Zen Koans (Dimensions of Asian Spirituality, 12)

This book was suggested byNatalie Goldberg for her upcoming class titled: "ROLLING WITH UNCERTAINTY: Koans and Writing." Steve Heine will also be instructing. I'm a tangential Zen novice. Natalie stated that writing practice is a back door to Zen. I am interesting in learning about other perceptions of reality.I am unqualified to evaluate the accuracy of the research of Zen ancient texts that the book alludes to. The book is written in an academic style. This means there are lots of suppositions, cliches, and contradictions if one care looks for them, which I did (do).While not the major intent of the book, there are similarities and contrasts with other world religions ingrained. These are not explicitly stated but are inescapable if one is aware of the larger topic This is to be expected; for after all Zen Buddism is a religion. Koans are part of the Zen holy text.This book fits in a very small publishing niche whose audience is Zen seekers. It'll never make the New YorkTimes Best Sellers List. It's a good reference for Koans, if not the best there is. After all, Natalie recommended it!