In this collection of twenty-three essays; Robert Aitken retraces the origins of American Zen Buddhism and provides readings of influential texts. Reflecting on death; on marriage; and on Zen practice; Aitken always points out the path to pleasure in the everyday dewdrop world. There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight in a manner that both shepherds and inspires. Robert Aitkens Original Dwelling Place: Zen Buddhist Essays succeeds in doing just this; offering twenty-three essays from Americas senior Zen roshi and author of the best-selling; groundbreaking primer Taking the Path of Zen. Just as Taking the Path of Zen is the definitive handbook for Zen practice; the essays gathered in Original Dwelling Place are essential for the light they shed on Aitken Roshis own journey and the effect he has had on American Zen Buddhism. Gathered here are essays about the Zen texts Aitken has studied with avidity and close attention throughout the years; texts that were early and lasting influences. In an opening section entitled Ancestors; Aitken pays homage to the masters who influenced his own development and Zen Buddhism generally. In other meditations; Robe
#2153627 in Books 1998-01-08Original language:English #File Name: 188239120951 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good starting point.By Waldon SpencerThis is a pretty good 'quickie' reference; but not for a serious student of the subject. There are way too many errors; albeit small ones. But they are too numerous to ignore--and too numerous to list here. Some indeed might be attributed to typographic flubs missed by a proofreader; but a lot are not. Thus only a three star rating.But still in all a good basic basic 'primer'. For the seriously obsessed I would recommend Doug McChristian's three volume series; but that is probably way too in depth for the casual reader--so this one and its second companion volume fills the bill!2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Detailed review of Enlisted only - not OfficersBy Judith RichardsI was a little disappointed with the book. It's short but filled with descriptions of the enlisted men's uniforms during the period from 1866-1871. If you want a detailed analysis of the changes over the years; this is it.I was looking for information on officer's uniforms of the period as research for a historical novel. I was able to get a general idea of how the uniforms changed and why they changed. It's very detailed so if you're looking for that kind of information it's in the book. It even has diagrams and charts.This would be a great book for re-enactors of the period who need to get every detail right. However; if you're looking for information on officer's uniforms; especially field uniforms during the period; it is not covered in this book.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I needed info on general's field uniforms.By Kim T. CurtisI wanted the above info. It's OK for enlisted clothing. It will work for the re-enactor or collector for info.
