In 'The Sound of the One Hand,' Yoel Hoffman weaves a tapestry of meditative reflections and profound thoughts, inviting readers into a world where simplicity meets depth. Through a series of vignettes, Hoffman explores the nature of existence, perception, and the interplay of sound and silence. Each page unveils a new perspective on life's fleeting moments, encouraging a contemplative journey within. This book is not just a read; it's an experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Embark on this enlightening exploration and discover what resonates in the quiet spaces of your own consciousness.
By Yoel Hoffman
Published: 2016
""In the silence between the notes, the true melody of life reveals itself.""
When The Sound of the One Hand came out in Japan in 1916 it caused a scandal. Zen was a secretive practice, its wisdom relayed from master to novice in strictest privacy. That a handbook existed recording not only the riddling koans that are central to Zen teaching but also detailing the answers to them seemed to mark Zen as rote, not revelatory. For all that, The Sound of the One Hand opens the door to Zen like no other book. Including koans that go back to the master who first brought the koan teaching method from China to Japan in the eighteenth century, this book offers, in the words of the translator, editor, and Zen initiate Yoel Hoffmann, “the clearest, most detailed, and most correct picture of Zen” that can be found. What we have here is an extraordinary introduction to Zen thought as lived thought, a treasury of problems, paradoxes, and performance that will appeal to artists, writers, and philosophers as well as Buddhists and students of religion.
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“"In the silence between the notes, the true melody of life reveals itself."”
The Sound of the One Hand
By Yoel Hoffman
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Yoel Hoffman is an acclaimed Israeli author and poet, known for his unique narrative style that often blends elements of fantasy, introspection, and philosophical inquiry. His notable works include 'The Heart of Jerusalem', 'The Second Floor', and 'The Solomon Chronicles', which showcase his ability to explore themes of identity, memory, and existence with both humor and depth. Hoffman's writing often reflects a profound sense of place, particularly his connection to Israel, while also delving into the complexities of human experience. His contributions to literature have earned him a prominent place in contemporary Israeli fiction.
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