Simplicity Zen Podcast Episode 63 - An Interview with Ruben Habito Roshi (The Zen Lamp Series)

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.

One Blade of Grass is an autobiographical journey of Henry Shukman from his troubled childhood to becoming a healing teacher. The book describes how Zen practice transformed his life, making him calmer and kinder. It demystifies Zen training by casting its profound insights in simple, lucid language and takes the reader on a personal journey into the hidden treasures of life revealed through contemplative practice. The memoir is marked by humorous and moving sections, poetic lyricism, and the author's ability to articulate both inner and outer experiences with precision and nuance.