The word “water” will not get you wet. Reading the description of what a fresh mango tastes like is not the same as the experience of rolling the sweet fruit over your tongue. Books provide form and structure and have the advantage of a fixed reference source to refer to when needed. However, it is the experiential that gives life its true knowledge.
In the Soto Zen school of Buddhism, the writings of Dogen (1200-1253) are the written sources that can be read for guidance. The primary text is the "Shobogenzo" but there are many other writings to help guide the Zennist on the path of enlightenment. Modernly, Shunryu Suzuki (1904-1971) helped expand Zen in western culture with his "Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind." Books provide direction, but Zen is best when experienced directly.
The juice of the plum
Sharing the warmth of summer.
Gives enlightenment.
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