Principles of Zen

The first great introduction to Zen is Philip Kapleau's magisterial "Three Pillars of Zen." Since then there have been any number of introductions, many very good. I've even written one or two. My favorite for many years was Robert Aitken's "Taking the Path of Zen." It remains high on my list. But if someone wants a simple, straightforward introduction to Zen that acknowledges all the various schools of Zen then Martine Batchelor's book is the book. In my opinion this may well be the best brief introduction to Zen Buddhism available. I recommend it to any one interested in the subject.