Books

	Cold Heart Thawing: The Zen Poetry of Do Chong-[Paperback] Written by Rev. Paul Dōchŏng Lynch Description  Zen poetry about living in the modern world. Cold Heart Thawing is a collection of work both inspired and simple, a must read for all on a spiritual path. A collection of Zen poetry from the Abbot of Ocean Eyes Zen Center in Long Beach, California. This first collection of poetry was written between 1995 and 1997, and follows the spiritual path of a Buddhist layperson searching for balance between the life of dedicated Zen practice and the life of a layperson living in this modern world. The introduction contains an interview with Do Chong's grand-teacher Zen Master Seung Sahn, the 78th Patriarch of Korean Chogye Buddhism, in which the two discuss poetry and Zen practice. Some exiting insights about Zen poetry and life are shared with the reader in this conversation.
	Peering through the Clouds (Paperback) Written by Rev. Paul Dōch'ŏng Lynch Description Peering Through the Clouds - glimpses of the present, between the shadows of discursive thought; the prose and poetry of Rev. Dōch'ŏng. In this second book of poetry Rev. Dōch'ŏng explores the deeper side of spirituality. He explores Zen practice in an effort to transcend the boundaries of his own opinions, condition and situation. The reader also may note a transition from the visceral perception of the world, which was the primary mode in the first book, to a more experiential perception in seeing and feeling this world. It is in this transition between the common world and the world of grace that I have found there are infinite ways to approach it. The method really depends upon which one you might like or more importantly which  practice you can adopt into your everyday life. Only you the reader can decide their own direction, however, for me I prefer to live in all the infinite realms of all possible worlds.
	Zen Liturgy - Korean Zen Practice Forms (Paperback)  Written by Rev. Paul Dōch'ŏng Lynch Description  A book on the function and ceremony of ritual. This is a collection of important ceremonies, including daily chanting, that comprise the life of a Buddhist Practitioner. Most religions have moral and ethical rules and commandments. In Buddhism there are Precepts, however the Buddhist Precepts are not a list of rules to follow. In some religions moral laws are believed to have come from God, and breaking those laws is a sin or transgression against God. Buddhism does not entertain the concept of a creator God; therefore, the Precepts are not considered as commandments. Conversely, this does not imply that following the precepts are considered optional, either. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels (the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) is the initial step in formally becoming a Buddhist and following the precepts forms the foundation of all Buddhist paths.
	The Ocean of Zen (Paperback) Written by Rev. Paul Dōch'ŏng Lynch Description An exploration of Korean Buddhism as practiced in the 21st Century America. Practicing at a Zen center, we begin to realize how our opinions create our problems, by coming between us and the situations we find manifest in our lives. When we have to courage to let go of these opinions, it is possible to live our everyday lives with clarity and harmony. Over time we learn to cooperate, to see clearly, and to accept people and situations as they are, with this our minds become strong and wide. Then it becomes possible to act, in the manner of a Bodhisattva for others with no trace of ourselves. The forms practiced in Zen are designed to help us see our opinions, and our minds that don't pay attention, in each situation that we find ourselves. If we keep a mind that wishes to leave no trace of our passage, these forms fall easily into place. We hope that your training here will help your spiritual growth, and through that help bring about a peaceful world.
	Buddhist Precepts - a Guide for Western Buddhist Lay Practitioners (Paperback)  Written by Rev. Paul Dōch'ŏng Lynch Description In this 21st Century Quantum Physical World why observe Buddhist Precepts? Taking refuge in the 3 Jewels is the initial step in becoming a Buddhist and following the precepts forms the foundation of the path. Buddhists practitioners observe various levels of precepts, depending upon each individual’s level of commitment to the path. The initial refuge in the 3 Jewels signifies the starting point on the path of the eradication of suffering and the awakening of not just one’s self but all sentient beings. Taking precepts can be compared to military personnel adhering to the rules of military law or citizens of a particular country abiding by the common law of their society. The difference between the first two approaches and the Buddhist approach is that the military rules or the common laws are external restrictions whereas the Buddhist precepts spring forth from a practice of self–discipline which eventually can become self regulated.
	A Path to Christ Consciousness (Paperback) Written by Bob Harwood with Paul W. Lynch, JDPSN. Description In this book Christian spirituality is explored from a fresh perspective. For those who sense that something is missing in traditional Christianity or those who intuit that union with God is possible, this book is a must read. The authors explore the underlying message of biblical scriptures and parables, a message that is generally ignored in mainline church traditions. By giving clear instructions concerning how to meet God “face to face,” the authors show that Christianity has much more in common with other world religions than is usually supposed. They suggest that the teachings put forth by the foremost mystic of all time, Jesus of Nazareth, are better understood and actualized through contemplative spiritual practices than through reflective thought, intellectual study, or efforts that reinforce a sense of individual doer-ship.