The Practice of Perfection

June 2, 1997
Two books of essays by one of America's senior Zen masters.

September 15, 1994
Aitken, one of the foremost teachers of Zen in the West, has written several notable books on its practice, including Taking the Path of Zen (Farrar, 1982), a fine introduction to the subject, as well as a translation of The Mumonkan (LJ 1/91), one of Zen's central collections of koans. Here he does an admirable job of exploring the meaning of the paramitas, or perfections. The paramitas, a part of all Buddhist traditions, are somewhat in the nature of guidelines or ideals, attention to which can deepen one's understanding and Buddhist practice. Aitken devotes one chapter to each of the ten perfections, giving for each several pages of background and explanation followed by a question-and-answer section transcribed from dialogs with students. This is an excellent book, geared primarily toward those with some knowledge and experience of Zen practice. A fine complement to Aitken's other works, it is highly recommended for collections with an interest in Zen.-Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., N.Y.

August 1, 1994
Based in Honolulu, Aitken is the most senior American Zen master and an author and translator of books on Zen, especially the practice of lay Buddhism in the West. Here he explicates the 10 "paramitas" ("perfections," or guides to conduct) of Mahayana Buddhism. Each discussion is followed by responses to his students' most-asked questions, addressing not only the topic at hand, but also the role of the teacher, the transformation of the self through sitting meditation ("zazen"), koan study, and the Mahayana tradition of responsibility for the welfare of others. Though known as a rigorous and traditional Zen master of both Rinzai and Soto lineages, Aitken calls the "paramitas" "inspirations, not fixed rules" and eschews perfectionism. This will be a good companion to "The Mind of Clover" (1984), Aitken's beautifully written exploration of Zen's Ten Grave Precepts (the uniquely Buddhist commandments). Both will appeal to those interested in Buddhist practice and ethics and, more broadly, to those who look to books for help with that perennial question: how to live. Glossary and extensive notes follow the text. ((Reviewed August 1994))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1994, American Library Association.)