Taizen Deshimaru (19141982) was a Japanese Zen Master, and the individual largely responsible for bringing Soto Zen to Europe. A legendary figure, he stands in the ranks of the great Zen teachers of modern times, including Suzuki Roshi and Maezumi Roshi. This second edition of his book, first issued in 1979, contains the pure Deshimaru vintage-teaching. Uniquely, It is one of the few Zen books treating the subject of karma, a principle deeply entrenched in Hindu and some Buddhist traditions, but rarely taught within Zen. The book is a live record of the Masters teaching content (kusens) and his style of presentation during a practice sesshin (retreat) of several weeks. Deshimaru spoke in English, and his words were recorded and compiled from notes taken by the editor (Coupey) and other students. His subjects are as timely today as they were in the late 70s. At a time when contemporary Zen practice has been co-opted by the culture of new and now, his teachings do not compromise. This is no self-oriented wellness Zen cultivated for feeling more relaxed. This is the real deal, a call to a stark, no-gain approach to clear perception of reality from one who studied and practiced this tradition fully aligned to its source. As such, this book is a precious vehicle of direct transmission.