---
product_id: 20619686
title: "Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn"
brand: "seung sahn"
price: "₪187"
currency: ILS
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.co.il/products/20619686-only-dont-know-selected-teaching-letters-of-zen-master-seung
store_origin: IL
region: Israel
---

# Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn

**Brand:** seung sahn
**Price:** ₪187
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

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- **What is this?** Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn by seung sahn
- **How much does it cost?** ₪187 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.il](https://www.desertcart.co.il/products/20619686-only-dont-know-selected-teaching-letters-of-zen-master-seung)

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## Description

Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn

## Images

![Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn - Image 1](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51J3nSclqPL.jpg)
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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    A worthy sequel to Master Sahn's other books
  

*by K***R on Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2017*

I've become a fan of the late Seung Sahn after reading his "The Compass of Zen."  "Only Don't Know" is a compilation of letters to and from his students and associates over the years.  It is an enjoyable book, but it will make little sense if you haven't read "The Compass of Zen" first.  Master Sahn's style of Zen teaching was straightforward and entertaining, often amusing, and easier to understand than many of the other Zen books out there.  "Only Don't Know" is definitely worth a read, but I think you'll be disappointed and perhaps a little confused if you haven't first digested some of his other works.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Practical Advice Whatever Your Faith / Spiritual Practice
  

*by R***R on Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2011*

When asked about books influencing my life, Only Don't Know places at the top of the list.  The writing is simple and direct on matters of love, suffering, and happiness.The book was recommended by a colleague in the community of finance.  The man appeared genuinely moved by the positive effect the book had on him, including his relationships with his wife and children. Still questioning the relevance of a Korean Zen master's writings to my life, I looked it up on Amazon to discover a number of positive reviews. So I decided to give it a try.The book is a collection of letters to and from Seung Sahn—some from Zen practitioners, others not.  A few are serious, others are funny.  "I am a teacher and these kids are driving me crazy..."What is particularly striking is how consistent Seung Sahn is in responding.  This is a man clearly in touch with his purpose or calling. That alone makes the book worth a read. But there's more to offer.  In each letter you discover a small piece of yourself asking a question. And more often than not, Seung Sahn's response provides practical advice, how to relate to the issue in a more positive way.Admittedly, the advice is based on Zen practice, but it is not dogmatic—really, humanistic in nature.  But if you can't separate the origin from the the advice, then consider adapting it to your brand of belief.  The advice has value whatever your faith.A few themes from the book for flavor:1. Only Don't Know - Originally, there is not good and bad.  But if you make good and bad in your mind, they you have good and bad... Before checking (filtering based on your biases and prejudices) is called go-straight mind - there is no problem.  After checking, then feelings, I-my-me, and problems appear.  A clear mind has no I-my-me.... If you keep clear mind, you will get happiness everywhere.2.  Love - If you cut off all thinking and keep this in mind:  "How can I help?" the correct action will appear...  That is great love.3. Wisdom - Good and bad are our true teachers.  If something has no opposite, then it has no meaning, no truth...  Wisdom and practice are like two wheels of one cart.***Inspired by Only Don't Know, I read others by Seung Sahn, but cannot give them the same recommendation.  The Compass of Zen is a dense guide to Buddhism and Dropping Ashes on the Buddha is a lesser work of teachings and letters.  This is the one to read.Hope this review helps you.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Breath of Fresh Air ....
  

*by J***N on Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2012*

To be perfectly honest, I liked this book better than "Dropping Ashes on the Buddha".  Seung Sahn really comes through in this book.  You would think that a book of letters wouldn't be that interesting but quite the contrary.  Seung Sahn talks to many different people from all parts of the globe concerning a variety of interesting topics.  He touches on many important facts regarding ZEN, Buddhism and life's everyday challenges, questions etc. It's fascinating how these little stories tie into the big picture of what we call LIFE.  Every chapter stands on its own and adds something very special to the entirety of this publication.  I would still recommend reading `Dropping Ashes'.  I have also purchased "Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake" which will be read shortly; review to follow...Please Note: all material is very understandable (well at least for the subject of ZEN anyway.  Naturally I'm not getting into the debate of how ZEN can't be explained and so forth. Bottom line - the material and the way it's presented is very simplified and highly appreciated for its clarity and fluidity).Anyone who reads my reviews knows I like to add a personal touch!  So, with that said, one of my personal notes that I wrote after a chapter goes as follow: You must completely rid yourself of all ideas, thoughts, attachments, and situations.  Clear out all things and JUST BE.  If you keep correct mind - then you can do anything. Most importantly, you need to believe in you.  Believe that you are all you need to be successful in whatever you do.  When you are doing something - DO IT !!! If you truly ARE your activity 100%, naturally your chances of success are much higher. You can succeed at anything however; you must be clear like space and become one with what you're doing - moment to moment...There are books that you read one time and then pass it down to a friend.  Then, once in a while, there's a book that comes along like this.  I would like to say thank you for everyone who was involved in bringing this wonderful collection of letters to light.  It will indubitably be reread again in the future...

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*Product available on Desertcart Israel*
*Store origin: IL*
*Last updated: 2026-02-02*