Zen Battles

Modern Commentary on the Teachings of Master Linji

Thich Nhat Hanh

ISBN: 978-1-937006-53-2

“The Buddha is you!  That is a very revolutionary sentence.”

Master Linji implored his students not to “become lost in the concepts of the teaching.” He emphasized that people must wake up to the direct experience of our true nature inherent within.  Powerful, direct, and uncompromising, Thich Nhat Hanh’s reflections on the teachings of Master Linji are a must for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Buddhist practices.

The humorous and profound teaching of ninth century Chinese Zen Master Linji (revered founder of the Rinzai school) are of great significance in the transmission of Buddhist teachings from the early Ch’an and Zen lineages.  In Zen Battles, Thich Nhat Hanh’s commentary on the ancient recorded Buddhist teachings elaborate on the key tenets and simple truths to give readers tools that can help awaken them to their true inner nature.

Previously published as Nothing to Do, Nowhere to Go.

Those who like robust Zen will enjoy both Linji’s bluntness and Thich Nhat Hanh’s candor in commenting on the master’s work.—Shambhala Sun