Zen Seeds

From a living treasure of Japanese Zen, an inspiring collection of teachings about the power of Buddhist practice to help you transform suffering and touch the marrow of your life.

In this sparkling collection of teachings, Japanese Zen master Shundo Aoyama Roshi offers an entry to the authentic practice of Zen Buddhism. Or, rather, she offers a myriad of entries—for Zen Seeds, as its title suggests, is comprised of brief chapters meant to plant seeds of wisdom and compassion in readers. Ranging from classical Zen sources, such as the teachings of Dogen and the encounter stories of the koans, to anecdotes from Aoyama’s fascinating life and from those of her many students, the book paints a profoundly compelling portrait of the transformative possibilities of Zen. A pioneering female leader in the Soto Zen school, Aoyama Roshi demonstrates the power of practice for anyone seeking to lead a life of greater conviction and spiritual nourishment.“This book is a rich brocade with the silk of Aoyama Roshi’s enlightenment throughout. A dharma treasure for the ages.”—Joan Halifax, author of Being with Dying and Standing at the Edge
 
“Each of these seeds reminds us of the sacredness of our world and inspires us toward living in awareness. Aoyama Roshi writes with the grace, clarity, and depth that arises from a truly wise and awake heart.”—Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and True RefugeShundo Aoyama Roshi is among the foremost Zen teachers in contemporary Japan. The author of dozens of books, she has a wide following among Japanese readers. From 2015 to 2018, Aoyama Roshi held the distinguished role of Shike`Kai Kaichoh, “Teacher of the House of Soto Zen,” from which she oversaw the training of teachers for the entire school in Japan. She now serves as advisor to Sojiji Monastery as well as chief priest of the Aichi Semmon Niso-do, the certified training temple for female Soto Zen priests. She has trained more than fifty disciples of her own.