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Seung Sahn
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Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake: Teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn Paperback – August 8, 2006

by Zen Master Seung Sahn (Author), Hyon Gak (Editor), Jon Kabat-Zinn (Foreword)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 56 ratings
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  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Shambhala
  4. Publication date
    August 8, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.61 x 8.51 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1590303407
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1590303405
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The late Korean Zen Buddhist master Seung Sahn, who died in 2004, came from the "kill the Buddha" school of Buddhism that relishes paradox and shrewd foolishness. The playfulness of this teacher's challenges to his pupils is clearly conveyed in this compilation of short exchanges with students. These are dharma (teaching) encounters rather than the lengthier talks found in many teachers' books. When Seung Sahn is not teaching students that one plus two equals zero, he is sharply banging his Zen stick on the floor to remind them to stop thinking, or talking, in order to understand. These short pieces nicely communicate a forceful style, and they are almost philosophical for someone who reiterates the shortcomings of an intellectual understanding of things. "Primary point" is a term the master uses to explain something like an absolute, except that Buddhism constructs no absolutes. Some biographical material, including a letter the Zen Master wrote to former South Korean dictator Gen. Chun Du-Hwan, provides helpful context. Seung Sahn's students in the Kwan Um School will especially prize this collection, and its easy-to-read format should also pique the interest of students of other Zen masters. (Aug. 8)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“Now that Soen Sa Nim [Zen Master Seung Sahn] is gone, we have only the stories, and, thankfully, books such as this one, to help bring him alive to those who never had a chance to encounter him in the flesh. In these pages, if you linger in them long enough, and let them soak into you, you will indeed meet him in his inimitable suchness, and perhaps much more important, as would have been his hope, you will meet yourself.”—Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Coming to Our Senses

“Zen Master Seung Sahn’s teachings will always bring great light into the world. His extraordinary wit, intelligence, courage, and compassion are brought to us in this wonderful and important book. Thousands of students have benefited from his great understanding. Now more will come to know the heart of this rare and profound human being.”—Joan Halifax, Abbot, Upaya Zen Center

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala; First Edition (August 8, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1590303407
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1590303405
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.61 x 8.51 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 56 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
56 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States

Leslie J. Wetter
5.0 out of 5 stars The book was in fine condition. What's most important thing is the content
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2016
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Kelly S
5.0 out of 5 stars Katz!
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2021
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Anastasia
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Very insightful
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2017
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Howard Russell
5.0 out of 5 stars Seung Sahn`s Wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2012
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relkin
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully rich.
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2016
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Bret Boatwright
3.0 out of 5 stars Better to Look Elsewhere for Zen Teachings
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2016
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FaeGreta
3.0 out of 5 stars Good but I prefer his letters.
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2014
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Edward F.
5.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Book
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2016
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joseph
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2018
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Michael Rhodes
5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing and enlightening!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2014
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3 people found this helpful
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Elmo
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Teaching Style!
Reviewed in Germany on March 6, 2021
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Singalong
4.0 out of 5 stars WANTING muss betont sein
Reviewed in Germany on July 26, 2016
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Ale
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful collection of Seung Sahn teachings
Reviewed in Italy on April 10, 2017
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