The Three Pillars of Zen

The Three Pillars of Zen is a seminal work that explains the practice of Zen to Westerners.

The book includes introductory lectures by Yasutani Roshi, transcripts of private interviews (dokusan) between a roshi and his students, and testimonies from lay students who achieved enlightenment.

It provides a detailed and realistic picture of the rigors of Zen life, including the mechanics of Zen practice such as zazen and koan zazen.

The book emphasizes the long-term dedication and effort required for spiritual realization and integrates Western and Japanese Zen practices.