A True Person of No Rank - by Joseph Bobrow (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In A True Person of No Rank, Joseph Bobrow takes a fresh look at Buddha's vision for an awakened person and her awakened activity. He examines the true self (also referred to as no-self) that is at its heart, and unpacks some misunderstandings that can hinder us on the path and impede the distinctive, empowered expression of our realization. He explores a true person of no rank, a Zen expression of no-self, and the notion of an agent of compassion. It takes an insubstantial person of substance, (not fixed or permanent but grounded) not only to survive these dire times but to actively participate in saving the planet and healing the world. It takes a differentiated person, an agent of compassion, to bring to bear the insights

Review Quotes

Drawing on his own experience as both a Zen teacher and a psychotherapist, Bobrow explores the connection between realization and personalization, insight and embodiment. Given the social and ecological challenges that face us today, it is essential for us to understand their relationship. - David Loy, author of Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis; Nonduality; Lack and Transcendence.

This book is a wake-up call, and more. appeal to the individual to save himself but for a joint effort to save the world and each other. - Michael Eigen, author of The Psychoanalytic Mystic; The Challenge of Being Human; The Sensitive Self; Flames from the Unconscious.

For many decades, and through several books, Joe Bobrow has been developing a "multilingual" approach to Zen practice, one that combines the essence of the Zen tradition as he received it from his teachers, with insights and experiences from the psychoanalysis he has trained in and practiced. This is a thoughtful and inspiring book. - Norman Fischer, poet, author, and Soto Zen Buddhist priest. Author of When You Greet Me I Bow: Notes and Reflections from A Life In Zen; and Selected Poems 1980-2013.

Joseph Borrow brings alive the Buddhist roots of engaged spirituality - becoming an agent of compassion - with originality and inspiration. - Tara Brach, author of Trusting the Gold and Radical Acceptance.

Joseph's voice is a call to action for personal, social, and planetary healing. Everything matters. Dive in and be inspired! - Koshin Paley Ellison, author of Untangled: Walking the Eightfold Path to Clarity, Courage and Compassion.

Bobrow's thoughtful synthesis of a life-time of spiritual, professional, and communal explorations challenges you to examine the narratives that can waylay a spiritual path. - Wendy Egyoku Roshi, co-author of The Book of Householder Koans: Waking Up in the Land of Attachments.

Joe Bobrow brings his lifelong experience as a Zen teacher, psychoanalyst and social activist to clear up eons of psychological and spiritual confusion! Perennial questions - he takes them on fearlessly in this warm and knowledgeable book, filled with moving stories of transformation and love. - Trudy Goodman, Founding Teacher, InsightLA

Deep and suitably irreverent, existential and yet personal, this book is recommended to those wishing to look more deeply into the nature of consciousness and the implications of the dharma for a world on the precipice of very frightening things. - John Briere, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Southern California School of Medicine, co-editor of Mindfulness-oriented interventions for trauma: Integrating contemplative practices (Guilford).

In A True Person of No Rank, Joseph Bobrow explores the power of embodiment - building our capacity for love and sharing our compassion with the world. This book is a reminder of the sacredness of being alive and the importance of fully living the awakenings we experience. - Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Change.