Novice to Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity

by Soko Morinaga, Belenda Attaway Yamakawa (Translator)

Everybody loves Novice to Master ! As you'll see in the glowing endorsements and reviews included below, this modern spiritual classic has been embraced by readers of all types.

In his singularly humorous and biitingly direct way, Zen abbot Soko Morinaga tells the story of his rigorous training at a Japanese Zen temple, his spiritual growth and his interactions with his students and others. Morinaga's voice is uniquely tuned to the truth of the condition of the human mind and spirit and his reflections and interpretations are unvarnished and succinct. His great gift is the ability to lift the spirit of the reader all the while exposing the humility and weakness in the lives of people, none more so than his own.

Read on to see what everyone from Publishers Weekly to well-known Buddhist figures and even New York Times bestselling author Anthony Swofford have to say about this one of a kind book!

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, Nonfiction, Religion, Memoir, Spirituality, Philosophy

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2002

Reviews

[Steve]

A portion of the Daitoku-ji temple complex in Kyoto, where Soko Morinaga (1925–1995) trained and lived


For a person strong in his cravings, clinging to his narrow experience and knowledge as the supreme law, caught in a ravine between feelings of superiority and inferiority, between building and destroying an ideal self-image - to uncover one's own misconceptions is a task more easily described than accomplished.


What a lovely book!

Novice to Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity (2002) is a translation of Soko Morinaga's spiritual autobiography - presented to encourage the ordinary human being that also he/she can attain enlightenment - and the iconoclastic, direct and pointedly humorous nature of Zen practice and pedagogy suffuses the text to guarantee the reader's great pleasure and profit from this description of an unexpected trajectory from a totally disillusioned, defeated young soldier at the end of World War II to an internationally renowned Renzai Zen master, head monk at the venerable Daitoku-ji and head of Hanazono University, affiliated with the Rinzai sect. Morinaga Roshi was also closely engaged in the growth of Zen Buddhism in the United States and Great Britain.(*)

In a simple, direct and very telling manner Morinaga portrays the unusual life of a practicing Zen monk with an emphasis on the travails and challenges of a novice along with the curious and often apparently cruel rites of passage of Zen training and on the unique relationship between a master and his disciple. What is striking is that Morinaga makes these seem to be natural to the reader by personalizing every bit of it from his own experience; one grasps the internal logic of it all not in the abstract but in the very concrete and personal. The austerities of the strict practice Morinaga describes are remarkable, and one wonders how widely they are observed, for in Japanese literature Buddhist priests and monks often are evoked in quite a different light indeed.(**) Remarkable also are the compassion and concern manifested in this text. No fire and brimstone here.




One of the famous rock gardens at the Daitoku-ji


Whether one is interested in the goals and practice of Zen or not, this text does contain elements of quite general interest, as suggested in this passage:

Inevitably, the person who has taken special pride in their work meets the onslaught of old age - which renders them incapable of working as they have up to now - with special dread. The person who boasts of an exceptionally sharp intellect will be especially intimidated by a progressive dimming of the mind. The person who has lived an exemplary life as a member of society will be especially frightened to witness the siphoning sway of their own physical and mental power.

The Buddhist way to meet these facts of life (and others) is to posit the nonessential nature of all beings, who arise out of the essential and dynamic No-Form, strut across a stage for a while and return to that churning void, only to generate yet more impermanent forms, all proceeding according to immutable laws.

All being is without fail exhausted. But the voidness or emptiness, which is the very foundation of all being, is inexhaustible.

The Buddhist vision is awe-some and hardly comfortably reassuring.(***) Nonetheless, even Zen Buddhism turns back to life and the world of ten thousand things out of compassion, like the Boddhisatvas who have attained enlightenment but have chosen to remain on the Wheel of Life to help others.

Enlightenment is liberation from the dross of learning and experience that, without one's being aware of it, has accumulated and settled like so much sediment, or like cholesterol into one's arteries. It is the vivid, lively manifestation of the heart with which one is born - the heart that is no-form, no-mind, nonabiding, attached neither to form nor to thought, but in dynamic motion. Consequently, enlightenment is not an endpoint, but rather a starting point.


(*) I recently reviewed The Ceasing of Notions, a translation of the Buddhist dialogue Jue-guan lun that includes a very useful commentary by Morinaga as well as excerpts from Novice to Master that convinced me I wanted to read this book.

(**) Morinaga writes "This style of training is found particularly in monasteries of the Rinzai sect as opposed to Soto Zen monasteries." Long ago, I practiced in a Soto Zen dojo, but excepting the dojo leader we were all laypeople. Austerities were only sampled during retreats, and those were held within bounds.

