Zen

Everyday Zen: Love and Work (Plus)

by Charlotte J. Beck

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"This is one of my favorite books on Zen. Charlotte Joko Beck was the founder and resident Zen teacher of the Zen Center of San Diego, and "Everyday Zen" is a collection of her talks. Joko speaks about Zen in an ordinary, conversational, down-to-earth way--as opposed to the paradoxical, poetic, non-logical style often found in Zen--and she explicitly relates Zen to everyday life. For Joko, Zen is about being OK with everything, an OK-ness that does not imply fatalism, passivity, or an absence of feelings. She says: "For something to be OK, it doesn't mean that I don't scream or cry or protest or hate it. . . . What _is_ the enlightened state? When there is no longer any separation between myself and the circumstances of my life, whatever they may be, that is it."

While this book is a good one for newcomers to Zen--and for old-timers too--it does not include nitty-gritty beginning instruction in Zen meditation, so for that you'll need to look elsewhere. (I'd recommend the book "The Three Pillars of Zen," the video "The Secret Is There Are No Secrets," or a Zen center.)

This is not the best Zen book for everyone. When you're in a swamp of existential angst, desperately wanting to know that peace and joy can be found within this fleeting life so full of suffering--exactly the issues Zen addresses--Joko's "everyday" approach can be exasperating and can seem not to address those issues, and you might prefer "The Three Pillars of Zen" or "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind." I appreciate Joko's wariness of leading us astray with images of "enlightenment," which is so easily misunderstood as a thing we can achieve that will make our lives perfect at last, but sometimes I want more reminders than Joko offers that our life can be utterly transformed (while still being the same old, imperfect life)."

Publisher: HarperOne | More reviews: amazon.com

Thich Nhat Hanh - Paintings by Kirsten-Honshin 2009 Wall Calendar

by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Thich Nhat Hanh 2009 wall calendar combines the graceful paintings of Nicholas Kirsten-Honshin with the words of renowned Zen master, peace activist and author of over 60 books, Thich Nhat Hanh. Nicholas Kirsten-Honshin is influenced by the sacred meditational space of the transcendental archetypal symbols of Christianity, Zen and Tibetan Buddhism as well as the shamanistic practices of the world's perennial philosophies. Thich Nhat Hanh's words, appearing courtesy of Parallax Press, have inspired many over the years to embark on a more peaceful and mindful path.

Publisher: Amber Lotus Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Zen Mind 2009 Wall Calendar

by Shunryu Suzuki

The mind of Zen Buddhism is revealed through authentic sacred art and profoundly simple wisdom. Zenga art, Zen-inspired brushstroke paintings, surprises and confounds our expectations. Although created by 17th and 18th century monks who were amateur painters, they have a startlingly modern appeal. The Gitter-Yelen collection of Zenga paintings is widely regarded as one of the preeminent collections in the West. Each month, the Zen Mind 2009 wall calendar features a Zenga masterwork paired with quotes from Not Always So by Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971). Suzuki-roshi was considered one of the most influential Zen teachers of his time and was a direct spiritual descendent of the 13th century Zen master, Dogen.

Publisher: Amber Lotus Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

An Introduction to Zen Buddhism

by D.T. Suzuki

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"D.T. Suzuki (1870 - 1966) is usually credited with introducing Zen Buddhism to America, and in AN INTRODUCTION TO ZEN BUDDHISM he covers Zen in a scholastic and erudite fashion. Suzuki's use of English is extremely complex, but his style gets information across very well.While expounding on the basics of Zen, Suzuki is always quick to respond to questions the reader might have. He dedicates an entire chapter to countering the oft-heard argument that Zen is nihilistic. The final chapter covers daily life for Zen monks, giving Westerners a glimpse of what is common knowledge for Japanese (or was several generations ago).The book is not perfect, however. Suzuki covers only the Rinzai school of Japanese Buddhism, leaving the Soto school out in the cold. Also, like any Japanese Zen scholar, he tends to do a little Theravada bashing, claiming that it is "primitive" and unrefined.D.T. Suzuki was a professor of Buddhist studies, and not a Zen adept himself, so it is important to also read an account of Zen from a personal and practical angle, to complement Suzuki's scholarly approach. For that, I recommend QUESTIONS TO A ZEN MASTER with Taisen Deshimaru."

Publisher: Grove Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha

by Thich Nhat Hanh

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"If you read only one book on Buddhism, let it be this one. Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the world's great teachers, and this life of Shakyamuni Buddha is his masterpiece. Every chapter is a perfect gem, every idea put forth bears witness not only to the noblest spiritual tradition, but to the purity of heart of its author. I have read this book many times over; it has never failed to move me, never ceased to nourish within me immense avenues of hope and understanding. I think it is an extraordinary literary accomplishment, however efficacious its spiritual impact. Conversely, it is clear that it derives at least some of its literary merit from the profundity of the ideals which it transmits. It is a clear, often surprising, reverent and humane book, a classic of religious literature in the finest tradition of a universal humanist aesthetic. The breadth of Nhat Hanh's gifts is apparent from the outset; the chapters on young Gautama's princely early life, his marriage, the nascent inward understanding that is his even before taking up the search for life's hidden meaning, are so exquisitely composed that one finds oneself already in possession of the truth to come, already one knows intimately the thirst that takes the Buddha from the life he has known and loved, against the wishes of his father's heart, against his love for and committment toward his own wife and child. This is literature of an everlasting kind. The art of narrative found here really has no equal in all of contemporary religious literature. Beautifully delicate line drawings accompany every chapter like a faint temple bell, the language is as constant and profound as a child's, able to encompass the sophisticated searching of the most ardent doubter and the simple heart of the believer alike. It is a truly great book. Art of this kind is surely what Gutenburg's invention was intended for. A perfect treasure. Read it, and live."

