While it seeks neither to define Zen nor answer its most famous koan (What is the sound of one hand clapping?), The Little Book of Zen points to a calming way of looking at the world. Each page features a quote, phrase, story, koan, haiku, or poem, interspersed with essays on the Buddha, Zen arts, significant masters, and more. The feeling is that of a meditation book with 2,500 years of wisdom - from Lao-tzu to Lily Tomlin. It's a celebration of intuition: If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark. - St. John the Cross. Individuality: Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought. - Basho. And self-discovery: We already have everything we need. - Pema Cho dro n. New material is taken from contemporary spiritual leaders, writers, meditation teachers, and others with an emphasis on the practice of mindfulness - on the heart, rather than the head. Pen and ink illustrations from the author bring an additional layer of feeling and beauty.