Drawn from the records of Chinese Zen masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, this collection may surprise some readers. In contrast to the popular image of Zen as an authoritarian, monastic tradition deeply rooted in Asian culture, these passages portray Zen as remarkably flexible, adaptive to contemporary and individual needs, and transcending cultural boundaries.

The readings contained in Zen Essence emphasize that the practice of Zen requires consciousness alone and does not depend on a background in Zen Buddhism and Asian culture. The true essence of Zen resides in the relationship between mind and culture, whatever that culture might be. This unique collection of writings creates a picture of Zen not as a religion or philosophy, but as a practical science of freedom.

"Todas las cosas fluyen libremente, exentas de ataduras, sin sujeción ó confusión alguna. Tú eres quien crea su propia dificultad ó facilidad. La esencia de la mente impregna las diez direcciones con una única continuidad; aquellos que son poseedores de las más excelentes facultades lo comprenden de modo natural."
(Tzu-hu)

"Esa caudalosa luz, dondequiera que estés, en cualquier situación, es el gran camino."
(Tan-hsia)