Zen at the End of Religion: An Introduction for the Curious, the Skeptical, and the Spiritual but Not Religious

by James Ishmael Ford

Zen as the ideal path for those who have left institutional religion behind


Do you feel there is something more to be found in life? Is there something more for your life? Traditionally people turn to religions to find that “more.”


Today, when cultures are in upheaval and traditional religions are collapsing, a prominent Zen teacher explores the possibility of a spirituality at the heart of all religions.


Zen at the End of Religion is a brief introduction to Zen as a practical expression of perennial wisdom, a “naturalistic perennialism.”


The book offers a simple introduction to the core of Zen’s why and how. While Zen is a rich and varied tradition, this introduction focuses on the essentials, the foundations of the Zen way. This book explores the Four Noble Truths, the Two Truths, the Ten Ox Herding Pictures, Zen meditation, samadhi, koans, enlightenment, and more.


“When I hear James Ford’s words, something in me wakes up. He has the rare ability to communicate something that is much larger than himself. We are all lucky to be in contact with this gift.” —Gesshin Claire Greenwood, author of Bow First, Ask Questions Later

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Mike Zickar · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Roshi Ford brings together a combination of a life long dedication to Zen practice as well as deep and wide scholarly reading indicative of a curious and delightful mind, all reflecting on what spiritual practice is like in this tumultuous time.

This is a book with deep and gentle wisdom.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Zen at the End of Religion” by James Ishmael Ford is a profound, accessible, and deeply human guide for anyone seeking spiritual insight beyond traditional religious frameworks. With warmth, wit, and the clarity of a seasoned Zen teacher, Ford bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern spiritual yearning, offering a refreshing path for the curious, the skeptical, and the spiritually unaffiliated. His storytelling is intimate and grounded, and his reflections on Zen practice feel both timeless and urgently relevant. This book isn’t just an introduction—it’s an invitation to wake up, right where you are. A five-star gem for anyone rethinking what it means to be spiritual today. I can't recommend highly enough.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about Zen Buddhism, written by a Unitarian Universalist minister. Zen is not a theistic religion: it is as way of looking at, and being in, the world. Even if you are a committed Christian, or Muslim, or Jew, or atheist, the lessons of Zen, and the practices, are invaluable. As a friend of mine once said of Zen, "Rub that shit on everything." Zen in particular (as opposed to Buddhism in general) has rituals, practices, etc. that are specific to the tradition, but overall, there is a lot to think about and benefit from for anyone who learns about this path.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful, but I confess, much of it is over my head. I'm inspired now to read more on the subject. I've signed up for a meditation class as well.