Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
by Shunryu Suzuki
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Book Reviews of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Book Review: Not what I expected
Summary: 2 Stars
I was looking for a simple introduction-to-Buddhism-practice type book. This book comprises several essays that express the author's thoughts regarding concepts such as dualism, control, nothingness. However, he does not explain defintions for these topics.
There is very little information about actually practicing Buddhism, which is too bad for me because there are no teachers near where I live. I suppose the essays could be good guidance for meditation, but I'm not sure if all Buddhism or just Suzuki's approach adovates using no thoughts for meditation. I just finished the book and I'm not even positive about that elementary aspect of Buddhism - how to sit; is his way the only way or recommendation. The lack of a train of thought made it difficult for me to retain his advice.
Personally, I recieved more guidance from articles in the magzine "Shambhala Sun," but was hoping for a basic source of knowledge to fill in the gaps about practicing. He introduced a sitting style, but that was about all the help I recieved from this book. Maybe some one with more knowledge of Buddhism would benefit more from this book.
Book Review: Zen
Summary: 5 Stars
This is perhaps the best book for a westerner interested in zen buddhism to read (though Steve Hagen's Buddhism Plain and Simple is also excellent). Neither of these books really teach you much about Buddhism, rather they teach you how to be a Buddhist (or at least how to find the buddha nature which is already inside of you)Don't let the first section discourage you, it gets much better. I was initially turned off by this book because it begins with an almost harsh description of how one should practise zazen (meditation). For example I did not like hearing that there is only one correct way to do it (you must sit in a lotus position with your hands in your lap, your head perpendicular to you shoulders, and so on and so on). However, it was a misunderstanding on my part as to what the author meant about meditation and what it is you are trying to achieve (or not achieve for that matter).
It was only after realizing the author's description of zazen is the best way to realize the illusions we have created in our minds about the world around us (not to sound like a nutball or anything).
Book Review: a THOUSAND stars...
Summary: 5 Stars
So many people have spoken so well here of the experience of this book, I'm barely chagrined to have nothing new but honest praise for it. I've lived with, and tried to live, this book for years. Its pages are the clearest light, & the cleanest water. It remains unspoiled, evergreen, & always ready to hand you everything whole each time you encounter it. I remember Shunyru Suzuki in SF, even before Tassajara, years before I knew anything at all! I'm embarassed by the few buddhists writing reviews of 'heresy, heresy'... roshi is laughing at their passionate defence, even admiring it! Better, he'd say, simply look and see. That way you know that heresy never shines a light, then your attention can bear fruit. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind may be the single most inevitable spiritual document of the last century. Its pages become lighter and more clean to the bone with each passing day. Read this book and find the REAL way to end war. Find out the REAL peace. It brings you right up to yourself. Once read, everything changes. It's like getting REAL eyes. Recommended with real heart!Book Review: A Wonderful Piece, All You'll Ever Need
Summary: 5 Stars
This book took me out of the maze of faith-based religion and for the first time I found a teacher and a philosophy with so much credibility I had the confidence to trust in the more esoteric aspects of a teaching that weren't initially obvious. Suzuki, and I assume Zen in general, has the wisdom and courage to acknowedge that there are things about our universe that we cannot comprehend and treat them as both beautiful and mysterious. This contrasts with faith-based religions which instruct us to accept notions of "gods" and elaborate tales for explanation and as such are a complete assault on and violation of the intellect. Zen outlook which does away with the largely western notions of right & wrong, past and future, and states of lack will put one squarely in the present tense from moment to moment. It is utterly refreshing and healthy to look at the universe through glasses which are not colored by human desire and ego. Read this book, gain an understanding of yourself, an appreciation for the universe as a whole and piece of mind. NamasteBook Review: After 30 Years, an Old Friend, Newly Discovered!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a '60's flower child, I purchased my copy of this gem when it first came out in 1970. It was my mainstay through all the years that I practiced zazen meditation (often now referred to as "Mindfulness Meditation"). Over the years, my practice fell off until now - when I find my mind continually racing between work, home life, managing a couple of websites, keeping up with e-mail and music practice! I found myself remembering the sustenance and simplicity this book offered and purchased a copy, my first edition having been lost somewhere many years ago. I was delighted to see that the original publisher has kept it in the exact same format and paper quality as the first edition, so I felt the literal presence of an old friend in my hands. Although written from a Zen Buddhist perspective, it is truly non-denominational, and its practice of stilling the mind complements any religious/spiritual tradition - or none at all, if that is your personal choice. Especially for the modest price, this is the best. You need search no further - it's all here.