Minnesota Zen Center LotusBuddha
About UsZen and BuddhismSchedule and EventsLinks
           
   
Texts Main Menu
      
 
  Buddhism Basics
  MZMC Library
  Texts
  Other Resources
   

 

  

In the library

Like the rest of the Zen Center, the library is undergoing some changes. Andrea Martin and Monica Reede culled through all of the books, removed many books that were non-Buddhist in subject matter and rearranged what was left into new sections that are easier to browse. The task for the coming year is to re-label all of the books and get the computer database in line with what is on the shelves. This will take some time so there will not be an accurate catalog available for a while. However, the library will continue to be open and available to anyone who wishes to use it. We have many wonderful books for people at any stage of Buddhist practice, from those who are just beginning to those who looking for a more in depth examination of the teachings. The other ongoing mission of the library is to continue to acquire new books for our collection. And since funds are always tight, donations are greatly appreciated. If you wish to donate books to the library, we have a few requests:

. We would like to limit our selections to Buddhist related subjects only. Please do not bring in books on other topics no matter how great they may be.

. We are especially looking for books published within the last 10 years. Most of the books we currently have came from the early days of the Zen Center and as most of you know, many new and easier to understand translations have been published recently, not to mention the great volume of books by contemporary Buddhist teachers.

. Along those lines... we are particularly interested in stocking the books written by the dharma heirs and students of Katagiri Roshi.

If you would simply like to donate money to the library, there is a dana basket (or donation box) located in the library. All funds collected in the library will go to purchase new books.

Also there will soon be a notebook located next to the check out forms in the library for people to leave suggestions or comments on books that they would like the library to stock and the direction they would like to see the library take. From that we will create a wish list to work from. We look forward to hearing from all of you.

On a related note, Andrea Martin has been doing a wonderful job of cataloging and transcribing the many tapes of Katagiri Roshi's lectures. In an effort to preserve them, she has also begun the daunting task of getting them transferred to CD. We were recently able to hear a sample of this technology and the result was amazingly crisp and clear (especially considering that many of the tapes are over 20 years old). Many thanks to Andrea; it will be a great blessing to be able to hear Katagiri's voice along with his teachings.

  • Currently MZMC's library includes materials in the following categories:
    . General Buddhism
    . Works by and about Dogen
    . Zen Buddhism
    . Tibetan Buddhism
    . Comparative Religion and Western philosophy
    . Buddhist Art and Culture
    . Special non-circulating books
    . Periodicals and a selection of audio and video tapes

Circulating materials are available for one-month checkout to MZMC members. Non-members are welcome to use the materials while at MZMC.

The library is located in the basement, ahead and to the left from the bottom of the stairs.
     
   
About Us | Zen and Buddhism | Schedule and Events | Links
     
   
3343 East Calhoun Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55408 . 612-822-5313
 info@mnzencenter.org