Taisen Dešimaru Knihy

Zenový mistr zjevuje tajemství samurajů a popisuje v širších souvislostech duševní stav válečníka nebo toho, kdo je cvičen v bojových uměních. Vysvětluje podstatu bojových umění a zabývá se jejich rolí v životě člověka. Knihou prolíná pohled na psychický stav při střetnutí, což může být aplikováno i na lidské jednání obecně. Na příkladu bojových umění tak autor nabízí návod, jak účinně postupovat v nerůznějších lidských činnostech. Knihu uvítají zájemci o zen, bojová umění i o japonskou kulturu.

At last: a book on the martial arts from a true Zen master. Taisen Deshimaru was born in Japan of an old samurai family, and he recieved from the Great Master Kodo Sawaki the Transmission of Mind to Mind when Sawaki died. In 1967, Deshimaru-Roshi went to France and taught as a missionary general of the Sato Zen School until his death in 1982. In Europe he learned how to make Oriental concepts understandable to the Western mind. One of the results of that experience was this book: a series of lessons, question-and-answer sessions, and koans (riddles or anecdotes that point out general principles) that provide practical wisdom for all students of the martial arts--kendo, aikido, iai-do, jodo, or archery--as well as for the general reader interested in Zen.

An enlightening account of a session held in France under the guidance of the renowned Japanese Zen Master, Taisen Deshimaru (1914-1982). This book answers pressing questions and provides vital instruction and inspiration for both beginner or long-time Zen practitioners and those using meditation as part of their spiritual path.

A story of bravery and false starts, this autobiography candidly recounts the author's journey from a mischievous Japanese boy to a world-renowned Zen Sensei. Unlike many memoirs by Zen students and teachers, Taisen Deshimaru’s narrative is particularly engaging. Reflecting on his early life in Japan from the perspective of a Zen teacher in Paris, he shares misadventures ranging from defacing a painting of Bodhidharma as a child to wielding the “Zen stick” against a young monk during a retreat. His student years are filled with tales of alcohol and women, alongside his wartime experiences in Malaysia, where he sympathized with the underground freedom movement. This first English-language translation offers a clear and honest account of Deshimaru’s life, which has influenced many through his teachings, especially regarding Zen and martial arts. The memoir also highlights the impact of his teacher, Kodo Sawaki, detailing their lifelong friendship and Deshimaru’s monastic ordination. His influence reaches beyond Zen practitioners to those in martial arts, as he reflects on his early training. Additionally, historians may find interest in the supposed “scandals” surrounding Zen masters during the war, as Deshimaru’s subjective viewpoint provides a unique perspective on these complex issues without judgment.

Inhalt: Das Hannya Shingyô oder Mahâ Prajñâ Pâramitâ Sûtra ist das zentrale Sûtra des Zen und auch aller anderen Schulen des Buddhismus. Dieser Text vermittelt das tiefere Wissen um Kû und Shiki, der Lehre von der ambivalenten Realität zwischen Leerheit und sichtbarer Form, einer der ganz wesentlichen Grundlagen östlicher Weisheit. Zen-Meister Taisen Deshimaru macht mit den ausführlichen Kommentaren seines Hauptwerks über das Sûtra der Höchsten Weisheit dieses Wissen dem westlichen Leser erstmals vollständig zugänglich - in einem Band, der den Originaltext, seine Übersetzung, Kommentare und zahlreiche vollendete Kalligrafien des chinesischen Urtextes von höchstem künstlerischen Wert harmonisch miteinander vereint. Das Hannya Shingyô - Bestandteil jeder Zazen-Übung - ist der Kern jeglicher Beschäftigung mit Zen.

livre en version française

In queste storie Zen, raccolte e narrate dal maestro Taìsen Destrimani (alcune di esse risalgono a duemilaseicento anni fa), la straordinaria carica di umorismo e la potenza dello spirito fecondo dello Zen trovano una perfetta esemplificazione. Perché, senza dubbio, ciascuna di esse ci apre una porta e racconta un modo di vedere la realtà. La storia e la leggenda qui sfociano in una verità profonda e racchiudono un significato eterno. Dice un proverbio Zen che, quando ci viene indicata la luna, dobbiamo guardare quest'ultima e non il dito che ce la mostra: ecco un buon metodo da seguire anche nella lettura di questo libro.