One of the key tenets of the Zen school of Mahayana
Buddhism is that each one of us is already a Buddha—our enlightenment is
inherent within us, and the practice of mindfulness is the tool to
bring this truth to our full awareness. While it can bring much relief,
this simple statement does not preclude the need for practice. We must
strive to always be aware of our Buddha nature, rather than waiting
until times of emotional upheaval when it is more difficult to practice.
Thich Nhat Hanh uses the teachings of ninth century Zen
Master Linji to elaborate on this simple truth and to give readers tools
that can help awaken them to their true inner nature. Linji’s recorded
teachings are the most significant we have from the Ch’an school.
One of the unique aspects of Linji’s teaching, is the need
to “wake ourselves up,” not only by means of sitting meditation and
listening to enlightened teachings, but also through unique techniques
such as the shout, the stick, and the empty fist. Master Linji
emphasized direct experience of our true nature over intellectual
explorations of the teachings, and he encouraged his students to not
“become lost in the knowledge or the concepts of the teaching.”
Powerful, direct, and uncompromising, Thich Nhat Hanh’s
reflections on the teachings of Master Linji are destined to become
classic Buddhist writings.
A previous edition was titled Nowhere to Go, Nothing to Do: Waking Up To Who You Are.
266 pages. Paperback.