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 Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
ASIN: 0553351397
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: a moment of peace is waiting for you...
Comments: How can you make a difference in this world? Reading PEACE IS EVERY STEP is definitely a step in the right direction. Thich Nhat Hanh illustrates in his beautifully simplistic way that peace is something that begins with the individual.
One need not read the book from start to finish. Each chapter is a morsel of wisdom in and of itself. I use it as a daily meditation first thing in the morning. A gentle reminder as I start the day.
This book radically changed the way that I look at the world. I have bought copies for so many of my friends and they have done the same after reading it. By passing this message of Peace along, we are in essence forming a Peace Movement. Please do yourself and your community a favor and read and savor this little volume of wisdom.
A moment of peace is waiting for you...
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 Little Zen Page-A-Day Calendar 2003
ASIN: 0761125086
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Daily centering, soul food
Comments: I've been purchasing this calendar, too for the past 4 or 5 years, and I'm hooked. I keep it on my desk at work, and every day I receive an artful reminder to let go of the illusion of control, to see the miracle in daily life, to remember the humor and delight of concrete existence. My office walls are sprinkled with "little zen calendar" pages - memorable quotes or passages from poetry. I think of this calendar as continuing therapy.
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 Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
ASIN: 0834800799
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Finally, Answers Found
Comments: I luckily stumbled onto this little treasure while reading basketball coach phil jackson's "sacred hoops." in that book, jackson repeatedly referred to the teachings of zen master suzuki's teachings in this book. never could i have imagined that a book on sports could lead to such a dramatic, profound and truly life changing experience as i found when reading "zen mind, beginner's mind."
whereas faith based religions are a complete assualt on the intellect when providing answers to the secrets of the universe that are not known to us, suzuki instructs us to respect such things as both "mysterious and beautiful." important and fundamental concepts such as "non-attachment" that can be difficult to grasp are succinctly communicated in reminders such as "a weed grows even though we hate it, and a flower falls even though we love it." zen mind will place your focus squarely in the present and allow to rid yourself of state depriving emotions once you learn to let go of any "gaining" notions. you'll find focus and calm in all situations. (just like michael jordan and the chicago bulls whom coach jackson required zen-like meditation at the end of each practise!)
this book is so complete it's all you'll really ever need. and as the author implies "once you've got it, you've got it. no need to keep searching."
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 Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Book Of Eastern Wisdom
ASIN: 0740727109
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: A very lovely little book
Comments: Sometimes inspirational texts can be a bit overdone and superficious, but I didn't find this book this way. I really like the quotes that were placed together. This book sections itself off into several different areas and then presents you with different thoughts to focus on. Honestly, the best book I have found to help you change your perspectives. This book is so well put together I feel it will make an impact on many different people as they read this. I placed my book on my desk, and encourage colleges to thumb through this one. If you are a fan of Frankil Covey, I find the no nonsense assembly of these inspirational saying to be right on track. I liked this one so well it became stocking stuffers for my family.
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 Buddhism Plain and Simple
ASIN: 0767903323
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: A deep look into the nature of existence
Comments: The title of the book reflects its contents and spirit. This is buddhism the way it was always meant to be: a deep look into the nature of existence and awareness. To learn and practice buddhism you don't have to shave your head, dress funny and withdraw from society, you just have to be willing to see the world as it is, plain and simple, and this book is an invitation to do exactly that. Plain and simple doesn't mean easy and shallow, it just means "free of the fetters and cultural trappings that [Buddhist teachings] have accumulated over twenty-five centuries".
