The Five Ranks of Zen

Praise

“This marvelous book is a clear and brilliant unfolding of a key teaching in Zen on the nature of reality.”
—Roshi Joan Halifax, abbot of Upaya Zen Center

“I feel grateful to have this book. . . . If you are a Zen practitioner of some experience, you will appreciate it as I do, as if an eloquent and heart-felt personal letter from an old friend about an urgent matter of concern to you both—and you will find yourself going back to it again and again. If you are new to Zen, you will appreciate having a clear and realistic map to orient you to what lies ahead.”
—from the foreword by Norman Fischer

“At the very summit of Zen training are the Five Ranks of Tozan. These are usually examined only at the very end of koan study because they are the ultimate challenge: the final barrier. I am grateful to Shishin Roshi for such an accessible analysis of this profound teaching.”
—David Loy, author of Nonduality: In Buddhism and Beyond

“This book is a gem. In an articulate and lucid manner, Roshi Shishin Wick opens up one of the most difficult aspects of spiritual experience: the complete identity and ceaseless interplay of the relative—the truth of each unique moment and individual life, of separateness and irreplaceability—with the absolute—the never-divided oneness of all that everlastingly is.”
—Roshi Jan Chozen Bays, abbot of Great Vow Zen Monastery

“If you want to know the heart of Zen, here you are! This book is a wonderful and wise companion for anyone walking the intimate way. Gerry Shishin Wick walks us through Tozan’s five ranks, points us faithfully toward the deeper invitation, and guides us as we make our own way. This is a guide book for spiritual life. It reveals the intimate way as mysterious and beautiful and right in front of us. This belongs in the library of anyone who wants to understand Zen. And, more, it should be read. And then read again. A wonderful book.”
—James Ishmael Ford, author of The Intimate Way of Zen: Effort, Surrender, and Awakening on the Spiritual Journey

“My Dharma brother Shishin offers up this sparkling, faceted jewel after decades of Zen study and training. In the true spirit of Master Tozan’s Five Ranks, his exposition is at once direct and expansive, conceptual and intimate, vital and mysterious. Please accept this open-handed invitation and sink deeply into the mystery.”
—Roshi Wendy Egyoku Nakao, Abbot Emerita, Zen Center of Los Angeles