“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 Muso's teachings are valuable as an historical document, framed as dialogues with the shogun, and providing deep insights into traditional Buddhist and Zen lore.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: Zazen, Dōgen, and the Spirit of Creative Inquiry.
“An astonishing book in its depth and breadth. This book is a treasure of Buddhism.”—Joan Halifax, coauthor of Being with Dying