It's interesting to analyze the mindset of those who consider this book to be too simple or, at the other end, too complex. Those who think so must already have a pretty good idea of what "true" buddhism is. That idea must be something fixed and immutable, as you cannot compare against a changing standard. But we all know (don't we?) that nothing in this universe is fixed and immutable. The moment you try to pin anything down is the moment you lose it, and that applies to buddhist teachings as well. I think most of the bad reviews come from individuals who are clinging to their own ideas about buddhism. By doing so they are denying all the teachings they suposedly accept, a very peculiar position, if you ask me. The wonderful thing about buddhism is precisely its lack of dogma, and "Buddhism Plain and Simple" is a great example of what can be achieved by discussing the human condition in an open minded way, free of any pre-conceived ideas. To quote the author: "The observations and insights of the Buddha are plain, practical, and eminently down-to-earth. They deal exclusively with the here and now, not with theory, speculation, or belief in some far off time or place. Because these teachings remain focused on this moment -even as you read this- they remain relevant, and of profound value, to every culture and every person who investigates them seriuosly. It is to these uncluttered, original insights and observations that this book returns"
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 The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A New Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha)
ASIN: 086171072X
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Inspiring and close to the source
Comments: These are sutras from the Therevadan traddition of Buddhism. This book contains many of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha. They are translated from the Pali Cannon, which is a collection of teachings initially passed on verbally by rote by the early Buddhist monks. It was spoken monk to monk, teacher to learner in the Pali language of ancient India for many years before being written down. As far as I can tell, this is a good translation (I don't speak Pali and haven't read more than one translations of most of these teachings), but it is easily readable. The book itself is very well presented - as befits a sacred text. I, as a buddhist, find it very moving. The teachings are very direct, both in terms of being passed person to person through a continuous lineage of monks from the Buddhas own disciples and in terms of the teachings are there for you to read and reflect on for yourself without a teacher/guru. However, they do contain much of the ritualistic frills and formalities common to original Buddhist sutras (eg. most of them start with "Thus I have heard...", contain much repetition and end by whoever is the subject being converted/becomming enlightenned. I sometime wish I had them as a .txt document so I could cut them down to their essence. However, I find them an Inspiring and Sacred text - And this book has made a big difference to the depth of my going for refuge :-)
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 The Zen of Seeing: Seeing Drawing As Meditation
ASIN: 0394719689
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Life in a contemplative way, not just art.
Comments: What a revelation! This book is actually a way of life, a way of seeing world in a very different yet sobbering way. This book is for the artist within, those of us who are intimidated by our art-works and yet have a deep longing to express ourselves through them.
In this book, Mr. Franck shares his way of viewing the world and expressing it through his drawings and the process is very much spiritual, it is a way of life. When I picked up this book, I thought I'd learn some technique in drawing that can help me, but I gained so much more; all I needed to learn I already have inside. Now, I can't wait to bring my sketchbook and pencil everywhere I go and start drawing.
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 Everyday Zen: Love and Work
ASIN: 0060607343
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: A book for people practicing Zen
Comments: I read this book after reading "Nothing Special". I like Joko's writing a lot, simple, direct to the points just as Zen should be simple. This book may be hard for people trying to understand Zen only (without practice) or beginners. But to people practicing sitting Zen daily I think it contains a lot of good advices which I can apply into living. I will read and read again both books by Joko. I have read many Zen books and found that this book and "Nothing Special" are among the best for me. Highly recommend both "Everyday Zen" and "Nothing Special".
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 The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master
ASIN: 087011851X
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: An excellent book!
Comments: I've been reading The Unfettered Mind for the past week and I'm amazed by the depth of Takuan's writing. I thoroughly enjoy the anecdotes and the references to Kendo masters such as the Yagyu clan for advice on matters of lord and retainer. Takuan Soho must be placed in the pantheon of other highly influential writers such as Sun Tzu, Confucius, Musashi and others.
Takuan is at or near the top of my must read list.
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 Nothing Special: Living Zen
ASIN: 0062511173
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: "Nothing Special" is Phenomenal
Comments: I began looking at this book with a critical and suspicious eye, but I was vastly unhappy and needed some guidance. I was interested in Zen, but most things I'd read that were American Zen seemed kind of loopy and new-agey. As I continued reading, I was completely engrossed by Ms. Beck's ability to express the compassion and tolerance inherent in her school of Zen Buddhism. Her teachings are the no-nonsense wisdom I have been looking for; they are all about my everyday life and totally relevant. Without a doubt, this book has allowed me to change my life and start to be happy. I recommend this book ZEALOUSLY, which I never do for any other book...
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 Ordinary Mind: Exploring the Common Ground of Zen and Psychotherapy
ASIN: 0861713060
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: ...from an ordinary reader
Comments: Although the title of this text implies that this is a work best suited to professionals, I was delighted to find just the opposite. This is a book clearly presents some of the most basic aspects of Zen meditation written from a personal and inspiring perspective. It makes it possible for even the beginner to understand the rewards and challenges of just sitting meditation.
As a previous reviewer said ..."this is not just an intellectual polemic. Using a combination of honest examples from his own life, the wisdom of the Zen koan, and not least of all, humor, he repeatedly returns to how these issues inform our everyday life as we live it."
