Zen mind, beginner's mind

A not-quite introduction to Zen, the wonder and presence of what is already familiar and immediate, studied closely from a position of openness without the goal of attaining anything. Compiled from short talks and given structure starting from practice and form, to attitudes and feeling, to understanding and mindset, around again to "true understanding is practice itself".

This is a tough one. It's a beautiful book, and obviously full of nuggets of wisdom, but I'd be hard pushed to describe it as accessible.

I really did take three years reading this - one short lecture at a time. I feel I have a somewhat better understanding of what Zen Buddhism is about, which is probably the most one can ask of a book about a tradition that isn't really mine.



One theme that really struck a chord is that there isn't a distinct compartment into which one puts "practice" or "spirituality", any more than there is for "morality" or even "breathing" - to take these things seriously to make them a ubiquitous part of life. I often need reminding of this.

I really did take three years reading this - one short lecture at a time. I feel I have a somewhat better understanding of what Zen Buddhism is about, which is probably the most one can ask of a book about a tradition that isn't really mine.



One theme that really struck a chord is that there isn't a distinct compartment into which one puts "practice" or "spirituality", any more than there is for "morality" or even "breathing" - to take these things seriously to make them a ubiquitous part of life. I often need reminding of this.