Summary of The Zen of Living and Dying

The Zen of Living and Dying by Philip Kapleau is a spiritual guidebook to the teachings of Zen Buddhism. It is divided into three sections: The Way of Life, The Way of Death, and The Way of Practice. In the first section, Kapleau explains the teachings of Zen Buddhism, including the Three Pillars of Zen—the practice of mindfulness, the realization of our interconnectedness, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. In the second section, Kapleau explores the teachings of death and dying from a Zen perspective. He discusses topics such as facing death with courage and dignity, the practice of the Six Paramitas, the importance of karma, and the concept of rebirth. In the final section, Kapleau provides practical advice on how to apply the teachings of Zen in everyday life. He explains such topics as meditation, the cultivation of right attitude and right action, and the practice of zazen. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Zen Buddhism.