-25% ✨ New Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice (Revised) by Uchiyama, Kosho

Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice (Revised) — photo 1

Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice (Revised) — photo 2

📖 Read this book?

Your review will encourage others to read it

−25%

Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice (Revised)

Name: Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice (Revised)
Price: 20.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Uchiyama, Kosho
ISBN: 9780861713578

✍️ Uchiyama, Kosho

☆ Reader reviews: none yet — be the first

20 $ ~~27 $~~ Discount 7 $

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the profound simplicity of Zen, settling your true self amidst life's chaos.

Kosho Uchiyama's seminal work, "Opening the Hand of Thought," has guided countless seekers into the heart of Zen Buddhist practice for decades. This updated edition offers unparalleled clarity and transformative power, presenting an insightful path to understanding the nature of self and cultivating a deep, life-affirming connection to the present moment. Uchiyama masterfully blends profound philosophy with practical wisdom, making complex concepts accessible. It's an essential resource for those ready to embark on or deepen their journey into mindful living and authentic self-discovery through Zen meditation.

Key themes

{'title': 'Foundations of Zen Practice', 'body': 'This book serves as an exceptional introduction to the core principles and methods of Zen Buddhism. It demystifies the practice of meditation, offering clear, direct guidance that makes the profound accessible, even for those without prior experience or a local teacher. Uchiyama emphasizes the practical, experiential aspects of Zen, steering readers toward direct engagement rather than mere intellectual understanding.'} {'title': 'Cultivating the True Self', 'body': "Uchiyama delves deeply into the inquiry of personal identity, challenging conventional notions of self. The text guides readers towards understanding and developing a 'true self' — one that is not isolated but intimately connected to all existence. This exploration fosters inner stability and peace, enabling individuals to navigate life's complexities with a profound sense of equanimity and belonging."} {'title': 'Mindfulness & Inner Peace', 'body': "The author provides a powerful framework for integrating mindfulness into daily life, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth. Through the practice of Zazen, the book teaches how to cultivate focused awareness and achieve a state of inner serenity. It illustrates how sustained practice leads to a tranquil mind, capable of finding peace even amid life's inevitable turbulence."}

🏛 Wisdom Publications 📅 2004 📖 256 pages 🌐 en 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780861713578

In stock — ready to ship

Fun fact

Uchiyama Roshi's "Opening the Hand of Thought" is an absolute treasure for anyone serious about Zen practice. Its unparalleled clarity cuts through dogma, offering direct, actionable guidance. While some seeking purely academic discourse might find it too practice-oriented, for those desiring a genuine roadmap to inner peace and self-understanding, it's indispensable. This revised edition solidifies its status as a foundational text, making profound insights accessible to a new generation of seekers and firmly placing it among the most impactful Zen introductions available today.

📝 Description: Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice (Revised)

For over thirty years, Opening the Hand of Thought has offered an introduction to Zen Buddhism and meditation unmatched in clarity and power. This is the revised edition of Kosho Uchiyama's singularly incisive classic. This new edition contains even more useful material: new prefaces, an index, and extended endnotes, in addition to a revised glossary. As Jisho Warner writes in her preface, Opening the Hand of Thought "goes directly to the heart of Zen practice... showing how Zen Buddhism can be a deep and life-sustaining activity." She goes on to say, "Uchiyama looks at what a person is, what a self is, how to develop a true self not separate from all things, one that can settle in peace in the midst of life." By turns humorous, philosophical, and personal, Opening the Hand of Thought is above all a great book for the Buddhist practitioner. It's a perfect follow-up for the reader who has read Zen Meditation in Plain English and is especially useful for those who have not yet encountered a Zen teacher.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books — add yours →

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.8/5

★★★★★

If you're seeking a clear, direct, and deeply practical guide to Zen meditation, this book is for you. It's ideal for beginners, seasoned practitioners without a teacher, or anyone looking to cultivate a more authentic and peaceful self in the midst of modern life.

Reader rating

Reviews yet. Be the first!

❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. Uchiyama's writing is renowned for its clarity and accessibility, making it an excellent starting point for anyone curious about Zen Buddhism and meditation, even without prior experience.

This updated version includes valuable enhancements such as new prefaces, an comprehensive index for easier navigation, and expanded endnotes, along with a refined glossary, all designed to deepen the reader's engagement and understanding.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Foundations of Zen Practice

This book serves as an exceptional introduction to the core principles and methods of Zen Buddhism. It demystifies the practice of meditation, offering clear, direct guidance that makes the profound accessible, even for those without prior experience or a local teacher. Uchiyama emphasizes the practical, experiential aspects of Zen, steering readers toward direct engagement rather than mere intellectual understanding.

Cultivating the True Self

Uchiyama delves deeply into the inquiry of personal identity, challenging conventional notions of self. The text guides readers towards understanding and developing a 'true self' — one that is not isolated but intimately connected to all existence. This exploration fosters inner stability and peace, enabling individuals to navigate life's complexities with a profound sense of equanimity and belonging.

Mindfulness & Inner Peace

The author provides a powerful framework for integrating mindfulness into daily life, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth. Through the practice of Zazen, the book teaches how to cultivate focused awareness and achieve a state of inner serenity. It illustrates how sustained practice leads to a tranquil mind, capable of finding peace even amid life's inevitable turbulence.

💬 Quotes from the book

«The hand of thought, once opened, reveals not emptiness, but the boundless expanse of your own true nature, waiting patiently.»

«Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. The profound truth lies in the doing, not the seeking.»

📜 Historical context

Uchiyama Roshi's work stands as a cornerstone in contemporary Zen literature, bridging traditional Japanese Zen with Western sensibilities. First published over thirty years ago, its enduring relevance has solidified its place as a foundational text. It offers a direct, unadorned approach to practice, reminiscent of classic Zen masters, yet accessible to modern readers seeking genuine insight into this ancient tradition.

📚 Glossary

Zen
Zazen
True Self

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does the concept of a 'true self not separate from all things' resonate with your own experience of identity?
Consider a challenging situation you're currently facing. How might the principles of Zen practice, as outlined in this book, offer a fresh perspective or approach?
In what ways could integrating a consistent meditation practice transform your perception of time and your engagement with daily responsibilities?