David Schneider: Street Zen. Life and work of Issan Dorsey, edition steinrich 2010 Issan Dorsey embodies the shadow in the lives of many people. He was gay, a drug addict, resigned in drag and died of AIDS. For many years he lived Queens and Tranks, which led a precarious life on the fringes of society as he always close to the abyss, friends with other junkies, drag. Even as a Zen teacher, he became friendly with people who are excluded from society, and cared about it: People with HIV and AIDS. Issan Dorsey was so unusual like the Zen masters of old.

But he was respected not only centuries after his death, but already in his lifetime; Maybe it’s because he loved life in all its facets and at the same time also the death. Like Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of great compassion testified Issan Dorsey the joy and the pain of the universe in his own existence. The people loved him because of his great zest for life, his ability to live happiness, that is, to embody and to express. He has been admired for his fortune, to be open to our deep pain, our deep suffering. Issan accepted all aspects of his life yes she celebrated, and this sets it apart from most of his Buddhist companions. His journey with all difficulties and challenges is told in detail in this exciting biography that can inspire many. Hardcover, 336 pages, ISBN 978-3-942085-07-6, EUR 22.50, Traudel Reiss