Author(s): Seung Sahn

Spirituality

This introduction to Zen combines hundreds of traditional kong-ans with vivid artwork that create a balance between one's self and the world. Zen is described as a practice: something that one does as opposed to something one learns or understands. Kong-ans are questions that are contemplated as part of one's practice. The purpose of a kong-an is not necessarily to find an answer to the question, but to turn the question around in one's mind. These kong-ans, set down by the Great Honourable Zen Master Dae Soen Sa Nim encompass not only Korean and Chinese Zen, but also Zen from Lao-tzu and the Christian tradition.