Zen Essences: Fountains, Lanterns, and Paths, Books 1-3: of Wisdom, Book I; of Enlightenment, Book II; of Freedom, Book III.

Zen Essence, Books I, II, & III, is a course of study in poetry of the core teachings of Zen and Buddhism. These poems describe the experiences of a personal spiritual journey in inspired moments and in silence. Readers are warmly invited to share that same inspiration and silence. The poems are fountains, lanterns, and paths that welcome readers to reach deeper and tap into their hearts’ deepest insights and desires. For the readers, these microcosms of wisdom are meant to be mulled over for a long time and to spark their own personal imagination and experience. These poems give the readers a practical guide to claim their free, enduring human spirit of Wisdom in Book I, of Enlightenment in Book II, and of Freedom in Book III. Sylvia Young Chu is trained and officially authorized to teach by Ryoun Yamada Roshi, Abbot of the Sanbo Zen lineage, based in Kamakura, Japan. This tradition, through koan studies and direct experience, clarifies our essential nature so that we can live our daily life in a moment-to-moment dynamism of freedom and responsibility. In the forewords for these three books, spiritual leaders and teachers describe Sylvia's poetry as follows: “She gives gentle invitations respecting our limits, our vulnerability, and our freedom. Her approach maintains a sense of humor and balance. She invites by example, sharing with us the fruits of her meditation and life experience. Her wisdom is flexible and inclusive, compassionate, and aligned to the needs of each individual. Her photography combines a contemplative eye and a rich visual aesthetic sense. It ‘breathes’ a sense of stillness and conveys a delicate beauty and atmosphere of mystery that complement her poetry. They provide an avenue into stillness and emptiness no less than her words. Our lives include our inner thoughts and feelings in our relationship with other human beings and with the universe. Listen to all of it, she says. Pay careful, reverent attention to what is mysterious and unfathomable even in what seems most commonplace and ordinary." Jim Neafsey D. Min., spiritual director and former teacher at Mercy Center, Burlingame, CA. "Sylvia’s poems are about seeing into one’s own true nature, and thereby awakening to the dynamic reality of who one really is. The poems are invitations to enter a world of silence and allow the treasures therein to come forth and enrich our lives. In short, it is about becoming Buddha. This figure is not someone “out there” who attained enlightenment ages ago but is really each and every one of us at heart. YOU are Buddha. This is what you come to awaken to as you enter more and more deeply into that silence and keep the eyes and ears of your heart open to the throbs of life of the entire universe. Come, look and see for yourself." Ruben L. F. Habito Roshi, Maria Kannon Zen Center, Dallas Texas. "This extended work are reflections on…life, wisdom, spirituality, self-knowledge, appreciation of beauty, recognition of the difficulties we encounter in life…and much more. The poems are presented thematically, and yet each poem can stand on its own. Each one is a unique invitation to the reader. Each one can be a doorway to further reflection. Each one can bring the reader to a place of contemplation. Her photography represents yet another view into this beautiful world in which we live. They are reflections of how Sylvia sees deeply and artfully brings that vision and depth to us. Each photo, then, also constitutes an invitation to reflection, contemplation, and a deep appreciation of all that is around us. What vitality, humor, beauty, and elegance in her poetry, photography, and Chinese calligraphy. What a gift!" Paul Roy, PH.D.,American Psychological Association.