The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin: A Translation of the Sokko-roku Kaien-fusetsu

From the tiny country temple in which he spent most of his life, Hakuin Ekaku (c.1685–1768) almost single-handedly revitalized Japanese Zen, which had been in decline for centuries before he came on the scene. Read this essential text and you’ll understand how he did it. Few teachers are as direct, funny, and ready to shatter their students’ illusions in order to give them the gift of truth. Included in the book are twelve examples of Hakuin’s art—because his art was also his teachings.