The Circle of the Way
Book description
A comprehensive, accessible guide to the fascinating history of Zen Buddhism--including important figures, schools, foundational texts, practices, and politics.
Zen Buddhism has a storied history--Bodhidharma sitting in meditation in a cave for nine years; a would-be disciple cutting off his own arm to get the master's attention; the proliferating schools…
Why read it?
1 author picked The Circle of the Way as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Journalist and long-time Zen student Barbara O'Brien offers the only readable, concise, and yet comprehensive survey of Zen's history, the development of its teachings from the beginnings of Buddhism to the dawn of the twenty-first century. She finds a genuine middle ground between an appreciation of the received tradition and the best of modern scholarship. A masterful accomplishment.
From James' list on Zen from a Zen teacher.
Want books like The Circle of the Way?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Circle of the Way.
Browse books like The Circle of the Way
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in zen, Buddhism, and Buddha?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about zen, Buddhism, and Buddha.