Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice

by Kosho Uchiyama

Book Overview

For over thirty years, Opening the Hand of Thought has offered an introduction to Zen Buddhism and meditation unmatched in clarity and power. This is the revised edition of Kosho Uchiyama's singularly incisive classic.

This new edition contains even more useful material: new prefaces, an index, and extended endnotes, in addition to a revised glossary. As Jisho Warner writes in her preface, Opening the Hand of Thought "goes directly to the heart of Zen practice... showing how Zen Buddhism can be a deep and life-sustaining activity." She goes on to say, "Uchiyama looks at what a person is, what a self is, how to develop a true self not separate from all things, one that can settle in peace in the midst of life."

By turns humorous, philosophical, and personal, Opening the Hand of Thought is above all a great book for the Buddhist practitioner. It's a perfect follow-up for the reader who has read Zen Meditation in Plain English and is especially useful for those who have not yet encountered a Zen teacher.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0861713575
• ISBN13: 9780861713578
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

One of the best

I found this book through Shohaku Okamura of Sanshin Zen Community. It is by far one of the best books on the subject of Zen Buddhism. The writing style is very relaxed, as though a friend were teaching you the concepts. If you’re interested in Buddhism or zen meditation, this is a wonderful purchase.