This work seeks to provide a comprehensive and accessible lexicon of Zen terminology, historical figures, and philosophical concepts to clarify the tradition for Western readers. Ernest Wood, a scholar of Sanskrit and a practitioner of Yoga and Theosophy, utilizes his extensive background in Eastern philosophy to synthesize complex Zen doctrines. By drawing on his long-standing interest in the subject, which began during his time in Japan in 1920, Wood constructs a framework that bridges the gap between traditional Zen practice and academic inquiry.

Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which reflects the author's background as a scholar of Eastern languages. Experts highlight this as a foundational reference text for those seeking to understand the historical and linguistic roots of Zen Buddhism.