An introduction to Zen unlike any you've seen before--inspired by manga and graphic novels.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Zen offers a comprehensive overview of Soto Zen Buddhism in a delightfully captivating way. Complete with dynamic, detailed illustrations, Soto Zen Priest Seigaku Amato uses a semi-narrative style to take you on a visual tour of Buddhism and, using specifics to illuminate universals, dives deep into the practices and forms of Soto Zen.

Whether you are just taking your first step or have been practicing Zen for years, this creative and profound book will be a constant companion and guide on your journey as it explores topics such as:

• a brief history of Buddhism,
• an iconographic overview of various buddhas and bodhisattvas,
• an introduction to the various practices of Zen including meditation (zazen), work practice (samu), and meditative eating (oryoki),
• a what's what of holidays, ceremonies, temple instruments, and religious vestments, and
• a how-to guide for setting up a home altar.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Zen, Seigaku Amato, Wisdom Publications, Paperback, 144 pp, $19.95

Seigaku Amato is a writer, illustrator, and Soto Zen Buddhist priest registered with the Soto-Shu of Japan and is an Assistant Minister at Long Beach Buddhist Church. His work has been published in Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Buddhadharma, and New World Library publications. Seigaku works full-time polishing the rough edges of his personality, which is a never ending job.

CONTENTS: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Zen
Introduction	9
A Brief History	11
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas	19
Butsudan: The Buddhist Altar	33
Temple Altars	43
Zazen: Sitting Zen	51
Ceremony	71
Clothing and Vestments	81
Major Holidays	97
Narashimono: Instruments	107
Oryoki: Meditative Eating	113
Jukai: The Bodhisattva Precepts	125
Samu: Working Zen	131