The Essence of Zen

As a religion and a spiritual practice, Zen has always been shrouded to somextent in mystery, the source, in fact, of a great deal of its charm andppeal. Mysteriousness, however, can also give the impression ofmpenetrability.;It is precisely this danger that led Sekkei Harada, one ofhe foremost masters of the Soto sect in Japan, to give the lectures thatomprise this book. In them, he clarifies points that seem to appear asbstacles to many non-Japanese aspirants, removes barriers to thenderstanding of Zen theory, and puts into perspective the Buddhist thoughthat underlies Zen practice.