Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life

by Shunryu Suzuki, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler (editor)

'Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself.'

In this long-overdue book from one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, Shunryu Suzuki shares simple, warmhearted teachings on a practice that is fundamentally about becoming yourself. In his inimitable style, filled with humor and insight, Becoming Yourself speaks directly to the newest beginners while also serving as a touchstone and a continual source of inspiration for even the most experienced practitioners and Zen teachers.

Becoming Yourself is based on the late Suzuki’s lectures and brings to light many of his unpublished teachings. Throughout, Suzuki's voice is clear and resonates with the unmistakable power of true wisdom.

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, Self Help, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality

208 pages, Hardcover

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Suzuki Roshi was a Sōtō Zen monk and teacher who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States, and is renowned for founding the first Buddhist monastery outside Asia (Tassajara Zen Mountain Center). Suzuki founded San Francisco Zen Center, which along with its affiliate temples, comprises one of the most influential Zen organizations in the United States. A book of his teachings, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, is one of the most popular books on Zen and Buddhism in the West

Reviews

[Larry (LPosse1) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-Star Review of Becoming Yourself by Shunryu Suzuki
“In a beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in an expert’s mind there are few.”

As someone who has long admired Shunryu Suzuki—especially through his classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind—I found Becoming Yourself to be a meaningful and rewarding read. While not as iconic as his earlier work, this collection, thoughtfully assembled by one of his contemporaries, offers fresh insight into Suzuki’s teachings and life.

Suzuki, widely considered the father of Zen Buddhism in the United States, arrived in San Francisco in the 1950s and founded the San Francisco Zen Center. His presence helped shape not only American Buddhism but subtly influenced the beat and hippie movements as well. His ability to express deep spiritual truths with simplicity and humility remains one of his greatest gifts.

One of the highlights of the book for me was a deeply touching letter from his wife about their journey to America—it was beautiful and heartwarming, adding a human, personal layer to Suzuki’s spiritual legacy. I also appreciated the book’s focus on the Buddhist precepts, many of which I’ve incorporated into my own daily meditation practice.

That said, the book can feel a bit disjointed and repetitive at times, which likely reflects the fact that Suzuki was a nonnative English speaker and that the material was compiled from various talks and writings. But even with those limitations, the clarity of his message and the warmth of his spirit come through powerfully.

Becoming Yourself is a valuable addition for those already familiar with Suzuki’s work, or for anyone interested in the roots of American Zen. It may not be perfectly polished, but it’s rich with insight and sincerity.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook performance by Peter Coyote lends authenticity and empathy to the words of Suzuki. The concepts can be challenging to work through, but they are deep, honest, and worthy of practice. I especially enjoyed Suzuki's words on discernment and discrimination. The bonus clips of Suzuki himself are gratifying.

[Ben Ingraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

More niche topic than Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, but must read for Suzuki heads! Probably read his biography soon

[ExtraGravy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice tight collection. My only complaint is that it was too short. Appendix material was interesting.

[Ryan Boissonneault · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an age of relentless distraction—with our attention assaulted by technology every waking second— the importance of meditation becomes increasingly critical. The practice of meditation is, at bottom, simply the ability to focus the mind on one thing, effortlessly, and to clear it of the mental clutter and rubbish that the attention economy continually fills it with.

Buddhism, traditionally, is the area one would gravitate to to learn this crucial skill. The problem, of course, is that, as with any religion, over the years it accumulates some very bizarre beliefs. So, in addition to learning how to meditate, you’re also taught about karmic forces, reincarnation, the idea of the “no-self,” and other incomprehensible nonsense masquerading as wisdom.

Fortunately, Zen Buddhism cuts most of this out, focusing almost entirely on the practice of meditation, on clearing the mind of its constant chatter, and on making one realize that most of our everyday problems are the result of our own creation.

Within Zen Buddhism, Suzuki Roshi—the author of the classic Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind—is undoubtedly one of the most influential teachers of this brand of Zen. In this collection of his teachings, the reader will get instruction on the proper Zen mindset, meditation practice, and advice for everyday living.

Of course, you won’t get any of the benefits of meditation or mindful living by just reading about it and not actually practicing it, but reading Suzuki Roshi has its own intrinsic, relaxing value. It can reorient your thinking and prepare your mind for the sustained focus that you’ll need to undo all the damage social media has inflicted on your brain.

This is not to say that you won’t encounter some nonsense along the way. Buddhists can’t seem to help themselves from saying contradictory, meaningless, and sometimes outright silly things, but the overall message that one should engage fully with the world with a clear mind is probably best expressed by Suzuki Roshi, and this book collects his most compelling teachings.

[Hlyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it really difficult to write a review of this book. Zen is full of paradoxes, yet very simple. There are many strict rules, yet no other philosophy or practice has as much freedom as Zen.

Essentially, this book is about zazen, zazen, more zazen, and the Zen way of life (as Suzuki Roshi puts it, zazen and everyday life are two sides of the same coin). There’s no better book to read after Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.

The audiobook version has a special treat: eight short recordings of Suzuki Roshi himself. Since this book is compiled and edited from the transcripts of his talks, hearing even a small part in his actual voice makes it a deeply moving experience.

[Hope Gale-Hendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps I will be uncovering the mysteries in this book my whole life. A boundlessly deep well-spring of wisdom. 6 months later, I’m finding sentences and koans from these talks click into place. If you practice Zen, you will love this book. If you don’t practice Zen, you might hate this book, but then you might find yourself practicing Zen, so then you should read it again after a while.

[John Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every bit of this! Should read it often!

[Rike Jokanan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just read, no special review about this book--

[LemontreeLime · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was delightful! and just what i needed to hear.