Daoism and Zen are two important fields in Chinese traditional culture, with a long history and rich cultural content. If you want to know more about books in these fields, here are some recommendations:
Tao Te Ching is one of the classic works of Taoism, the representative work of Lao Tzu, and is regarded as the core of Taoism. This book was a work in the form of a quote. It described the core theories and principles of Taoism, including famous theories such as "governing by inaction","Tao begets one, one begets two, two begets three, and three begets all things".
The Analects of Confucius was one of the Confucian classics. It was a record of the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples. This book mainly talked about Confucius 'thoughts, morals, education, and other aspects, including "benevolence","loyalty","integrity" and other famous theses.
3. Introduction to Dhyana Meditation was a book that introduced Dhyana Meditation. It was written by Xuanzang, a Zen master of the Tang Dynasty. This book introduced the basic theory and practical methods of Zen cultivation, including the goal of Zen cultivation, the principles of Zen cultivation, the methods of Zen cultivation, and the realm of Zen cultivation.
Introduction to Daoism was an introductory article on Daoism written by the German philosopher Hegel. This book introduced Hegel's philosophy and his evaluation of Taoism. It also elaborated on the core theories and principles of Taoism.
The Introduction to Zen was a book that introduced Zen. It was written by Xuanzang, a Zen master of the Tang Dynasty. This book introduced the basic theories and practical methods of Zen, including the thoughts of Zen, the inheritance of Zen, the realm of Zen, and so on.
The above are some recommendations that I hope can help you.
Funny Zen stories usually carry a message of acceptance. They show that in Zen, all things are as they are. For instance, a story could be about a clumsy novice monk who keeps dropping things. Instead of scolding him, the master says it's all part of the learning process, teaching us to accept our own imperfections and those of others.
Another wonderful option is 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind'. It not only has Zen stories but also offers insights into Zen philosophy and how to apply its teachings in daily life. The stories within it are simple yet profound, guiding readers to a more mindful and aware state of being.
Another funny Zen story is that a seeker came to a Zen temple and asked the master how to find enlightenment. The master pointed to a tree and said, 'Be like that tree. Stand still in the wind, and let the world pass by without getting caught up in it.' It shows the Zen idea of detachment in a rather humorous and simple way.
In the history of zen, there are some names that have been passed down. For example, there are collections of zen stories that are named after the era in which they were popular. However, many of these traditional names are in Japanese or Chinese and might need to be translated for a wider audience. And some traditional names might be very simple, just indicating that they are zen stories, like 'Classic Zen Stories' which has been used for centuries to refer to a body of zen - related tales.
Another good one for beginners is 'The Three Pillars of Zen'. It includes Zen stories as well as explanations of important Zen concepts. The stories in this book can help beginners start to think about the deeper meaning of life and how Zen can be a path to self - discovery. It's written in a way that is not overly complicated, making it suitable for those new to Zen.
, I recommend the following novels related to Zen to you:
1. [The Pilgrimage to the Saint: An immortal cultivator reaches the path of immortality through meditation.]
2. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is too domineering, you should just give up!": In the historical context, the protagonist changed his life through meditation.
3. [The Author's Ancient Experience Manual]: In a time-travel novel, the protagonist learns ancient Zen.
4. [Super Comprehension System: A fantasy novel in which the protagonist becomes a powerhouse by comprehending techniques such as Zen.]
5. Xu Xian's Happy Life: A Xianxia novel that involves Zen in myths.
I hope you like my recommendation.😗
One characteristic is their simplicity. For example, in a zen funny story, the situation is often straightforward, like a monk answering a simple question in an unexpected way. Another is the element of surprise. The punchline or the key message usually comes as a surprise, making you laugh and think at the same time.
For writing zen stories, you need to have a deep understanding of inner peace and tranquility. Incorporate elements like nature, silence, and self-reflection. Let the story unfold slowly and gently.