Publisher: Parallax Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Making a Change for Good: A Guide to Compassionate Self-Discipline

by Cheri Huber

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"I have read several of Cheri Huber's books, and this one does not disappoint. She delivers compassion once again - this time relating that self discipline is not about beating yourself or judging yourself into submission to a goal, it is about loving yourself entirely. It is a guide to meditation and journaling, but really it is so much more. She gives you the tools for success in any endeavor - whatever challenges YOU. Whether it is eating right, exercising, being a more kind person, committing to meditation, or ending your procrastination the method of kindness that she allows you to show yourself is a perfect tool for attaining your goal. It is not simply a repeat of her other material. It covers new ground with the same loving-kindness that flows from all of her work. It is not too "new-agey" and regardless of ones spiritual beliefs this guide is a wonderful tool for success."

Publisher: Shambhala | More reviews: amazon.com

Zen in the Martial Arts

by Joe Hyams

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"This was an interesting read. However, I consider the title somewhat misleading given the author's stated purpose for the book as disclosed in chapter one: "...this is a book from which readers may learn to apply the principles of Zen, as reflected in the martial arts, to their lives and thus open up a potential source of inner strength they may never have dreamt they possessed" (pg. 3). It appears that he learned about Zen through his experience with the martial arts and, through this book, is attempting to give Zen a broader application so that one can reap some general metaphysical benefits from Zen without ever becoming a martial artist or even a Zen Buddhist. The author notifies the reader in chapter one that this book isn't for those who wish to master either Zen or the amazing physical feats of more advanced martial artists. The book is for those (martial artists or not) who want a simple, general introduction to the spiritual/mental side of the martial arts for broader applications. This approach has its critics since some may think that he superficially covers Zen's application to the martial arts in his attempt to give it a broader application. This book does not expound in detail the philosophy and/or religion of Zen Buddhism although it does contain some practical concepts related to Zen and life in general. One doesn't have to be a Buddhist or martial artist to appreciate the practical wisdom he shares, but if one wants more details regarding either Zen Buddhism or the martial arts, one is better served looking elsewhere."

Publisher: Bantam | More reviews: amazon.com

Zen Baggage: A Pilgrimage to China

by Bill Porter

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"Bill Porter, a.k.a., Red Pine, has delighted and charmed Asian and foreign readers with his fabulous translations of classical Chinese poetry and Buddhist/Taoist tests. In Road to Heaven, Bill gave us a taste of his mesmerizing traveles among Chinese hermits who sought a separate path away from red dust of Modern China. Now, we are blessed with Zen Baggage, which is the story of Master Red Pine's pilgrimage to religious sights in contemporary China and his ruminations about the joyful task of being here now. His stories are sprinkled with insights about the mystical path and his gentle humor. It matters not how you toil through your day. Master Red Pine has written a book that will bring you back to truth and purity and give you a moment of lightheartedness that is desparately needed in our harsh times. BY ALL MEANS, buy a copy for yourself, five for people you care about and ten for people whom you don't like but need this guidance anyway. Wop-bop-a-loo-a-a-wop-bam-boom!"

Publisher: Counterpoint | More reviews: amazon.com

The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology

by Thich Nhat Hanh

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"Buddhist monk, scholar, and human rights activist Thich Nhat Hanh presents The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology, a thoughtful, almost pocket-sized guide to the spiritual dimension of environmentalism, as seen from a Buddhist perspective. Hanh argues that the impermanence of all things should not be used as an excuse to turn one's back on the world, instead emphasizing that being fully engaged with the world is critical to individual and collective survival. "The wisdom offered by the Buddha is that we accept impermanence - our own death and the inevitable death of our civilization. And afer having accepted that, we will have peace and strength and an awakening that will bring us together. No more hate, no more discrimination. Then we'll have the opportunity to make use of the technology that is available to us in order to save our beloved planet." A thoughtful open letter to all of humanity, highly recommended to readers of all faiths and backgrounds. "

Publisher: Parallax Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Zen Flesh Zen BOnes: A Collection of Zen and Pre-zen Writings

by Paul Reps

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"Of all books about Zen, this is most unassuming I've seen. There is no theory or abridged version of zen philosophy. The stories are carefully chosen and gracefully translated. They leave the reader in a state of wonder, curiosity and puzzlement. What I liked in this book is that it is not trying to educate the reader by teaching him a doctrine. It seems to me that it is true to the zen spirit in this respect. A little literary gem."

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com