The Complete Illustrated Guide to Zen

Book excerpt: "Zen priest and professional illustrator Seigaku Amato brings forth an introduction to Zen unlike any you've seen before-inspired by manga and graphic novels. With dynamic, detailed illustrations and a semi-narrative style, Amato takes us on a visual tour of Buddhism and, using specifics to illuminate universals, dives deep into the practices and forms of Soto Zen. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Zen explores such topics as: A brief history of Buddhism An iconographic overview of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas An introduction to the various practices of Zen including meditation (zazen), work practice (samu), and meditative eating (oryoki) A what's what of holidays, ceremonies, temple instruments, and religious vestments A how-to guide for setting up a home altar"--