Unlike the other works in this series, this is a lighthearted, witty little book. In an age when countless inspirational books have dressed up "Zen" as feel-good spiritual comfort, this slender book takes the Platform Sutra as its guiding thread to clarify the true nature of Zen and Buddhism as a whole. It also clearly lays out the Buddhist theoretical background of the Platform Sutra, challenging with sound reasoning the traditional view that Zen Buddhism is a form of indigenous Chinese Buddhism.
When people think of the pleasures of Zen, many think of its countless cryptic exchanges and koans. Yet books explaining these exchanges and koans often offer conflicting interpretations, leaving readers none the wiser. This book instead focuses on connecting the core principles of Zen Buddhism, taking a broad, incisive view that makes every cryptic exchange and koan readily understandable.
Finally, readers should be aware that although this book is written in a witty, accessible style, it is suitable only for those with a purely cultural interest. If you are looking for any kind of spiritual comfort, life advice, or care, you would be better off putting this book down.
