Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice

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.

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." So begins this most beloved of all American Zen books. Seldom has such a small handful of words provided a teaching as rich as has this famous opening line of Shunryu Suzuki's classic. In a single stroke, the simple sentence cuts through the pervasive tendency students have of getting so close to Zen as to completely miss what it's all about. An instant teaching on the first page. And that's just the beginning. In the thirty years since its original publication, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind "has become one of the great modern Zen classics, much beloved, much re-read, and much recommended as the best first book to read on Zen. Suzuki Roshi presents show more the basics--from the details of posture and breathing in "zazen" to the perception of nonduality--in a way that is not only remarkably clear, but that also resonates with the joy of insight from the first to the last page. It's a book to come back to time and time again as an inspiration to practice. show less

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.

Shunryu Suzuki gave me, finally, a real understanding of what meditation is like, and gave me reasons to try it.

He is not an easy author to follow, and the translations may have been too respectful to his exact words, but the message is good.
It was only after reading reviews and stories from his friends and students that I could understand the meaning of his text. When he wrote, "the most important thing is..." he meant "this is important here in this context."

I Tried his methods, found I could sit for half and hour, did this for two months, decided to stop, but knew that now I could meditate in my own mind and could do this if I ever felt a need in the future.

It is a very satisfying book.

This is one of the few books I've ever read, and re-read, to where you can open it at any page, read and learn something. It transcends Philosophy. The meaningful ability to approach everything & anything, as if it was new, whether new experiences, travels, etc.; especially important in these so-called "modern times". Suzuki's admonishment to "learn as a new student" speaks to me and I hope that readers will take the time to appreciate and find within themselves these aspects that make all of us eternal students, learners, whatever adjective, description that fits you. Refreshing.

This is one of those books that will meet you pretty much wherever you are at. Although there is much in the author's style that could lend itself to parody, it's an appreciation of simplicity that deserves to be taken seriously even if (like myself) you're a Christian. Zazen is really no more concerned with theology than is the color you paint your room (or at least, it need not be). I feel that in many ways this book has made Christ's teachings even more alive for me, as well as providing a rich framework for imaginative pursuits. I highly recommend getting the audiobook version.

I don't know a great deal about Zen, but I know what I like. And i like this book. In fact I keep an extra copy or two to give away should the subject ever come up. There was a time when I'd read a chapter, and sit. There will no doubt come a time when i will do so again. I kinda think the book should be in hotel rooms instead of the Gideon Bible. Zen is basically pretty simple. Just five words. "Sit down and shut up." Or is it "Open up?" Somehow I sense the descent of a thousand wooden staffs on my shoulders as I ask "Enlighten me?"