What Is Zen?

Authored by Fujiwara Tōen and translated by Jeffrey Hunter, ‘What Is Zen?’ is an in-depth exploration of the philosophy of Zen and its practice, cultural manifestations, and history. It is a guide intended to gently bring the reader onto the path of Zen in everyday life, whereby actions and thoughts can become more attuned to Zen and its meaning.

Each of the four chapters is divided into sections which answer a range of specific questions. How does one become a Zen monk? Are there set answers to kōans? How did Zen originate? The book also reminds the reader that, while the intellectual study of Zen is admirable, Zen is not Zen unless it can be spontaneously manifested in your actual life.