The book is a wonderful introduction to Zen training by Omori Sogen Rotaishi who transmitted the Rinzai line of Zen to America in 1972 by establishing the Daihonzan Chozen-ji, International Zen Dojo in Hawaii. I believe the book will be especially valuable to those looking to practice Zen meditation but who live and practice in the kyudo wilderness far from any dojo or instructor. Questions range from the elementary of how long one should sit at a time to the more intensive of how to maintain concentration when not sitting. Omori Rotatishi was best able to convey his points by drawing upon his vigorous training as a martial artist of the samurai era and his scholarship in both Chinese and Japanese bringing to life the many traditional Zen teaching stories. The book provides an introduction to the physical nature of training, discussing ones state of mind, the physiology, breath, posture, pain, and drowsiness.
Training is placed in a context which gives sitting meditation depth and breadth.
Sanzen Nyumon discusses the rationale for zazen, the foundation of Zen training. The book also provides instructions on how to sit zazen, and how to adjust one's breath, posture and mental state. Go to TKP homepage.