Two Arrows Meeting in Mid-Air: The Zen Koan (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment)

By John Daido Loori

Book Overview

Through a comprehensive introduction and twenty-one chapters centered on koans from classic collections, western literary sources, and modern encounters, this book explains the relevance of koan study... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804830126
• ISBN13: 9780804830126
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent for the openminded reader.

This is one of the best explanations of Zen koans you will find. In clear and vivid language, Loori demystifies koans, making them understandable. However, judging from the other reviews, not everyone got it. To undertake koan study, Zen study, is not the same as undertaking, say, the study of literature. To study Zen is to attempt to become Zen, become the koan, become the teacher. You can't just learn about koans, you have to let your mind take the shape of each koan. You will change. In contrast, the study of literature is designed to make you a critic or a teacher, not necessarily a great writer. You won't change; you'll just be the same person with some extra knowledge. If your study of Zen has turned you into a critic of Zen masters, then you have wasted your time.