The Rinzai Zen Way

Rinzai is, along with Soto, one of the two main schools of Japanese Zen, descended from the Chinese Linji school of Chan and made famous by the great Zen Japanese Master-artist Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1768). Rinzai practitioners in America are in the minority among Zen students, though many Soto Zen practitioners are effectively a mix of Rinzai and Soto. This is the first, accessible introduction to Zen philosophy and practice from a strictly Rinzai perspective, and as such it will be invaluable to students practicing in Rinzai Zen centers--such as the major ones in New York State, Chicago, Seattle, and Hawaii--as well as for everyone who wants to understand what the special emphases of Rinzai are. Compared to Soto Zen, Rinzai is known for a sharp, energetic approach and relies more heavily on the koan practice Zen is famous for. More emphasis is also placed on the experience of seeing through to the nature of reality called kensho. And Rinzai places a great emphasis on expression of Zen teaching in the arts. Rinzai and Soto are not opposed to each other, and share a great deal of theory and practice, but this guide will provide a glimpse of "pure" Rinzai for all interested in practicing it or just finding out about it.