more informative and revealing of ones own Zen practice. It is an excellent beginners book into the world of formal and not so formal Zen as well as for anybody who has an interest in "what is Zen anyways?". This book not only gives insight into the question "Zen?", but, also answers the how and why's.

The Three Pillars of Zen.......2000-06-09

I first read Roshi Philip Kapleau book on the summer of 1980. I feel it is still one of the most informative books wriiten on Zen Buddhism. I am sure it must be considered a classic by now. I find myself pulling this book off my shelf every few years and re-reading it. I feel that it is one of the few books written that introduce westerner's to the journey along the road of zen.

Among the very best on Zen and meditation.......1997-09-09

This unarguably authoritative book is absolutely
convincing in its easily readable exposition of Zen BR> Buddhism, it's methods and goals. Practices of Japanese
Zen masters, both modern and historic,
are set forth as they were actually spoken to Zen classes
in Japanese temples. It is easily the best book I have read on meditation generally or Zen specifically

The Three Pillars of Public Management: Secrets of Sustained Success

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The Three Pillars of Public Management: Secrets of Sustained Success
Ole Ingstrup , and Paul Crookall
Manufacturer: McGill-Queen's University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

ASIN: 0773520619

Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology: Three Pillars for Success (Turning Goals Into Reality) Annual Progress Report 1997-98

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Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology: Three Pillars for Success (Turning Goals Into Reality) Annual Progress Report 1997-98
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Manufacturer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KFXY76

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