Zen Buddhism Stories

By: Trout Lake Media

Narrated by: Alec Sand

A collection of Zen stories to amuse and illuminate. Includes all the stories from classic Zen literature: 101 Zen Stories, The Gateless Gate, The Ten Bulls and Centering. Includes the soundtrack The Mysterious Sound of Wind In the Bamboo - a 43 minute collection of Zen inspired Japanese music by The Matsu Take Ensemble.

©2009 Trout Lake Media (P)2009 Trout Lake Media

Well read, but the music is distracting.

The stories are timeless. The music between stories is repetitive; it gets old fast. The overall performance would be better without.

Zen Stories To Go With Your Flute Music

What is advertised is what is got: Zen Stories and Zen Music. There really isn't much to say about the stories, they're Zen stories: some inspire, some feel like posturing, and some leave you scratching your head. Alec Sand reads the stories as well as they can be read, for which I give him five stars.

Beware, there is A LOT of flute music here. The forty-three minute music collection takes up the final twelve chapters of sixteen. I assume that the first four chapters correspond to the four story collections, but they aren't pure narration. Between each story is a ten-ish second burst of flute music, either to give you a moment to reflect or to pad out the time, and sometimes the bursts go on for quite a bit. I think these longer bursts indicate the end/beginning of a new book, but I'm not sure. They are the reason why I rated the Overall as less than the Performance and Story, which is a first for me.

The discounted price for Audible Members is just what I think this collection is worth. The current nine-dollar price is a bit much, and I certainly wouldn't use a credit.

Enjoyable stories

Enjoyed the stories. Separating stories with music nice. Narration is very good. Like to see more translated.

Flute Music Provides Space For Reflection

Any additional comments?

I loved the harmony between the stories and the music. The music in between stories allows for thoughtful reflection on each. Additionally, the full music soundtrack is provided at the end.

Perfect collection and presentation.

actually I purchase more than one copy of this on different devices at different times because it is such a perfect collection. I really recommend this highly for anyone who's interested in classical stories for enhancing their practice with koan study.

A fun and enlightening collection

A easy intro to Zen Buddhism. Fun stories teach real life lessons. Good musical interludes between stories. I have listened to the whole book many times. Good for zen children.

Great book!

A classic about Zen Buddhism. Always leaves me thinking and pondering. I have enjoyed this book several times. The narrator does a nice job of putting life into the characters. Is that so....

Great life lessons

This is a wonderful collection of stories. Practical applications in everyday life. A book to listen to over and over again you always hear something new each time.

Relaxing Entertainment

Would you consider the audio edition of Zen Buddhism Stories to be better than the print version?

No, but only because they kept inserting music between stories. It took away from the experience instead of adding to it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the T'ang dynasty, wrote the following advice for his pupils:

Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of a true Zen student.

When witnessing the good action of another encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.

Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature.

Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life.

A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.

Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow.

Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.

A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.

To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him.

Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong.

Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave an immediate appreciation.

Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.

Any additional comments?

I'm a Secular Buddhist, so I searched for general Buddhist works in Audible (I was hoping for sutta readings, but there aren't any). I found this collection of Zen stories and got curious. I'm glad I got it. The stories are highly entertaining (even to non-Buddhists) and a relaxing read (as opposed to a novel - if your attention lapses for a moment, you'll get lost). I wouldn't say that there was anything particularly "enlightening" in there for me except for the above quote that I have found inspirational for my own practice. I was surprised to find the last 45 minutes were Japanese music (I bought this a long time ago and forgot what the description said). It's definitely enjoyable and relaxing. The "dueling" flutes always surprise you (the next note is always a bit different from you would expect) and almost "dissonate," but not quite. It's interesting to reflect on. A good read and listen.

Should be Free

Should be free really, audio quality wasnt there. The reason i like audible is most of the stuff is of good quality, reviews help you sift through the junk, unlike free sites where you not sure what to believe, you can find almost anything and downloading is not a hack. But they should offer more free stuff like these zen stories, I have downloaded loads of free talks that I enjoyed more than this AB.