Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird

by Robert Aitken, Nelson Foster (Foreword by), Jennifer Rain Crosby (Illustrator)

Overview

A uniquely playful and incisive collection of Zen teaching stories from a beloved American master.

A modern classic, now in a new expanded edition. In the tradition of the great koan collections and the records of ancient masters, Robert Aitken distills a lifetime of teaching down to its essence. Intriguing and deceptively simple, Zen Master Raven is a brilliant encapsulation of Zen in over a hundred koan-like encounters alongside many charming illustrations. Featuring curious beginners like Mallard and Mole and profound teachers like Brown Bear, Moose Roshi, and Zen Master Raven himself, this classic of contemporary Zen and will inspire seekers for generations to come.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781614293842
Publisher:	Wisdom Publications MA
Publication date:	08/22/2017
Pages:	248
Sales rank:	526,264
Product dimensions:	4.80(w) x 7.40(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Robert Aitken was one of the most influential and highly esteemed Zen masters of the twentieth century. He was of seminal importance in shaping the expression of modern American Zen and wasas one of the original founders of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, as well as a leading social activist advocating for social justice of all varieties. He is the author of numerous books on Zen Buddhism, including Taking the Path of Zen, Mind of Clover, The Practice of Perfection, and Original Dwelling Place. He died in 2010.

Jennifer Rain Crosby has illustrated 2 books, Seeking Faust and Zen Master Raven, numerous event posters, business logos and grass-root political campaign parafinalia and recently completed 12 giant tapestry designs for the San Juan Ridge Tapestry Project. She lives in the Sierra Foothills of California, cultivating multiple muses and walking in the woods whenever possible.

Editorial Reviews

06/12/2017
In this new edition of his final book, Aitken (The Mind of Clover), who died in 2010, offers teachings through stories (almost parables) of Zen Master Raven and his group of fellow travelers on the path to enlightenment—Porcupine, Black Bear, Owl, Moose, and more. Koan-style stories typically involve exchanges between a teacher and sangha members, culminating in a consideration of phrases or actions that serves as a guide to awakening. Emulating this tradition, Zen Master Raven’s stories are usually only a few sentences long, tracing his growth as a student, his attainment of enlightenment, his teaching at Assembly Oak, and his death. Through these stories, Raven teaches about the nature of Buddha, emptiness, karma, everyday life, and more. Aitken’s book, however, is not merely a formulaic emulation but a welcome creation of a new koan anthology that reflects the distinct flavor of American Zen Buddhist practice. This is a beautiful and worthy final teaching from Aitken. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

A Western Zen classic. These stories will be repeated for as long as there is a Western Zen.

James Ishmael Ford

These verses are a brilliant contribution to American Zen. They honor the wit and wisdom of so many Chan and Zen masters before while staying accessible and relevant for us right now. Sublime, funny, simple, profound.

Jaimal Yogis

Marvelous.

Gerry Shishin Wick

Reading Aitken's Zen Master Raven is a bombardment of dazzling bursts of light—like sitting watching stars born in the night sky, one after another. A treasure.

Kathleen Dowling Singh

In the transmission of Zen to the West, Aitken Roshi's writings and teachings hold a unique place. This book is one of the clearest demonstrations of his capacity for integrating an authentic Zen spirit with American myths and dreams. The depth of his Zen heart and the lightness of his wit are equally revealed here, and will inspire generations of Zen practitioners well into the future.

Melissa Myozen Blacker

Totally unconventional and remarkably successful. Many of these stories will certainly be incorporated into anthologies of home-grown American koans.

Hee-jin Kim

Amusing, delightful, terrifically readable—and filled with deceptive simplicities. Zen Master Raven is American Zen at its best. It will gently draw in the Zen beginner while at the same time taking the old hand for unexpected leaps. This book has fully earned its place in all Zen libraries.

Dick Allen

With this new Wisdom edition of Zen Master Raven, Robert Aitken Roshi comes back to life in these witty exchanges between sentient beings of various shapes, sizes and colors. As you flip through the pages, you can almost see the Wise Old Bird in your mind’s eye with a half-smile, playfully winking at you.

Ruben L.F. Habito

These stories are marked by both charm and depth of insight.

Jack Turner

How wonderful that such a gem of a book is being brought back to print in this new edition—Zen students everywhere should rejoice!

Robert Rosenbaum

Wonderful and profound.

Deborah Schoberlein David

May the caw of this raven resonate far and wide!

David Loy

Forget the heavier tomes, here is a playful shortcut to the awakened heart of the Buddha!

Kerry Lee MacLean

Masterful.

Barbara Bonner