Katsuki Sekida, A Guide to Zen: Lessons from a Modern Master, edited by Marc Allen (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2003) (This is a condensed edition of Zen Training: Methods and Philosophy.).
Katsuki Sekida, Zen Training: Methods and Philosophy, edited, with an introduction, by A. V Grimstone (New York Tokyo: Weatherhill, 1985) ("If you let go your hold on a cliff, you will fall down and lose your life, but in spiritual affairs you should really do this. You must once cast away what consciousness has accumulated since childhood, that is, your illusory ego. In absolute samadhi it is rather easy to let go your hold, but in the world of active life, to let go the hold on one's ego is difficult. You tell yourself not to hate others, to quench the heat of anger, to get free from temptation, to kill the desire for fame, power, vainglory, and so forth, but you cannot follow your own precepts. You cannot even take off the beard, much less eyes, nose, mouth and face itself. But a truly enlightened man has no face when he speaks, negotiates, and discusses the serious problems of life. He has nothing to hold to, in the midst of the busiest activity of consciousness. In the midst of the burning flames of life he keeps his mind as serene and shining as the lotus flower in the fire." Id. at 107.).
Katski Sekida, Two Zen Classics: Mumonkan and Hekiganroku, translated with commentaries by Katuski Sekida, edited and introduced by A. V. Grimstone (New York & Tokyo: Weatherhill, 1977) ("A prudent mind never fails to reflect upon its faults." Id. at 95. "The great emancipation. The man who is emancipated from his own passions and desires attains command of his own mind. Hakuin Zenji says, 'Young men, if you do not want to die, die now; if you die once, you will never die again.' In other words, if you want to live, die now and you will live forever. And you will enjoy true freedom of mind. This is the great emancipation." Id. at 285.).
