Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird - Hardcover

by Robert Aitken (Author), Nelson Foster (Foreword by), Jennifer Rain Crosby (Illustrator)

A uniquely playful and incisive collection of Zen teaching stories from a beloved American master.

A modern classic, now in a new expanded edition. In the tradition of the great koan collections and the records of ancient masters, Robert Aitken distills a lifetime of teaching down to its essence. Intriguing and deceptively simple, Zen Master Raven is a brilliant encapsulation of Zen in over a hundred koan-like encounters alongside many charming illustrations. Featuring curious beginners like Mallard and Mole and profound teachers like Brown Bear, Moose Roshi, and Zen Master Raven himself, this classic of contemporary Zen and will inspire seekers for generations to come.

Author Biography

Robert Aitken was one of the most influential and highly esteemed Zen masters of the twentieth century. He was of seminal importance in shaping the expression of modern American Zen and wasas one of the original founders of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, as well as a leading social activist advocating for social justice of all varieties. He is the author of numerous books on Zen Buddhism, including Taking the Path of Zen, Mind of Clover, The Practice of Perfection, and Original Dwelling Place. He died in 2010.

Jennifer Rain Crosby has illustrated 2 books, Seeking Faust and Zen Master Raven, numerous event posters, business logos and grass-root political campaign parafinalia and recently completed 12 giant tapestry designs for the San Juan Ridge Tapestry Project. She lives in the Sierra Foothills of California, cultivating multiple muses and walking in the woods whenever possible.