Title
Opening a Mountain: Koans of the Zen Masters,Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
With the growing popularity of Zen Buddhism in the West, virtually everyone knows, or thinks they know, what a koan is: a brief and baffling question or statement that cannot be solved by the logical mind and which, after sustained concentration, can lead to sudden enlightenment. But the truth about koans is both simplerand more complicatedthan this.In Opening a Mountain, Steven Heine shows that koans, and the questions we associate with themsuch as 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?'are embedded in larger narratives and belong to an ancient Buddhist tradition of 'encounter dialogues.' These dialogues feature dramatic and often inscrutable contests between masters and disciples, or between masters and an array of natural and supernatural forces: rouge priests, 'wild foxes,' hermits, wizards, shapeshifters, magical animals, and dangerous women. To establish a new monastery, 'to open a mountain,' the Zen master had to tame these wild forces in regions most remote from civilization. In these extraordinary encounters, fingers and arms are cut off, pitchers are kicked over, masters appear in and interpret each other's dreams, and seemingly absurd statements are shown to reveal the deepest insights. Heine restores these koans to their original traditions, allowing readers to see both the complex elements of Chinese culture and religion that they reflect and the role they played in Zen's transformation of local superstitions into its own teachings.Offering a fresh approach to one of the most crucial elements of Zen Buddhism, Opening a Mountain is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the full story behind koans and the mysterious worlds they come from.
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We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Opening a Mountain: Kōans of the Zen Masters'? A: The main theme of the book is to explore the nature of koans in Zen Buddhism, illustrating how they are embedded in larger narratives that reflect the complexities of Chinese culture and the transformative journey of Zen teachings.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Opening a Mountain'? A: The author is Steven Heine, a scholar known for his expertise in Zen Buddhism and its cultural significance.
- Q: How long is 'Opening a Mountain: Kōans of the Zen Masters'? A: The book has a total of 200 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of the book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: When was 'Opening a Mountain' published? A: The book was published on February 26, 2004.
- Q: Is 'Opening a Mountain' suitable for beginners in Zen Buddhism? A: Yes, the book is suitable for beginners as it provides insights into koans and their meanings, making it accessible for those new to Zen Buddhism.
- Q: What kind of insights does Steven Heine provide in the book? A: Heine offers insights into the historical and cultural context of koans, exploring their role in Zen practice and their relationship to broader Buddhist teachings.
- Q: Does the book contain any practical exercises or meditations? A: The book primarily focuses on the philosophical and narrative aspects of koans rather than providing practical exercises or meditations.
- Q: What is a koan, as described in the book? A: A koan is a puzzling question or statement used in Zen practice that challenges logical thinking and aims to provoke enlightenment through contemplation.
- Q: Can 'Opening a Mountain' help deepen my understanding of Zen teachings? A: Yes, the book is an essential read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Zen teachings, especially regarding the function and significance of koans.