The Zen Experience

Thomas HooverProject Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

3.8

Word count: 572K words
Chapters: 58

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.The Zen Experience by Thomas HooverAuthor: Hoover, Thomas, 1941-,Language: English, Class: BQ: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Buddhism, Release Date: Nov 14, 2010

Editor's review

This is Thomas Hoover's English book on the Zen experience, which Project Gutenberg classifies under Buddhism. Its value lies in introducing Zen thought and practice to general English-language readers through an accessible narrative rather than dense academic scholarship. For readers who want a basic overview of Zen without tackling original koan texts directly, this book offers an approachable entry point. In terms of reading setting, it suits quiet slow reading, one or two sections a day, paired with a few moments of sitting or reflection; it also works as English reading material for expanding vocabulary in philosophical and religious contexts. Note that this is an English-language work and the electronic text was prepared by volunteers, so terminology and formatting may not be consistent; readers seeking systematic study of Zen should still consult professional Chinese translations or academic editions. Overall, this is an introductory English reader on Zen for general readers, focused on experience and understanding rather than sectarian argument.

Who it's for

A good fit for

General English-language readers interested in Zen and Buddhist thought
Learners who want to expand philosophical vocabulary through English reading
Quiet-type readers who enjoy slow reading with reflection
Those who want a basic picture of Zen rather than deep study of original texts

Not a good fit for

Readers who need Chinese Zen classics or authoritative translations
Researchers seeking strict academic scholarship and sectarian argument
People with no English reading foundation who want to read directly in Chinese

Reading tips

Read one short section a day, then sit quietly for a few minutes to absorb it
Keep a notebook for terms and questions, and review once after finishing
Read past koans or allusions on the first pass, then revisit on the second
Pair with a Chinese introductory book on Zen to compare and clarify concepts

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

Is this book suitable for beginners with no background in Zen?

It works as an introductory English reader, but readers need basic English reading ability. It favors accessible narrative and does not require prior reading of original texts; if you have no Buddhist background at all, it is best to consult Chinese introductory materials alongside it.

Are the Zen terms in the book difficult?

As an English work for general readers, terms are usually explained in context, but different translators handle Zen concepts inconsistently in English. For core words that recur, look them up together and take simple notes, and understanding will be much smoother.

What should I watch for when reading the electronic edition?

The Gutenberg edition was prepared by volunteers, so formatting and punctuation may differ from a print book; use a reader with adjustable font size. If you find obvious errors, compare with other editions; keep a slow pace, which suits this kind of content better than speed.

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About the author

Thomas Hoover Author · American · 1941

Thomas Hoover (1941– ) is an American novelist born in Texas, with a doctorate in chemistry. He worked for many years as an executive at an engineering technology company in New York before turning to full-time writing. His fiction spans two main areas: historical novels such as The Moghul and Caribbee, which depict broad historical settings, and technological thrillers such as Project Cyclops and Project Daedalus, which are notable for their scientific detail and tension-filled plots. He has also written works on Zen Buddhism, including The Zen Experience and Zen Culture, reflecting a lasting interest in Eastern thought. Nine of his works are held in the collection. Public information about him is limited, and the available account centers on these works rather than on personal biography.