In addition this work includes a nicely written index making it possible to revisit those areas that made you think on your first read.
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 The Zen of Listening: Mindful Communication in the Age of Distraction
ASIN: 0835607909
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Excellent
Comments: This book totally transformed the way I listen! Using the techniques from this book: - I no longer have to focus on how I am going to respond. - I acually hear what the person is saying. - I don't experience stress about communicating. People comment that I communicate more effectively now, and all I've changed is how I listen. The book I felt dragged a little in the beginning, but if you just hang in there, you will be well rewarded!
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 The Three Pillars of Zen : Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment (Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Edition)
ASIN: 0385260938
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Still the best guide to Zen, by an American Buddhist.
Comments: There is a rare balance in this account of Zen. To my mind, one of its great merits is that it captured the infectious enthusiasm of aspiring Western Zen students - when the spirit of inquiry was still fresh, and not obfucated by a zillion overgrowths which have since tended to cloud it. That receptivity - fortunately combined with the willingness of Kapleau's Asian teachers to provide practical guidance - laid a vauable foundation for the practice of Zen - in the West, one that we might well take stock of - however far things have moved on, since Kapleau set down the material for this book. The variety of sources - the teachings of Yasutani and Harada roshi, Kapleau's comments, the accounts of Western Buddhists participating in sesshin, Japanese practioners etc., make this a very fruitful guide. Throughout - the emphasis is on the practical, the intrinsic relationship between theory, practice - and enlightenment.There is a sincerity to this book, the stuff of a 'hands on' approach to Zen, including the often agonising periods and trials that most genuine practitioners encounter. No fabled stories about painless enlightenment, the quick fix, or worse - the dangerous illusion, popular in some quarters, that Zen Buddhism literally eschews the idea of 'striving' to realize enlightenment. The people mentioned in this book have trained with 'ku-fu' - which provides a valuable example for newcomers to the quest. This was Philip Kapleau's best book - and it will remain a Western Zen classic.
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 Being Zen: Bringing Meditation to Life
ASIN: 1570628564
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: CLEAR AND HEARTFELT
Comments: BEING ZEN provides a practical, heartfelt approach for addressing the messiness of everyday life - our difficult situations, our anger and confusion, and most of all, our fears. Ezra Bayda does this without losing sight of the bigger picture of our basic connectedness. In fact, the basic theme of the book is about moving from our "cocoon world of protectedness" to living in a genuine way.
Spiritual practice has to withstand the unrelenting quizzes of daily challenge. Bayda has certainly had his share, as described, for example, in his own struggles with fear, self-doubt and illness. These and other examples are used as a basis for describing very specific and practical tools for using the challenges of everyday life as opportunities to become free. And he does so in a very clear and down-to-earth way, making this immediately accessible to the reader.
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 The Zen of Organizing
ASIN: 0028642651
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Zen delivered...
Comments: The Zen of Organizing: Creating Order and Peace in Your Home, Career and Life is one of the first organizing books that I have read that made sense and that actually made a difference in my life. The book has resulted in my creating more peace (zen) not only within my home, but also within my life. The author, through her suggestions and stories, helped me to identify solutions and provided insight to my organizing. Ms. Leeds' inspirational approach to organizing has assisted me in getting organized and staying organized.
If you are looking for lasting changes...Give yourself a gift and get this book.
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 The Way of Zen
ASIN: 0375705104
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: The Way of Zen is an excellent introduction to Zen Buddhism.
Comments: Scan the "Eastern Philosophy" racks at your local bookstore and you'll see the problem--books with titles like "The Tao of Love and Relationships" or "The Zen of Career Advancement." Much of the literature on eastern philosophy written by westerners is distorted as it is re-focused through the prism ("prison," some would argue) of western thought and language. Alan Watts appreciates and addresses these difficulties in The Way of Zen, an excellent introduction to the Zen Buddhism. Watts explores Zen's historical background, tracing it from Buddhism's migration from India to China, where it absorbed elements of Confucian and Taoist thought, to its final development in Japan. The second half of the book describes Zen's underlying principles and its practices, such as the absence of "self" and the futility of purpose. Rich in scholarly detail, yet accessible to the lay reader, The Way of Zen, is remarkable in its lucidity. Watts uses analogies and allusions culled from daily life to illustrate Zen principles and does much to clear up western misconceptions about Zen thought. He also warns of the difficulties many westerners face trying to understand Zen. With the English language's clear separation between the observer and the observed, the action and the actor and its rigid division of time into past, present and future, Zen thought often strikes westerners as mystical or moronic. While Watts may champion Zen, he never stoops to mere cheer-leading. Instead he has produced a highly readable book that explains and de-mystifies Zen.
