Flock of Fools

"e;These teachings from the heart of Buddhism ring true . . . a sumptuous meal of wild and comic dharma. Enjoy!"e; (Enkyo O'Hara, Soto priest and teacher). One hundred illuminating tales of the foibles and follies of everyday fools, this elegant, humorous, and masterful little book of wisdom is a welcome addition to the Buddhist canon. "e;The One Hundred Parable Sutra"e; is known as the most humorous sutra in all of Buddhist literature. Here, Kazuaki Tanahashi, the celebrated translator, calligrapher, and Dogen scholar, and Peter Levitt, an award-winning poet, storyteller, and Zen practitioner, have translated and retold these jewel-like parables with storytelling panache for students, teachers, and seekers everywhere. With appropriate commentary, each tale becomes a simple lesson for everyday living. From the potter who seeks fame to the woman who possesses great lust, these tales are told with a gentle clarity that magnifies our appetites and delusions. In doing so, they become an accurate mirror of the human condition. Illustrated with seventeen original brushwork drawings by Tanahashi, A Flock of Fools is a perfect little book of wisdom, laughter, and compassion. "e;Translator Kaz Tanahashi and storyteller Peter Levitt have given these stories a subtle American-Zen flavor, and although this collection has a 1500-year pedigree . . . its messages ring clear and true today."e; Shambala Sun "e;Funny, strange, wise, informing, this marvelous book celebrates the wild heart of Buddhism."e; Roshi Joan Halifax, Zen Buddhist teacher "e;Nothing breaks apart dualism and sanctimoniousness like a good laugh! . . . lively reminders of the power of humor to enrich our understanding, and to help us let go of our attachments."e; Enkyo O'Hara, Soto priest and teacher