Book cover of Street Zen: The Life and Work of Issan Dorsey

Book description

Drag queen. Prostitute. Drug addict. American bodhisattva.

These words describe the unlikely persona of Issan Dorsey, one of the most beloved teachers to emerge in American Zen. From his early days as a gorgeous female impersonator to the LSD experiences that set him on the spiritual path, Issan's life was…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Street Zen as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book inspired my own integration of service and Zen. Issan Dorsey is a person who did not hold back. This portrait of a teacher whose creativity, love, honesty, joy, and compassion continues to awaken new possibilities for engaged Buddhism.

From Koshin's list on an introduction to Zen.

Tommy Issan Dorsey was a beloved Zen priest who founded the Hartford Street Zen Center in the Castro section of San Francisco, the heart of the Bay Area gay community. This book shows Zen practice that is for anyone interested, rooted in compassion. The lotus blooms in muddy water.

From David's list on interested in Zen Buddhism.

If you love Street Zen...

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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

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