Zen is Eternal Life Paperback – 1 Aug. 1976

Zen is Eternal Life is a practical and inspirational manual for all who wish to practice Zen. Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, the founder and former abbess of Shasta Abbey, expertly combines an introduction to the basic tenets of Buddhism with original translations of the teachings of Zen Masters Dogen and Keizan.Translated works include: Shushogi (Training and Enlightenment), Eihei-Shingi (Rules for Junior priests), Gakudo-yojinshu (Aspects of Zazen), selected chapters of Shobogenzo (The Treasure-eye of the True Teaching), Kyojukaimon (Giving and Receiving the Teaching of the Precepts) all by Dogen Zenji, and the first fifteen chapters of the Denkoroku (Transmission of the Light) by Keizan Zenji (a full translation is also available  The Denkoroku: Or the Record of the Transmission of the Light ).Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett was one of the first Western women recognized as a Zen Master. She was given dharma transmission by the Very Rev. Keido Chisan Koho Zenji, Chief Abbot of Sojiji, one of the two great training seminaries of the Japanese Soto Zen Church. She founded Shasta Abbey in Mount Shasta, California in 1970, where she served as abbess and spiritual director until her death in 1996. She is also the author of  Roar of the Tigress , How to Grow a Lotus Blossom , The Wild, White Goose , The Liturgy of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives for the Laity  and  Serene Reflection Meditation .For those interested in more introductory works on Zen Buddhism, I recommend  Roar of the Tigress  also by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. I also recommend  Buddhism from within  by Rev. Master Daizui MacPhillamy, a disciple of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett and late head of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives and  Sitting Buddha: Zen Meditation for Everyone  by Rev. Master Daishin Morgan, Abbot of Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey (in Northumberland, UK) and Dharma heir of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett.

This book like Roar of the Tigress is a clear exposition of Zen practice and thinking. This books takes a more introductory tone and includes commentaries on key texts of the Soto Zen tradition. A fascinating read.

Perfect guide into living Zen. Full insights explained from the first counted breath on. Respectful yet transparent description of values and concepts of Buddhism. And a brilliant proof for human maturity beyond gender labeling.

This is a classic of American Buddhism. Jiyu-Kennett's accessible presentation of Buddhist concepts and her translations of Dogen makes this book an important contribution to bringing the Buddhadharma to the West.

Great book for the western mind to start getting insight into the oriental mind. Presents the basic ideal of zen training. A good start.

This is one of the driest books on zen and buddhism that I have ever read, and I've read a bunch. I suppose it is ok for scholars, but I am not a scholar. I am a person. I am accustomed to writing that is both informational and interesting. This isn't. I bought the book to read at a buddhist retreat. I am glad that I didn't pay full price. If you must have it, get a used copy.