Book Outpost

The Circle of the Way: A Concise History of Zen from the Buddha to the Modern World

A comprehensive, accessible guide to the fascinating history of Zen Buddhism--including important figures, schools, foundational texts, practices, and politics.

Zen Buddhism has a storied history--Bodhidharma sitting in meditation in a cave for nine years; a would-be disciple cutting off his own arm to get the master's attention; the proliferating schools and intense Dharma combat of the Tang and Song Dynasties; Zen nuns and laypeople holding their own against patriarchal lineages; the appearance of new masters in the Zen schools of Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and later the Western world. In The Circle of the Way, Zen practitioner and popular religion writer Barbara O'Brien brings clarity to this huge swath of history by charting a middle way between Zen's traditional lore and the findings of modern historical scholarship. In a clear and often funny style, O'Brien parses fact from fiction while always attending to the greatest interest of contemporary practitioners--the development of Zen doctrine and practice as a living tradition across cultures and centuries.

Regular price $19.95 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Out of stock
Quantity :
Comfort Meets Design

Discover pieces that feel as good as they look—supportive seating, soft textures, and timeless silhouettes designed to bring effortless comfort and refined style to every room.

Small Space, Big Style

Discover space-savvy pieces—slim seating, nesting tables, wall shelving, and multifunctional storage—that open up your layout while adding warmth, texture, and modern character to every corner.

The Circle of the Way: A Concise History of Zen from the Buddha to the Modern World

Regular price $19.95 USD

Product Detail & Specifications

Create a home that feels effortless yet intentional. From sculptural lighting to refined storage and cozy textiles, our curated pieces balance
form and function—so your rooms look beautiful, live comfortably, and age gracefully with your style.

The Circle of the Way: A Concise History of Zen from the Buddha to the Modern World

Find Your Perfect Match

We've handpicked our top models so you can compare features and pick the one that fits your lifestyle best.

Products
Vendor
Book Outpost
Type
Barbara O'Brien
Product title
The Circle of the Way: A Concise History of Zen from the Buddha to the Modern World
Description
A comprehensive, accessible guide to the fascinating history of Zen Buddhism--including important figures, schools, foundational texts, practices, and politics.Zen Buddhism has a storied history--Bodhidharma sitting in meditation in a cave for nine years; a would-be disciple cutting off his own arm to get the master's attention; the proliferating schools and intense Dharma combat of the Tang and Song Dynasties; Zen nuns and laypeople holding their own against patriarchal lineages; the appearance of new masters in the Zen schools of Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and later the Western world. In The Circle of the Way, Zen practitioner and popular religion writer Barbara O'Brien brings clarity to this huge swath of history by charting a middle way between Zen's traditional lore and the findings of modern historical scholarship. In a clear and often funny style, O'Brien parses fact from fiction while always attending to the greatest interest of contemporary practitioners--the development of Zen doctrine and practice as a living tradition across cultures and centuries.
Price
Regular price $19.95 USD
Product variants
Title :
Default Title
Weight
0.94 lb