Jizo Bodhisattva: Modern Healing and Traditional Buddhist Practice

Jan Chozen Bays Roshi's new book Jizo Bodhisattva, Modern Healing & Traditional Buddhist Practice shows many sides to the complex character of this modern western Zen Teacher. This Book will also aquaint many western readers with Jizo Bohdisattva, the Japanese interpretation of Quan Yin (the chinese goddess of good fortune.) This book contains a wonderful blend of interesting scholarly work, heart opening personal experience and inspiration from some of the grittier aspects of zen practice. Far from being a remote monastic, Chozen Roshi has "taken the mountain to the market place," and as this book clearly demonstrates, all those who have been touched by her practice have benefited. From her compassionate listening to the victims of sexual abuse, to her one on one training interviews with her students, Chozen Roshi's inspiration truly makes her a living bodhisattva. Cultivating the same qualities that mystics throughout the ages have taught, these stories of Jizo demonstrate the value of selflessness, compassionate action and fearlessness. Jizo Bodhisattva is the showing of the way, the support we need to do it ourselves, the compassionate voice in our heart and in the heart of all things. Truly mystics will recognize the immortal spirit of wisdom incarnate in Jizo Bodhisattva and scholars will welcome Chozen Roshi's addition to the field of Buddhist studies. Noah Soule 4/10/02

I could go on and on about this book, but what I really want to say is that this is a perfect book for our troubled times. I hope many people read it, learn from it, and practice with it.

Historically sound and especially relevant in these uncertain times, Chozen Bays' clear writing creates a wondrous collage of this sweet 'saint' of Buddism. Travellers in transition all, may we benefit from Jizo's healing protection. I highly recommend this book to anyone--Buddhist or not