(***) There are more popular forms of Buddhism in which salvation and eternal life in the Western Paradise are promised if, for example, one repeats the name of Amida Buddha.(!) Of course, most human beings everywhere have struck their own bargains with the awe-some.

[Guy Newland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have used many books to teach Zen in my Buddhism class at the university. This one works the best because it combines a tight and compelling personal narrative with deep insight into the "great matter" of life and death. It shows the authoritarian nature of traditional Zen training in Japan, yet through the particular it opens the universal human encounter with death. From beginning to end, it is a book about facing death--beginning in kamikaze desperation and ending in joy. One student e-mailed me, " I have been anxious lately, but upon completing this book, I immeditately felt a sense of peace and understanding to what life really is, to the point where I started crying out of joy: something I've never experienced before." Well I don't get many e-mails like this. It will probably remain on my syllabus for the rest of my career.

[Asim Bakhshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morinaga eloquently weaves together the simplicity and complexity of Zen teachings. He provides a soulful reflection of his personal journey towards enlightenment, drawing from his experiences as a student in a monastery. Rather than simply recounting autobiographical scenes, Morinaga delves deep into his emotional and intellectual development throughout his path towards enlightenment.

What stands out in Morinaga's writing is his ability to recall with photographic memory the intricate feelings and sensations he experienced as a novice. Through his reflections, Morinaga invites readers to explore the milestones of his journey and the spiritual insights he gained along the way. Ultimately, this book is a testament to the transformative power of Zen and an act of "post-Zazen" reflection that offers readers a unique and profound glimpse into the journey towards enlightenment.

[David Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the great spiritual biographies. As a teacher, I especially appreciated the opening chapter which provides a highly unusual and illuminating view of the mindset of a young Japanese man (teenager) in the closing months of WWII.

Morinaga's prose is lucid and accessible; his story, and his message, simple but not simplistic.

--
"From the first in people and in things, there is no such thing as trash." --- 29

"There is no way you can exert yourself in this world without that exertion being of value." -- 39

"Information collected on the subject of religion is worthless. Religion is, to the very end, something you must verify for yourself through actual practice." -- p. 115

[ROHIT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly beautiful book.

Shows in detail how zen monks live and practise.

Also the world with causes and effects won't help you run away from death, and enlightenment being the only solution to this. And that good and evil will make you less peaceful.

Also the story of Miss Okatawa is very touching in that a strict workaholic in the end was afraid of death.

Highly recommended.

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought on impulse, entirely on the strength of that title. Got angry and dismissive more than once, finished it with something like disdain. Was drawn to re-read because I couldn't understand what had pissed me off. Found wisdom the second time around. Ego, man. It's a thing.

[Manolo González · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, it's not a book tellyng you how to practice buddhism, it's a brief book about the life of a former Zen Master, focused on his obstacles and problems, sometimes it's interesting, some others it's just confusing (talking about terminolgy...maybe it's just me).

[Carlton R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oldest daughter gave me this book a couple of years ago for Christmas. She is not a Christian, she is a Wiccan. She gave me this Zen Buddhist master's book. If you're confused by this turn of events I am too. But no matter the book came to me by someone's G-d's providence. I'll accept that because I've learned not to put G-d in a box. He won't stay there.
I first came across Buddhism in 1976 while in Korea. I was intrigued by the Buddhist monk, Head of the largest monastery in Korea begging for a meal. I struck up a conversation. Well now this book showed up and I just had to read it. Insights galore. Wonderfully presented, in a pleasing and captivating way.
I'll only relate one insight from his book. I finally understand the full(?) meaning of the phrase "When the student is ready the teacher will appear". It amazes me that there is insight within insight like gazing into a pool. First the surface, then the colored fish, next the camouflaged life, the bottom and finally the reflection of the trees.
The book is like this; and oh, by the way, the phrase is a koan.
Be sure to read this one maybe you'll begin to see the reflection of the koan staring back at you. (I have a smile at the last when you read the book you may understand this—gibberish(?).
Oh, and gratitude to my daughter who in her Wiccan way did my G-d's will. By the BY you and the teacher/student are one.

Carlton R. Smith, Author, The Ignorant Grandfather
website: http://www.theignorantgrandfather.org

[John San Nicolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morinaga was drafted into the military during the second world war. At the time, he was thoroughly convinced that his nation's war was just, and righteous. But once the war was over, he came to the crumbling realization that it wasn't what he thought.

In the eyes of Japan, the war was just. In the eyes of America, it wasn't. After having had his view of the world so shaken, what was he to believe?

Morinaga shares his story of how he came to practice Zen. It was a journey of learning to trust his master, a journey of learning about himself.

Rarely can I engage with other religious traditions when reading books. This book in particular gives you a livened view of what it is like to practice Zen.

