"The Three Pillars of Zen:
Teaching,
Practice,
Enlightenment" is
a book by
Roshi Phillip Kapleau on
zen buddhism and its practice (originally published in 1965).
The book turns away from the idea of talking about
zen philosophy, and even goes as far as to say that books describing "zen
philosophy" and talking about
koans are detrimental to those who would like to experience zen.
The book is set as a collection of short monologs about zen practice. The book places high emphasis on the practice of zazen and the relationship between the master and student. While the book does highly recomend that any who choose to practice zen find a master, it does have suggestions and make allowances for those who do not wish to, or are unable to, practice under a master.
It is the assertion, in this book, that zen can only be understood by direct experience and through the practice of zazen. As such, it sets out to be a practical guide for the practice of zazen and progressing through different types of zazen. It does this without much talk of philosophy, except a few tidbits that western readership need to help them become comfortable with what they are doing.