The next title to be added to the Firethroat Press Catalog––Tending the Fire––is in the final stages of book design and will be sent to the printer in early February. Copies will be available around March 1.

The title Tending the Fire: An Introspective Guide to Zen Awakening comes from an ancient mondo, the public record of an exchange between a Zen master and disciple.

Prior Soku asked Master Hogen, “What is the student that is I?”

Master Hogen replied, “Children of fire come looking for fire.”

“What is the student that is I?” is the essential inquiry of every Zen practitioner.

Tending the Fire entertains this question with an in-depth investigation into the study and transformation of conditioned states, one of the three aspects of dukkha [cause of suffering]. Tending the Fire introduces an innovative, systematic approach for working with conditioned states that blends Zen training with a Western psychological method of introspection called the Resolution Sequence. The Resolution Sequence is a symbolic means of conveying information that assists practitioners with structuring, organizing, and understanding the process of awakening.

Verona Library Verona, WI invites everyone to a presentation and book signing of The Tale of Zen Master Bho LI. The library will feature the 21 framed 11″ x 14″ illustrations of the book in their gallery during the month of February. The illustrator of the book, Aaron Gilmore, will be at the presentation to offer commentary on his work and to answer any questions.

- Where: Verona Public Library, 500 Silent Street, Verona, WI 53593
- When: Feb 16, 2012 at 7:00 pm

Woodland Book Pattern Bookstore and the Milwaukee Zen Center co-sponsor a presentation by Barbara Verkuilen of The Tale of Zen Master Bho Li.Barbara will present the book and commentary, offer a selected reading, and take questions. A tabletop display will exhibit its 21 illustrations. Barbara’s other two books––Dokusan with Dogen: Timeless Lessons in Negotiating the Way and Tending the Fire: An Introspective Guide to Zen Awakening will also be available for questions and signing.
- Where: Woodland Book Pattern Bookstore: 720 Locust St Milwaukee, WI
- When: Mar 14, 2012 at 7:00 pm

Barbara Verkuilen presents The Tale of Zen Master Bho Li to the Isthmus Zen Community. Contact Dave Peters (608 221-3379) for event information.
– Where: 408 S. Baldwin St. in Madison, WI.
– When: November 9, 2011 at 6:30 PM

Barbara will speak on the three lessons of Zen Master Bho Li during the Women’s Retreat at Ryumonji Zen Monastery.
- Where: Ryumonji Zen Monastery, 2452 Ryumon Road Dorchester, IA 52140
- When: November 5, 2011

Kindred Spirit Bookstore and Stevens Point Buddhist Congregation are co-sponsoring a book signing and presentation of The Tale of Zen Master Bho Li at the bookstore located at 1028 Main St. Stevens Point. Contact either L’aura Di Salvo at Kindred (715-342 4891) or Steve Bartelt (715 366-2444) for more information.

Firethroat Press LLC makes its debuts by publishing two books, two study guides, and five essays [free downloads] on a variety of topics germane to Zen practice. Three additional books are planned for publication by winter 2011-2012.

The Tale of Zen Master Bho Li is a winsome fable by first time author, Barbara Verkuilen, and illustrated by Aaron Gilmore. The author states that, “the fable form of ‘story’ was chosen because it most ably enfolds mystery. Also, fables have the power to convey nuanced wisdom simply without minimizing impact, and sustain their power over time.”

Dokusan with Dogen: Timeless Lessons in Negotiating the Way, also by Ms Verkuilen, offers ten essays on Zen practice culled through forty years of studying the teachings of Zen Master Dōgen.

Please take a moment to peruse our Catalog and Downloads to see what is available now and what is forth coming in the near future.

Firethroat Press LLC is established with the goal of becoming a regional publisher for Zen Buddhist authors of books, training materials for young and old, and historical narratives and accounts that document the founding of the Zen Way in the Midwest.