[Nils De Smet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very approachable way to start thinking about Zen Buddhism. Well told, in simple terms, coming from feelings that are very relatable. This book is a quite entertaining read for those wishing to understand more on the ways and philosophies of Zen Monks, and more importantly, how they got there. Insightful!

[Will Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"From the first, in people and in things, there is no such thing as trash." This comes across in the writing. Really moved by the encouragement to live by the spirit of “one chance, one encounter.” Living and dying in every moment. He makes a great case for this with the explanation the we already don't meet every encounter with the same personhood. We look to a lover one way and to a friend a different way. Where did that person go that was looking at the lover? He died and was born looking at the friend. Wonderful. Each moment is a chance to encounter just this! This is a strong lesson for me.

Nice history of how rigorous Zen training is like. A soft and sentimental story at the end left me in a kind spirit.

[Tjibbe Wubbels · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book that has a calm feel about it. You can easily read this in one day. Preferably in some bamboo grove besides an ancient shrine while sipping green tea. In the end your heart will have become a mirror reflecting only what is directly in front of it at the present moment. Morinagasensei also provides some excellent cleaning tips.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read. not what i was expecting (Joan Halifax claims she laughed til she cried....i did not laugh). lots to mull over. Rinzai Zen is definitely not my path! my huge ego could not withstand the shaming or boot camp aspect of things, but i definitely found much that resonates with most spiritual disciplines.

[Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad as Japanese Zen monk biographies go. I won't say that if you've read one you've read them all, but there tends to be some common themes: I was an idiot when a novice, I was abused by my master, I learned to appreciate the abuse given me by my master, I became a master, now I abuse my novices who have come to love me, etc. Maybe you have to be Japanese.

[Tyler McGaughey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am actually a little ashamed at how much I enjoyed this book. As if I'm the first educated Westerner to have his mind 'totally blown' by reading about Zen Buddhism and shit. Maybe that's just the kind of guilt that a liberal arts education can give a white boy.

[Jim Kinkaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but wonderful book on the life of Soko Morinaga Rossi, a Japanese Zen master on his transformation from a lost literary student to a Zen master and the lessons he learned on the way. Insightful and thought provoking for anyone with a shred of self-awareness. I highly recommend.

[Andrew MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my 'I'll carry this around and read whenever I'm waiting in line or whatever' read, and I'm pretty happy with my choice. It's not a book I would recommend for people just starting to explore Buddhism, but for anyone who has read a primer of some kind, it'll be a lovely, lovely read. I found Moringa's personal history - how he was drafted into the Japanese military, the economic devastation following the war, and his eventual decision to hit up a monastery - fascinating, and the book's mixture of memoir and philosophy really hit the spot. I was particularly moved at the end when Moringa, now a master many years after we first meet him, advises his old master's terminally ill caretaker, someone much older than he, on how to prepare for death. Ack! Very moving.

This wouldn't be the book I'd recommend as an introduction to Zen - that would be either Everyday Zen Joko Beck or Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, the latter a book I return to frequently because of its short, mindbendy passages that can be read daily without much time investment. From there, you can mix and match your DT Suzuki (if you're more academically minded), Alan Watts (if you're younger, new agey, and, like me, have heard his voice on Youtube a million times, overlaying some ambient muzak), Pema Chodran or Thicht Nan Han (for the more self-help, personal growth minded folks).

Moringa's book probably comes after you've done some spiritual rooting around, not because you won't enjoy it otherwise, but because you'll enjoy it more as supplementary reading to an already developed palate of Buddhist literature.

tl;dr: A lovely read recommended for those who already understand the basics of Buddhism

[Philipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiography of one of the more famous Zen monks, what made him become a Zen monk, what the training was like, and his thoughts on teaching/learning.

There are several angles you as the readers could approach this from:

1) Teaching. Morinaga said his greatest motivation to push through was his eventual hatred of this teacher: "The best students are attached by hatred, the mediocre by charity, and the worst by authority". You might know that from yourself, spite is a great motivator - I'd rather not base my own teaching on hatred, though. You can see why the Zen temple's teaching is so strict.

2) Life advice. The main message is similar to Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice, we're all idiots, if we approach life continuously as a beginner, as an admirer of all of life's wonders, then we'll live the best life.

That being the case, just what is it that I have accomplished up to now? I was not inspired to work my way into and out of Tokyo University as did Zuigan Roshi. Neither have I become a chief abbot. What I have done is only this: When it has been my turn to work in the kitchen, I have given everything I’ve got to working in the kitchen.

3) Kick to the shins. Morinaga is great at looking at his past lies to himself, and dismantling them. Sometimes I need that. "“There’s just no way. Roshi could do it because he understands Buddhism, and he is a great human being. But me, I am just an ordinary person and, well…” This is not humility; it is nothing more than self-cherishing self-defense!"

[Visnja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I somewhat enjoyed the book for its content and overview of a monk's life, though was disappointed that it didn't impart more than just surface ideas and experiences.

A lot is likely (hopefully) lost in translation with this work - and much more than is inevitable with any deeply spiritual text - which is regrettable. Morinaga, I am certain, has much wisdom to share beyond these printed passages. Not a work of eloquence, and in many parts, ambiguity forces confusion (like when he tries to describe challenges and lessons he learned from the sages and his roshi). Some key terms such as "self" and "you" are even used interchangeably with "true self" and in a manner of teaching, probably would confuse a reader who knows not much about the intended teaching.

I won't be keeping this copy for my shelves and would redirect readers to another work such as anything by Jack Kornfield (even if it means re-readings his works!) At best, I urge you to read the latter third of the book, which has some nice passages (especially "we are like water")

[Riaz Ujjan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young man, who is forced to go to the war sees humiliating surrender of his nation amid a trial of war crimes against his countrymen, returns home and see the death of his parents in quick succession. His fields are taken away by government in the name of land refroms. Disappointed with life Morinaga decided to join Zen Sect and starts practicing at a Buddhist temple. In this book he has given details of his life journey before and after joining the Zen practice in an easy way without using difficut philosophical phrases or words. Morinaga has sahred his journey, what difficulties he faced and how he achieved the goal. A worth readong book to understand the practices of the Zen sect of Buddhism.

[James M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Read

This is among the best books of its kind I have ever come across. Morinaga is full of sweetness and light, an impish presence as he leads us through the adventure of his life and what he has learned from it. Even at its darkest, it is full of illumination, and toward the end it touches upon three of the most fundamental elements of true Zen practice: the way the true self is "like water" in that it far exceeds the physical bounaries of the separated individual; the need to conceive life as being born and dying over and over, every moment; and the indispensible samadhi of playfulness.

[John Fredrickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. Morinaga depicts his training and his enlightenment with a very frank and humorful** style, while all the while remaining very serious in his message. It is a short read, but comes across as a wonderful conversation with someone who has much wisdom. He offers this wisdom in a very direct, non-assuming manner, for those who are willing and able to heed.

** My dictionary and online sources are indicating that this is not a real word, but I am going with the assumption that they are behind the times! Humorous does not carry the right connotation.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent translation. Filled with captivating anecdotes. Wisely practical, transcending sectarianism, shows Mahayana Buddhism is about life, including the many births and deaths we each undergo, not merely about Buddhism itself. Highly recommend for persons not interested in Buddhism, yet in wisdom to live joyfully and sanely and die prepared to die. Especially enjoyed the selections on death, as well as the treatment of the samadhi of play.

[Kathy Mcconkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life story of a Japanese boy who becomes a Zen master. Several stories in one:
How he (and many Japanese people in Japan) thought about World War II, before, during, and after -fascinating.
His initial feelings about becoming a monk and his feelings about Zen teachers. Also fascinating.
The amazingly rigorous and yet valuable training required.
Finally, some beautiful lessons in Zen Buddhism without any of the jargon - based in everyday experiences.

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book, especially the third part about death! It was written so gently, humorously, and simply, containing core Zen concepts and lessons that are easily understood. Each anecdote drew me in and beautifully illustrated each lesson. The whole book is really about some dark things, including war and suffering and death, but it carries so much meaning in the most lighthearted way. I’m so glad I read it, I hope to reread in the future.

[Koen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great and simple book. Mr. Morinaga takes the reader on the road he took from being a post-war literaturestudent to becoming a zen-novice and finally a master. With witty anecdotes and a clear message this zen-master shows you what the life of a monk is like and what they try to attain by sitting. I enjoyed reading this numerous times.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this author connected his specific religious training with the best of any religious practice--the practice of encountering life as it is, taking responsibility for one's life and happiness, seeing death as part of life--although the author was tied to a rigorous Zen tradition, he really showed the connection between his practice and the life that we all share.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

52 book club challenge - title starting with the letter “N”; title is a spoiler; set in the 1940s
Popsugar reading challenge - a book you want to read based on the last sentence; a book under 250 pages

I read this book before Goodreads and had it on the shelf to read-read. A very moving story about a Buddhist monk’s journey to enlightenment.

[Mrs H Heggadon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fascinating and heart warming book, I loved and devoured every word.

Left me with a feeling of a meaning of life. Like a mini enlightenment in the book.

I found it a hard read at first - but I’ve read it so many times now it flows beautifully.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for university and honestly it is definitely a favourite.
Everyone should read this at one point in their life.