Library
Library
The Adelaide Zen Group has an extensive collection of Buddhist literature. The library has a focus on Zen but also includes selected texts from a wide range of other traditions.
Full members are able to borrow up to 3 books at a time (to be returned within 2 months) as part of their membership. Non-members and Associate members can also access the library (1 book with return due within 1 month) by paying a $30 annual fee. If you subsequently decide to become a full member, the $30 will be deducted from your membership fees. Contact David Edwards to arrange payment.
If you have any questions about the library or would like to request a book, please speak to our Librarian: Drasko Mitrikeski at our weekly sittings or contact Drasko using the following email: draskomitrikeski@gmail.com
Updated Library Catalogue (February 2025)
The library catalogue has been recently updated to include broad categories and also a short description of books in an attempt to provide some basic background for those wanting to explore the library. It may also be helpful to talk to one of our teachers about recommended readings based on their understanding of where you are on your practice journey.
The newly updated catalogue can be found by clicking HERE.
Recommended Books
For those just starting out:
Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken
Learn Zen Meditation by David Fontana
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
Other Recommended Books:
Zen Keys : A Guide to Zen Practice by Thich Nhat Hanh
Upside Down Zen: the Art of Accepting All Offers by Susan Murphy
Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment by Philip Kapleau Roshi
Book Reviews
From time to time we will be asking one of our teachers to provide a book review to provide an insight into some of the books in our library. In July 2023 Robert Joyner Roshi provided a review of books that he found helpful in the early days of exploring zen. This was back in the 1960's when there were no Buddhist groups in Adelaide and books were the place to seek guidance.
Here is a link to the review: Books That Helped Along the Way
More recently (February 2024) Allan Marett Roshi has provided us with a review of Gateless Gate by Kōun Yamada.
"Gateless Gate is a translation by Yamada Kōun Rōshi of the Wumenguan (Jap. Mumonkan), a collection of Chinese Zen koans that was first published in 1229 by the Linji (Jap. Rinzai) Master Wumen Huikai in 1229. The Gateless Gate is particularly important to our sangha because it is the first book of Chinese koans that is taken up in the Diamond Sangha. It comprises 48 cases or koans, most of which describe interactions between Chinese Zen Masters in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). To each case, Wumen adds a commentary and a verse."
Here is a link to the full review: Gateless Gate