The essence of Zen is contained here. First compiled in 16th and 17th century Japan, the sayings range from profound to mystifying to comical. A Zen Forest is, according to poet Gary Snyder, “the meeting place of the highest and the most humble: the great poets and the ‘old women’s sayings.’” Translator Soiku Shigematsu, abbot of Shogennji Zen Temple in Shimizu, Japan, has rendered the pieces into poetic English that illuminates some aspect of Zen, from satori to the meaning of enlightened activity. The words will open windows to the Zen world, while reminding us that “however wonderful an expression may be, it will be a stake that binds you unless you keep yourself free from it.”