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 The Compass of Zen: Zen Master Seung Sahn (Shambhala Dragon Editions)
ASIN: 1570623295
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: FIND YOUR WAY HOME
Comments: So much has been said and written about buddhism one sometimes feel unsure about where to go next along the path. Smaller Vehicle (Hinayana), Greater Vehicle (Mahayana), Zen Vehicle (Chan), which one to take to the other shore? Why buddhism? What is Karma? What is true Practice? What is Buddha Nature? What are Theoritical Zen, Tathagatha Zen and Patriarchal Zen? What is our Original Face? What can I do? So many questions...
This book will explain in a clear and comprehensive manner the three main buddhist traditions and the points they lead to. The writing style is sometimes quite scholarly, sometimes humourous, never boring. Get correct answers about buddhism today; GET THIS COMPASS, FIND YOUR WAY HOME!
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 The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living
ASIN: 0028639588
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Buy it, read it, burn it, live it
Comments: I have been studying Zen off and on for years but was continually frustrated by the relentless obscurantism. On several occasions I asked questions on Zen newsgroups and was disappointed when people would answer my questions with riddles. Also, when I asked a Zen Roshi to answer some questions (even offering to pay him for his time) I found myself railroaded into taking his beginner's course a second time! I began to suspect that there are a lot of people out there who are so attached to some FORM of Zen that they have lost the ability to communicate the essentials in a compelling manner. They asked me, in effect, to "just have faith", perhaps inspired by their reports of bliss.
Sorry, but I've been there, done that! If you can't explain your valuable insight without a modicum of understanding of who I am and what I can grasp, then I'm not interested.
That's why I found "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living" (hereinafter TCIGTZL), so very refreshing. While I'm sure that some Zen purists will scoff, I was happy to have some perplexing questions answered. For example, I once asked on a Zen newsgroup, "What is the benefit of Zen? Why should I entrust the next 20 years of my life to some teacher whose qualifications I'm not able to assess?" In response, I got a lot of Zentastic blathering. It was as if they were trying to teach somebody calculus before arithmetic.
TCIGTZL, on the other hand, lays out the benefits quite clearly. I fail to see the harm in that; the authors carefully explain the "goaless goal" aspect of Zen, so there should be little danger of readers striving to attain and cling to those benefits. (If I may draw an analogy: you can explain the advantages of learning to read without getting people fixated on the actual process once they acquire the skill.)
So, at last, a bit of clarity! While Zen has long appealed to me at a gut level, I was getting to the point where I was asking, "After hundreds of years, why hasn't Zen improved its method of introducing itself to neophytes?" Maybe that's not fair -- maybe I wasn't looking in the right places -- but until I found TCIGTZL I was starting to think that I'd been wrong about Zen all along.
TCIGTZL does include a lot of material that is perplexing. I expected that. I also expect to find my future exploration of Zen frustrating. Now, though, I've read an accessible overview. I won't keep the book -- that would be too "clingy" -- but at least I now have some validation of my initial (favourable) gut reaction to Zen.
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 Zen Meditation in Plain English
ASIN: 0861713168
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Taming the mind.
Comments: I was encouraged to "just sit" when I started practicing Zen meditation, but John Daishun Buksbazen's meditation manual offers much easier intructions to Zen practice. In his Foreward to Buksbazen's how-to guide, Peter Matthiessen notes that "this gentle book . . . is a wonderful introduction to Zen Buddhism, and also an invitation to a new life" (p. 13). Buksbazen is a Zen Buddhist priest and a psychoanalyst. Meditation offers us "a way of getting deeply in touch with the true Self," he observes; "not just the narrow self; that much can be accomplished through psychotherapy or a number of other disciplines. But sitting deals with the 'big-S'-Self, that most basic level of reality that has nothing to do with culture, social status, intellect, or even personality. It deals with who you really are beyond all specifics of time and place. And who you really are, ultimately, is the universe itself" (p. 35).
Organized into three parts, "Buddhas," "Sitting," and "Community," and then followed by a section of "Frequently Asked Questions," Buksbazen's 123-page book offers its reader an excellent introduction to taming our minds and discovering who we are through the practice of Zen meditation.
G. Merritt
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