Ten Gates, The Kong-an Teaching of Zen Master Seung Sahn

Ten Gates, by Zen Master Seung Sahn, is a concise and illuminating introduction to Zen practice, structured around ten traditional koans (kong-ans). These gates act as challenges or thresholds that enable students to deepen their understanding of the Dharma.
Each chapter presents a gate, followed by the author’s commentary and suggested approaches for practicing with it. True to his style, the teachings are direct and playful, designed to encourage students to move beyond conceptual thinking and achieve clear, experiential insight.
Originally created as a curriculum for his Zen centres, Ten Gates blends Eastern and Western perspectives, offering a practical framework for anyone engaging seriously with Zen training. It’s not just about solving a kongan — it’s about transforming the way one encounters reality.