Entering the Mind of Buddha: Zen and the Six Heroic Practices of Bodhisattvas

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Description An inspiring guide to the practice of the Buddhist paramitas or "perfections" from respected American Zen master Reb Anderson. The six paramitas—generosity, ethical discipline, patience, heroic effort, concentration, and wisdom—are among the core teachings of Buddhism across all its schools. For newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike, they are foundational practices to enter and realize the mind of Buddha. In this sincere and powerful book, Zen teacher Reb Anderson offers teachings and practice stories that elucidate and open up each paramita. Taken together, the six “perfections” form an integrated and complete path—the path of the heroic bodhisattva who vows to practice ceaselessly for the welfare and liberation of all beings. Review “This book offers highly practical and accessible guidance for everyday bodhisattva life dedicated to fostering an awakened, compassionate world. It is also deeply grounded in traditional Buddhist texts and philosophy. Based on his many decades of teaching, Tenshin Anderson Roshi graciously explores the six transcendent bodhisattva practices, sharing illuminating stories both from his residential community and his personal life. Reb reveals Intimacy, with self and others and all beings, as the heart of ultimate awareness. These teachings unravel expectations, as when he indicates that true generosity may include welcoming acceptance of our own embarrassing, ungenerous responses. Reb expresses the value of patience amid the processes of frustration and challenge. In truly practicing effort, overwork may reflect laziness. The essence of concentration involves letting go of discursive thinking, not suppression of thoughts. This lively, insightful work elaborates these and many other helpful encouragements to radically realize our own deep selves, and thus to develop our beneficial connection with all beings. Going beyond all these practices, perfect wisdom returns to joyfully renew wholehearted commitment to compassionate engagement. This book will be a valuable resource for both beginning and experienced practitioners or students.”—Taigen Dan Leighton, author of Faces of Compassion and Just This Is It “One can feel Reb Anderson practicing the six perfections in the writing and offering of Entering the Mind of Buddha. Guiding us through these teachings, Reb generously, joyously, patiently interweaves traditional and contemporary Zen stories from a life of teaching and living in community, as well as his personal family life—thus clarifying the heroic path of the Bodhisattva and encouraging us to open to the real possibility of walking this path starting now.”—Linda Ruth Cutts, Senior Dharma Teacher, San Francisco Zen Center “Inspiring, warm-hearted, and wise, Reb Anderson’s book is true to the timeless teachings and true to twenty-first-century life. Focusing on the root practice instructions of Mahayana Buddhism, he seamlessly brings together the wisdom and stories of a life of Zen practice with a profound knowledge of Dharma.”—Ben Connelly, author of Inside Vasubandhu’s Yogacara and Mindfulness and Intimacy “Entering the Mind of Buddha is a dharma jewel offered by Tenshin Anderson Roshi as a fruit of more than fifty years of studying, practicing, and teaching at a Zen community. This book is readable, practical, and profound.”—Shohaku Okumura, author of Living by Vow and Realizing Genjokoan “This exquisite exploration of the interconnections among the six paramitas reveals new aspects of their mutually intensifying effect on each other and opens them up for use as powerful tools in daily life.”—Konjin Gaelyn Godwin, abbot of the Houston Zen Center and director of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center About the Author Reb Anderson was ordained as a Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi in 1970. Since then, Reb has continued to practice at the San Francisco Zen Center, where he served as abbot from 1986 to 1995 and is now a senior dharma teacher. His previous books are Being Upright: Zen Meditation and the Bodhisattva Precepts, Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains: Dharma Talks on Zen Meditation, and The Third Turning of the Wheel: Wisdom of the Samdhinirmocana Sutra.