Seeds for a Boundless Life: Zen Teachings from the Heart

Blanche Hartman is a wonderful, genuine woman whose heart is always open and whose ability to connect with other Zen students is extraordinary. She taught me to sew 30 years ago when I made my rakusu for Jukai, a role she performed for so many students over decades. This book is a lovely, poignant and loving expression of Blanche's sincere humility and compassion. Her practice truly comes from her big heart and this shines forth from every page of the book. It is short, yet it is full of insight, and more importantly, wisdom.It is divided into 3 parts: the first is a series of short passages which exemplify the keys to her Zen practice. The second is a set of Dharma talks. The third is a set of Q&A's, which may well be the most useful and fascinating part of the book. In these, Blanche does not shy away from the difficult questions of how Zen Buddhism interacts with modern American culture. Is meditation addictive? Is abortion compatible with the Buddhist precept against killing? Does one need a teacher? How can we practice nonviolence in a world full of violence? How can we handle sexuality in the sangha, and especially between a teacher and a student? Can the "doctrines" of No Self and Rebirth be compatible with one another? What should a student who is enmeshed in an abusive marriage do, especially when there are children involved? How can one practice mindfulness when afflicted with Alzheimer's?All these questions are answered very straightforwardly, with compassion and warmth. Blanche does not respond in a doctrinaire or arbitrary fashion. She listens carefully and then gives a heart-felt reply. Even those who do not agree with her answers will find much to ponder in them, and will recognize the sincerity and respect with which they are endowed. I highly recommend this book. Blanche Hartman is one of the great Zen practitioners in Suzuki Roshi's lineage. This book shows why she is so revered and loved in the community.

Seeds for a Boundless Life is likely to become a Zen classic. The book is filled with insight born from Zenkei Hartman roshi's long experience as a practitioner and teacher. I am moved by her honesty, insight and plain speech that clearly offers the Dharma. There is a poetry here that shines with Zenkei's life's wisdom. I highly recommend this book to any person regardless of their years of practice.

This is a must have for anyone who wants to learn something about Zen Buddhism. This is a pragmatic look at how to interact in the world from a place that can bring joy and ease. Zenkei Roshi doesn't just offer up a series of platitudes, but instead gives you a view into how she is going about living a life of practice, and in turn how you can apply these same ideas to your everyday life.

I'm not a Buddhist, but one doesn't have to be a Buddhist to learn from this Zen master. It is hard to describe all the treasure in this book, but I'll just say that if you are going mining for treasures, this would be a great spot for it. :)

This is a treasure of the heart of loving practice, and passage after passage left me moved and inspired. There is a wisdom here that will bring me back to this book for a long time.

Pretty much as expected, wonderful ramblings from a Zen master.

Beautiful book reflecting a long life of practice. Gave many copies as gifts this year. Perfect for Zen practitioners or anyone interested in Buddhism.

A heartfelt reflection on years of being a meditator and teacher. It is packed with short and wise stories that span her vocation as a Zen master.

Excellent teachings from a renowned teacher at the top of her game.

Blanche Hartman, une des responsables du Centre Zen de San Francisco, exprime dans ce livre le cœur de son expérience et de sa pratique entièrement dévouée à aider les autres. Le livre est enrichissant et surtout inspire le lecteur dans sa propre pratique de vie. A lire et méditer sans restriction.