Discover the Essence of Zen
Welcome to Zen Library
Immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and wisdom with our extensive collection of Zen Buddhist literature and resources.
Zen Library is a meeting place for practice, study, and inspiration
We bring together those drawn to Zen, Buddhism, and the martial arts, offering a space to explore knowledge through classic texts, contemporary insights, and community discussion. Alongside our books and writings, our carefully designed cards, prints, and gifts carry the spirit of Zen into everyday life—quiet reminders of balance, resilience, and clarity.
Zen Library is more than a shop or a publisher—it is a community resource for those seeking to bring wisdom into practice.
Explore Our Key Features
View our Growning Book Collection
Delve into a diverse range of Zen Buddhist books, from timeless classics to contemporary writings.
Insightful Articles
Read articles that offer fresh perspectives and insights into Zen practices and teachings.
Free and Paid Resources
Where possible we offer or link to free resources. We also offer some paid products which we believe are relevent to our readers and which help support the site.
Three Books of Koans
Zen Library Reprints
The Gateless Gate
★★★★★
First compiled in 13th-century China by Mumon Ekai, The Gateless Gate is a classic collection of Zen kōans. This Zen Library edition presents the 1934 English translation with added notes and glossary, making a timeless work accessible to today’s readers.
Read our review of The Gateless Gate.
- Clarity & Accessibility 65%
- Depth & Insight 95%
- Practical & Inspirational Value 75%
Blue Cliff Record
★★★★★
The Blue Cliff Record brings together one hundred classic koans from the Chinese Zen tradition. This Zen Library edition presents the cases, verses and commentaries in a straightforward format, offering readers a practical entry point into koan study and the questions at the heart of Zen practice.
- Clarity & Accessibility 58%
- Depth & Insight 95%
- Practical & Inspirational Value 82%
The Book of Serenity
★★★★★
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the teachings of Zen, offering a blend of ancient wisdom and modern insights. It’s an enlightening read that inspires personal growth.
- Clarity & Accessibility 64%
- Depth & Insight 93%
- Practical & Inspirational Value 84%
Explore Our Collection
Zen Library Shop
New! Seasonal cards for Halloween and Christmas
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Calm Currents 4 Greeting Card
Price range: £3.99 through £4.99 -
Calm Currents 6 Greeting Card
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Calm Currents 2 Greeting Card
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Jorugumo Spider Woman Greeting Card – Japanese Ghosts, Ghouls & Spirits
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Rokurokubi Ghoul Greeting Card – Japanese Ghosts, Ghouls & Spirits
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Kappa Water Spirit Greeting Card – Japanese Ghosts, Ghouls & Spirits
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Winter 5 – Pine Branch
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Winter 1 – Mount Fuji
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Winter 3 – Camellia
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AI (Love) Japanese Caligraphy Zen Themes Greeting Card
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Do (Way or Path) Japanese Caligraphy Zen Themes Greeting Card
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Zen Character Japanese Caligraphy Zen Themes Greeting Card
Price range: £3.99 through £4.99
Latest Zen Insights
Is zen a religion or philosophy or something else?
Confused aabout whether Zen is a religion, sect, philosophy or something else. We have the short answer here!
Comprehensive Canon of Classical Zen Texts
Zen Buddhism is famously described as a “special transmission outside the scriptures,” yet the tradition has a rich corpus of texts that inform its teachings and practices. Classical Zen literature spans Mahayana sutras, recorded teachings of Zen masters, koan...