The Journal

In March 1988, the Institute of Zen Studies published its first Journal under the direction of Dr. Mike Sayama. At that time, the editor, Andrew White, explained, "The idea for an Institute journal was inspired by the recognition that there is not enough discussion of the ways in which Zen and related approaches can provide answers to the problems of modern life. It is all too often thought that Zen is a religion that frees the spirit to more directly experience a different life and reality by somehow detaching the individual from the concerns of modern living. But there are specific and practical ways in which Zen and related spiritual paths can help individuals live in the modern world and change what that world means to us today."  The articles contain herein are a revival of the original idea to increase discussion on Zen and to introduce Zen perspectives of humanity to the world.

By having contributing writers share their perspectives, differing viewpoints can offer new levels of understanding thereby bridging gaps and differences in culture, race, ethnicity, class, gender, and identity. Through exploring different perspectives of spiritual and cultural ways throughout the world while seeing the working aspects of Zen, perhaps we can see how all ways are One in the end and truly understand Universal Oneness.

The Book List

The Book List features recommended reading for those who wish to pursue the training and study of Zen. Periodically we will review and feature different books. Some of the books are quite academic; others are lighthearted. All, however, are well-tested tools for training in Chozen-ji Zen. The annotations on the books describe some at the reasons we think they are so valuable. All of the books are available at our Zen Bookstore.

Books and Projects

The Institute has a long-time interest in helping important material on Zen and Budo become available through books and other media. We have, for example, just brought out the 7th edition of Nana Veary's classic book, "Change We Must." This book first appeared 10 years ago, weaving stories of Nana's spiritual life in Hawaii with stunning black and white photographs by Franco Salmoiraghi.

We also arranged for Tuttle Books to bring out a new paperback edition of a work long out of print, Ken Kushner "One Arrow, One Life." Kushner Roshi's book remains one of the best descriptions of the nature of live-in training in Zen and budo (kyudo in this case) at Daihonzan Chozen-ji. Both Change We Must and One Arrow, One Life are (or will soon be) available through the Zen Bookstore.