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Dialogues in a Dream

The Life and Zen Teaching of Muso Soseki

Translated by Thomas Kirchner
Published by Wisdom Publications
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

LIST PRICE ₹684.00

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About The Book

Drawing on his encyclopaedic knowledge, one of the most famous masters in the history of Zen leads us on a grand tour of Buddhist theology in all its timeless relevance.

Muso Soseki, the renowned fourteenth century Zen master, is today most known for developing the art of traditional Japanese Zen gardening. Even more impressive is his creation of the institutional structure for all Japanese Buddhist temples, which still in use today.
Dialogues in a Dream is one of the many projects Soseki took on in this final period of his life. Written in the guise of a conversation between Soseki and the shogun, the work covers the breadth of Buddhist philosophy and practice, and includes insightful discussions of prayer, mediation, and the place of study in religious life. His penetrating analysis deepens our appreciation of even the simplest Buddhist practices.
Acclaimed scholar Thomas Yuho Kirchner painstakingly translates this classic text into English.

About The Author

Product Details

  • Publisher: Wisdom Publications (June 16, 2015)
  • Length: 448 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781614292685

Raves and Reviews

“An astonishing book in its depth and breadth. This is a treasure of Buddhism.”

– Joan Halifax, author of Being with Dying

“Muso Soseki was a towering figure in the early history of Japanese Zen. The luminous gardens he designed remain on view in Kyoto, and now we have this excellent record of Muso's major writing. Tom Kirchner presents this text skillfully, with useful annotation and introduction, matching his exemplary volumes Tangling Vines and Record of Linji. Muso's teachings are valuable as an historical document, framed as dialogues with the shogun, and providing deep insights into traditional Buddhist and Zen lore. His teachings also offer gems of helpful spiritual support still relevant today. Muso warns of many available sidetracks and obstacles to clear awareness, how even ‘wisdom can lead to confusion.’ He clarifies the need to study the intent rather than the words, but how also studying words is necessary for beneficial guidance. These words from Muso Soseki still have power to shepherd contemporary students of the Way.”

– Taigen Dan Leighton, author of Zen Questions

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