Zen koans are stories of exchanges between Zen masters and their disciples. These stories have long fascinated Western readers because of their wisdom, humor, and enigmatic quality. In Elegant Failure, author Richard Shrobe, who is a recognized Zen Master has selected twenty-two cases from The Blue Cliff Record, Book of Serenity, and Wu-men-kuan that he finds deeply meaningful and helpful for meditation practice.

Drawing on over thirty years of practice and teaching, he provides a wealth of background information and personal anecdotes for each koan that help to illuminate its meaning without detracting from its paradoxical nature.

Paperback, 256 pages.

Beloved Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh has lived and taught the path of peace in the most challenging circumstances. He now shares his most transformative teachings and practices along with the message of hope: that we can find freedom from the grip of emotions like anxiety, anger and despair.   more...

On his deathbed, Plato was asked to summarize his life's work. He replied: "Practice dying". In the 2,000 years since Plato offered this wise admonition, we have developed many practices associated with living. But what of the practices associated with dying? Being with Dying is a response to this question: an approach to death that is kind, open, and dignified, and that allows us to explore the meaning of death in the experience of our own lives and through the lives of others.   more...

In an intimate conversational style, Frank Ostaseski shares deeply moving stories from 20 years of caring for the dying. He shows us in a very down-to-earth way how to assist the journey of continuous discovery that begins with the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. He draws on Buddhist teachings that have informed his work and gives the listener very practical tools.   more...

This comprehensive instructional program, taught by esteemed Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and one of his principal students, presents the serene spiritual practice of walking meditation in a unique format that combines a 56 page book with a DVD and audio CD.   more...

In her first-ever audio course, this world-renowned Zen teacher shares her hallmark teachings and insights from nearly 50 years of meditation practice. Bare bones simplicity and tart common sense are the trade-mark style of Charlotte Joko Beck—offered here on Living Everyday Zen to help you realize the fruits of your sitting practice in every aspect of your daily life. Beyond the meditation cushion, where do you ultimately find the profound clarity, presence, and simple joys of Zen? "Where it has always been — in everyday life," teaches Charlotte Joko Beck.

3 CDs, 3 hrs.

A special gift-boxed collection of beloved Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's most popular teachings   more...

Buddhist meditation practices CD includes Jizo chanting as it is practiced at Great Vow Monastery where Buddhist teacher, Chozen Roshi lives and teaches. On this CD, Roshi teaches the history and qualities of Jizo, and discusses many practices connected to this great bodhisattva, including practicing with children. Chozen Roshi has been instrumental in bringing Jizo practice to American Buddhism. Jizo Bodhisattva is understood to be the special protector of those journeying through the physical and spiritual realms, especially children. She gives a detailed description of the mizuko, or waterbaby ceremony, which can be performed for all unborn babies. CD, 60 minutes.

Jane Dobisz's search for her true self takes her to a remote cabin in the winter woods of New England. Like the great Zen masters of old, she strips away every possible distraction and devotes herself solely to the practice of Zen for 100 days. She has no electricity, no visitors, no phone, no car, and does not leave the woods for the duration of her solitary retreat. Jane's story of authentic Zen practice, as far from a scholarly treatise on Buddhism as can be imagined, is about climbing fearlessly into the moment, and thus into the world as it really is. Combining deep insight and humor, she weaves a down-to-earth tale that explores the myriad aspects of mind, meditation and Zen training.

Paperback, 136 pages.

The Zen kong-an (koan, Jpn.), often a seemingly bizarre and unanswerable question, is a traditional teaching tool used by Zen masters to test their students' realization. This book presents the system of ten koans that Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn came to call the "Ten Gates."   more...