Member-only story

Zen Journals 1969-1982: A Legacy of Wisdom and Insight

Jules Verne

·19.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Nine Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals 1969 1982 (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

5 min read

1.2k View Claps

64 Respond

Save

Listen

The Zen Journals 1969-1982, published by Shambhala Dragon Editions, are a collection of profound insights and teachings from some of the most influential Zen masters of the 20th century. These journals, published over a fourteen-year period, played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Zen Buddhism in the West, offering a rich tapestry of teachings, koans, and commentaries that continue to inspire and guide practitioners today.

The Zen Journals emerged during a time of great cultural and spiritual transformation in the West. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a surge of interest in alternative spirituality and Eastern philosophies, fueled by the counterculture movement and the Vietnam War. Against this backdrop, Zen Buddhism, with its emphasis on mindfulness, compassion, and self-inquiry, found a receptive audience among seekers disillusioned with organized religion and traditional Western values.

The Zen Journals were founded by Allan Hunt Badiner, a young American who had traveled to Japan in the 1960s and studied with Zen master Shunryu Suzuki. Badiner returned to the United States with a deep understanding of Zen and a desire to share its teachings with a wider audience. In 1969, he established Shambhala Dragon Editions, a publishing house dedicated to promoting Zen Buddhism.

Nine-Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals 1969-1982 (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

by Peter Matthiessen

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1027 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

The Zen Journals were initially edited by Badiner and Dainin Katagiri, a Japanese Zen master who had also studied with Suzuki. Over the years, other notable Zen teachers, including Philip Kapleau, contributed to the journals.

The Zen Journals are a treasure trove of Zen wisdom, containing a wide range of materials, including:

Teachings and Dharma talks from renowned Zen masters such as Suzuki, Katagiri, and Kapleau.
Koans and commentaries, providing practitioners with opportunities for contemplation and self-discovery.
Letters and dialogues between Zen teachers and students, offering insights into the practical application of Zen principles.
Articles on Zen history, philosophy, and practice by scholars and practitioners.

The journals played a crucial role in transmitting the teachings of Zen Buddhism to a Western audience. They provided accessible and authentic materials that introduced readers to the core principles and practices of Zen. Through their teachings, the journals helped to dispel misconceptions about Zen and fostered a deeper understanding of its profound teachings.

The Zen Journals had a profound impact on the development of Zen Buddhism in the West. They:

Established a network of Zen teachers and practitioners. The journals provided a platform for Zen teachers to share their teachings and connect with students around the world.
Disseminated authentic Zen teachings. The journals offered a reliable source of authentic Zen teachings, helping to ensure the preservation and transmission of the tradition.
Inspired and educated a new generation of Zen practitioners. The journals introduced countless individuals to Zen Buddhism and inspired them to pursue its teachings and practices.

The Zen Journals 1969-1982 remain a vital resource for Zen practitioners and scholars today. They offer a rich and multifaceted exploration of Zen Buddhism, providing insights into its history, philosophy, and practice. The journals continue to inspire and guide countless individuals seeking wisdom, compassion, and self-realization.

As we reflect on the legacy of the Zen Journals, we acknowledge the profound contributions of Allan Hunt Badiner, Dainin Katagiri, Philip Kapleau, and the many other teachers and students who shared their insights through its pages. Their dedication to the dissemination of Zen Buddhism helped to shape the spiritual landscape of the West, leaving an enduring legacy of wisdom and compassion that continues to resonate today.

Nine-Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals 1969-1982 (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

by Peter Matthiessen

4.1 out of 5