ZEN SPEAKS: Shouts of Nothingness by...

ZEN SPEAKS: Shouts of Nothingness by Tsai Chih Chung, translated from the Chinese by Brian Bruya (Anchor: $10.95; 159 pp., illustrated, paperback original). Taiwanese cartoonist Tsai Chih Chung continues his exploration of Asian philosophy in this sly introduction to Zen Buddhism. The simple line drawings of a chubby, bulbous-nosed monk (reminiscent of the figures in old comic scrolls) offer parables and puzzles that emphasize some of the key tenants of Zen belief: The folly of seeking Enlightenment outside oneself, the error of confusing words with meanings, etc. More than 18 million of Tsai’s books have been sold in 12 languages: “Zen Speaks” is the second to appear in English.