Zen is a ‘special transmission outside the scriptures.’ The truth of emptiness cannot be found in the content of books, it must be experienced. For this reason, we suggest limited reading before kensho ('awakening' confirmed by the teacher). Nevertheless, if you wish to understand the practice and flavour of Mountain Moon Zen practice, the following list contains publications both by members of Mountain Moon Zen Society and Sanbō-Zen.
MMZS
Roselyn Stone
Winding Road, Straight Path (USA: LuLu Inc., 2015)
The memoirs of Roselyn Stone, Sei'un An, Zen master. ‘Winding Road, Straight Path’ follows her path to Zen master and gives a view from the inside of what is truly involved in Zen practice.
Joanne P. Miller
What the Ancestors Knew: Reclaiming Faith in Western Zen Practice (USA: Wipf and Stock, 2023)
Zen and the Gospel of Thomas (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2018)
Julian & the Buddha: Common Points Along the Way (USA: Wipf and Stock, 2016)
Buddhist Meditation and the Internet: Practices and Possibilities (USA: Signal 8 Press, 2012)
If You Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight: Aspects of Practice for Gay and Lesbian Buddhists (Typhoon Media, 2012)
Sanbō-Zen
Yamada Kōun, Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2004).
Yamada Kōun, Zen: The Authentic Gate (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2015)
Philip Kapleau (ed.), The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment (Tokyo: John Weatherhill, 1965)
Hugo M. Enomiya-Lassalle, The Practice of Zen Meditation (USA: Thorsons, 1990)
Elaine Macinnes, The Flowing Bridge. Guidance on Beginning Zen Koans (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2007)
Rubin L. Habito, Healing Breath: Zen Spirituality for a Wounded Earth (Ecology and Justice) (USA: Orbis Books, 1993)