Hakuin on Kensho

The Four Ways of Knowing

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Zen, Eastern Religions, Zen Buddhism, Buddhism
Cover of the book Hakuin on Kensho by Albert Low, Shambhala
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Albert Low ISBN: 9780834826229
Publisher: Shambhala Publication: September 12, 2006
Imprint: Shambhala Language: English
Author: Albert Low
ISBN: 9780834826229
Publisher: Shambhala
Publication: September 12, 2006
Imprint: Shambhala
Language: English

Kensho is the Zen experience of waking up to one’s own true nature—of understanding oneself to be not different from the Buddha-nature that pervades all existence. The Japanese Zen Master Hakuin (1689–1769) considered the experience to be essential. In his autobiography he says: "Anyone who would call himself a member of the Zen family must first achieve kensho-realization of the Buddha’s way. If a person who has not achieved kensho says he is a follower of Zen, he is an outrageous fraud. A swindler pure and simple."

Hakuin’s short text on kensho, "Four Ways of Knowing of an Awakened Person," is a little-known Zen classic. The "four ways" he describes include the way of knowing of the Great Perfect Mirror, the way of knowing equality, the way of knowing by differentiation, and the way of the perfection of action. Rather than simply being methods for "checking" for enlightenment in oneself, these ways ultimately exemplify Zen practice. Albert Low has provided careful, line-by-line commentary for the text that illuminates its profound wisdom and makes it an inspiration for deeper spiritual practice.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Kensho is the Zen experience of waking up to one’s own true nature—of understanding oneself to be not different from the Buddha-nature that pervades all existence. The Japanese Zen Master Hakuin (1689–1769) considered the experience to be essential. In his autobiography he says: "Anyone who would call himself a member of the Zen family must first achieve kensho-realization of the Buddha’s way. If a person who has not achieved kensho says he is a follower of Zen, he is an outrageous fraud. A swindler pure and simple."

Hakuin’s short text on kensho, "Four Ways of Knowing of an Awakened Person," is a little-known Zen classic. The "four ways" he describes include the way of knowing of the Great Perfect Mirror, the way of knowing equality, the way of knowing by differentiation, and the way of the perfection of action. Rather than simply being methods for "checking" for enlightenment in oneself, these ways ultimately exemplify Zen practice. Albert Low has provided careful, line-by-line commentary for the text that illuminates its profound wisdom and makes it an inspiration for deeper spiritual practice.

More books from Shambhala

Cover of the book You Are Here by Albert Low
Cover of the book His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama by Albert Low
Cover of the book At Home in the Muddy Water by Albert Low
Cover of the book Beyond Happiness by Albert Low
Cover of the book The Path of Insight Meditation by Albert Low
Cover of the book Diamond Heart: Book One by Albert Low
Cover of the book Ornament of Reason by Albert Low
Cover of the book On Thomas Merton by Albert Low
Cover of the book The Mindful Way through Pregnancy by Albert Low
Cover of the book Knowing Woman by Albert Low
Cover of the book Making a Change for Good by Albert Low
Cover of the book A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung by Albert Low
Cover of the book Healing Walks for Hard Times by Albert Low
Cover of the book What Is Meditation? by Albert Low
Cover of the book The Light That Shines through Infinity by Albert Low
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy