160,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ 

Happy Sunday! Auckland Store open until 5pm today πŸ“š

Zen

Merging of East and West
3.97 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 66 ratings, 3 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Zen, Roshi P. Kapleau offers a clear and accessible guide for Western practitioners of Zen Buddhism. Building on his prior work, this book addresses common questions with witty and insightful explanations, covering topics such as the compatibility of Zen with other religions, the reality of enlightenment, and the role of meditation in society. Kapleau's authoritative yet approachable style makes this an indispensable handbook for understanding Zen in the Western context.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5200

International Supplier

This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for Western readers interested in Buddhism and spirituality, especially those seeking practical, thoughtful answers about integrating Zen practice with modern life and different faith traditions.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A rejacketed, revised edition of the companion volume to Kapleau's classic The Three Pillars of Zen, with a new introduction by the author.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this companion volume to The Three Pillars of Zen, Kapleau establishes guidelines for Western practitioners of Zen Buddhism, offering appealing, simple answers to the questions Westerners most often ask.

Among the topics discussed in this informative, user-friendly book are "Transcendental Meditation - Who Transcends What?", "Can I Practise Zen and Be a Good Jew (or Catholic)?", "Reading About Enlightenment Is Like Scratching an Itchy Foot Through Your Shoe," and "Meditation Is an Escape - What Are You Doing to Help Society?"

Kapleau's eloquence, humour, and authority make this an indispensable handbook for understanding Zen in the Western world.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Zen for breaking new ground by presenting Zen practice through a Western lens, handling profound topics with engaging humour and personal anecdotes. John Blofeld notes it is "hard to put the book down," while the Library Journal regards it as "an excellent introduction." Readers appreciate Kapleau's incisive and entertaining approach to areas less explored in Western Zen literature, making this book a significant contribution to contemporary spirituality.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780385261043

Publisher: Random House USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 August 1989

Country: United States

Imprint: Anchor Books

Illustration: 6 HALFTONES, 2 DIAGRAMS

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 291g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Roshi Philip Kapleau was the founder of the Rochester Zen Center and the author of numerous books, including Zen- Merging of East and West and The Three Pillars of Zen- Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment. Kapleau studied and taught Zen for more than 50 years, completing over sixteen years of study and practice in both Japan and America. He died in 2004.

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Cauldron
    How did an elderly cleric overthrow the Shah of Iran and change the world?Why did Bin Laden attack the USA - and why did the USA destroy Saddam?How did Britain and France carve up the Middle East - and why did the Kurds never get their own state? THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE MAKING OF TODAY'S MIDDLE EAST: A SPELLBINDING...
    Hardback
    $4999
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Beyond the Gates of Gloriavale
    Signed Copy
    New Release
    Beyond the Gates of Gloriavale
    'We were told that the leaders were given the power to bind or to lose us from heaven. If I died suddenly, which I always believed was a high possibility, and I didn't meet Hopeful's definition of a good woman of God, I would go to hell.' To survive in Gloriavale, you must submit. And for the first 27 years...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • 2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    16% off
    The Screwtape Letters
    A milestone in the history of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil. This profound and striking narrative unfolds as a series of captivating letters penned by Screwtape, a senior devil in the Infernal Civil Service, to his eager but inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is...
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback
    The New International Version of the Bible is today's most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God's Word through their outreach events. Features include: Complete text of the New International Version NIV sectional headings Translator footnotes Plan of salvation Table of weights and measures
    Paperback
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, Burgundy, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover
    The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Scriptures through the lens of ancient Christian traditions. This comprehensive study Bible represents a groundbreaking effort to present the Bible of the early church to the modern world, reflecting the rich heritage and profound spiritual wisdom of Orthodox Christianity, which is the...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    16% off
    Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith
    From the bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy – an intimate account of why Vice President JD Vance strayed from the Christianity of his youth and what led him back to faith. Communion is a spiritual exploration of what it means to be a Christian in all the seasons ofΒ life JD Vance has experienced – as a child, a young man,...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faithβ€”the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    20% off
    HOLY BIBLE: King James Version (KJV) Popular Gift & Award Black Leatherette Edition
    The full text of the Popular size King James or Authorized Version Bible, in a straightforward black imitation leather hardback binding. This classic edition is ideal for those who seek a faithful representation of the celebrated text that has influenced countless readers throughout history. Whether for personal study, gift-giving, or ceremonial occasions, the Holy Bible: King James Version (KJV) Popular...
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • 2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include:Β β€’ 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open)Β β€’ Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 160,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.