”A new koan anthology that reflects the distinct flavor of American Zen Buddhist practice. This is a beautiful and worthy final teaching from Aitken.”
Zen Master Raven
The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird
Description
A uniquely playful and incisive collection of Zen teaching stories from a beloved American master.
A Modern Classic. In the tradition of the great koan collections and the records of ancient masters, Robert Aitken distills a lifetime of teaching down to its essence. Intriguing and deceptively simple, Zen Master Raven is a brilliant encapsulation of Zen in over a hundred koan-like encounters alongside many charming illustrations. Featuring curious beginners like Mallard and Mole and profound teachers like Brown Bear, Moose Roshi, and Zen Master Raven himself, this classic of contemporary Zen and will inspire seekers for generations to come.
Reviews
“These verses are a brilliant contribution to American Zen. They honor the wit and wisdom of so many Chan and Zen masters before while staying accessible and relevant for us right now. Sublime, funny, simple, profound.”
“A Western Zen classic. These stories will be repeated for as long as there is a Western Zen.”
“In the transmission of Zen to the West, Aitken Roshi's writings and teachings hold a unique place. This book is one of the clearest demonstrations of his capacity for integrating an authentic Zen spirit with American myths and dreams. The depth of his Zen heart and the lightness of his wit are equally revealed here, and will inspire generations of Zen practitioners well into the future.”
