One Hand Clapping: Zen Stories for All Ages

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About One Hand Clapping: Zen Stories For All Ages

Product Description When is a tiger not a tiger? When is a mountain more than a mountain? What is the sound of one hand clapping? The stories of this collection come from the Zen Buddhist tradition-- from tales told by the Buddha himself to anecdotes from the lives of the Zen masters of China and Japan who helped pass on the Buddha's teachings. These stories reflect the wisdom, directness, and spontaneity of which Zen is known. Zen stories delight as they challenge, enchant as they point towards a different way of seeing things. In the simple language of stories passed down over hundreds of years, this collection can point us toward our own natural Mind of wisdom, insight, peace, and compassion. They help us see past our seeming differences into what is the same for all of us. Rafe Martin, a student of Zen for over 25 years, introduces these tales, providing both background and insight into the collection. Junko Morimoto's beautiful illustrations reflect the tranquility, wit, and power of these stories. From Publishers Weekly This thought-provoking collection, designed ``for the tender heart that children and adults naturally share,'' provides a window onto the contemplative nature of Buddhism. The selections offer many layers of meaning for different levels of interest. Whether they concern a baby fish asking a wise old fish to explain the sea ("When you swim you reveal its presence. It's just because it's so close to you that it's very hard to see") or a would-be swordsman who must first learn patience before he learns his desired skill, the stories all illumine, stimulate, instruct and ultimately hint at ageless truths. Like beads on a necklace, the stories are strung together and unified by Morimoto's (My Hiroshima) agile illustrations. Her diverse styles range from watercolors to pen-and-ink, from charcoals to cartoons. Gracefully compiled and beautifully designed, this is a one-of-a-kind book. All ages. Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Review "A fragrant bouquet of Zen flowers that do not talk but say so much, adapted and retold by that masterful storyteller Rafe Martin. One Hand Clapping is a book parents and children are going to enjoy sharing."--Philip Kapleau (author, Three Pillars of Zen) "Gentle lessons in fun stories with amusing illustrations-- this is a book that will appeal to the young of all ages."--Robert Aitken (author, The Gateless Barrier) About the Author Rafe Martin is an internationally known, award-winning author and storyteller. A long-time student of Zen, Rafe travels worldwide as a speaker and storyteller. His children's books include The Boy Who Lived with the Seals and The Rough-face Girl. He holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto, and lives in Rochester, New York. Junko Morimoto graduated from Kyoto University of Fine Art and worked as an art teacher at an Osaka high school before becoming Art Director of the Children's Art Studio in Osaka. Her books, which include The Inch Boy, Mouse's Marriage, and My Hiroshima, have been published in the United States, Japan, Australia, England, and other European countries. My Hiroshima is now used to study English and to promote peace. Junko currently lives in Australia.