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The Three Pillars of Zen

Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment

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The Three Pillars of Zen

By: Roshi Philip Kapleau
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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About this listen

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
Buddhism Philosophy Zen Buddhism
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Critic reviews

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

What listeners say about The Three Pillars of Zen

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The rate, clarity, and clam delivery of the narrative

A great book with lots of inspiration to take from it to develop self and oneness and understanding

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Required reading for the Zen aspirant or home Zen practitioner

Clear
Useful and applicable content
Well narrated and superbly written.

As timeless as its subject

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2 people found this helpful

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Best book on Zen...

I’ve practised Zen for a few years now and read several books on the subject. This is undoubtedly my favourite ‘how to’ guide to Zen. Much of the Zen literature can be cryptic and difficult to relate to for the Western beginner’s mind or as in the case of Alan Watt’s popular book on the subject; glaringly mistaken in its lackadaisical ‘anything goes’ interpretation of how to practice it. This book is clear, concise and detailed but it does not lose any of the flavour of the profound mystery that the practice of Zen opens the practitioner up to or the will and discipline which may be required. The choice of Sean Runnette as narrator could not be a better one. He is the voice of Zen after also narrating Alan Watt’s book but this time his words are actually true to the spirit and practice of the subject. I could not recommend this more for the beginner or the more experienced practitioner who like me has lost their may and may need reminding of the fundamentals of Zazen practice.

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21 people found this helpful

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great book and wonderfully narrated by S. Runnette

Unforgettable stories, experiences and a guide for livinh. Quite moving. This book is a classic, but brought to life by the narrator, Sean Runnette.
Thanks

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7 people found this helpful

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great.

If you're slightly interested in zen and it's history then read this, if you're not then still read it.

Narrator somehow improves what is already an amazing book.

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Sincere

This book is both brilliantly written and read. I highly recommend it for all on a spiritual path.

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1 person found this helpful

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Inspiring and informative

This book covers, in depth, the methods and practices of Buddhism and the path to enlightenment. I thoroughly enjoyed listening. I found it to be well structured in a way to give ample perspectives so as to facilitate a relatable understanding.It is at points repetitive but I found this helpful to reinforce my understanding.
Extremely inspired by this book.

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The Three Pillars of Zen

This book gives a very comprehensive account of the practice of Zen meditation. Obstacles that may arise with the practise of meditation are dealt with and ways to overcome them are explained. Even a complete newcomer to Zen meditation will benefit from listening to this book and earn valuable and salient insights into meditation. The narrator has a
A voice that lends itself to easy listening.

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Three Pillars of Zen

Outstanding !!!
Highly recommend to others interested in Zen and Zazen
Immensely helpful for my own development of Zen and Zazen.
Loved all the stories and how Zen masters have their own ways.
Very good narration by Sean Runnette !!!!!

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Wow.

I'm blown away. Fantastic book. I've been looking for a good Zen book ever since reading Zen Mind Beginners Mind.

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1 person found this helpful