Zen Inspirations offers a selection of appealing texts that bring insight and contemplation to busy modern lives – from the complete koans of the Gateless Gate (a 13th-century collection of spiritual puzzles used in the practice of Zen) to a generous selection of haiku and other poems that are not only thought provoking and evocative but rich in beauty and paradox.

The anthology includes work by the masters of the Golden Age of Zen as well as by contemporary Zen masters. Many of the translations are by Lucien Stryk, the esteemed poet and Zen practitioner, who has also contributed a foreword to the book.

An illuminating and accessible introduction, written by Zen scholar Dr Miriam Levering, places the writings in context and explores key concepts. The photographs, carefully selected to harmonize with the texts, provide a magnificent visual framework. Readers are invited to open their imaginations to the joining of text and image, and let the quiet wisdom of both seep into their being.