Nothing Holy about It: The Zen of Being Just Who You Are

by Tim Burkett, Norman Fischer (Foreword)

When Bodhidharma, the legendary first ancestor of Zen, was asked about the main principle of his holy teaching, he’s said to have replied: “A vast emptiness—with nothing holy about it!” A millennium-and-a-half later, Tim Burkett finds that the answer still applies: you don’t need to go looking for something holy—buddha nature is right here in front of you. The concise summary of Zen teaching he presents in this book is expressed precisely in terms of what he found right in front of him: beginning with the delightful non-holiness he experienced in the presence of his original teacher, Shunyru Suzuki, and continuing through a lifetime of further teaching experiences.

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

312 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

*Tim was only 20 years old and a student at Stanford in 1964 when he met his teacher, Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. At that time there was only one small Zen center in northern California and the practice of meditation was considered “kind of odd.” Then the wildly successful Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind was published. Tim heard firsthand the talks that later appeared in that book, which has sold more than any other book on Zen Buddhism.
In Tim’s new book, he tells of the struggle to raise money for the now famous Tassajara Monastery, the first Zen monastery outside of Asia. He tells the story of when Suzuki took the stage after Janis Joplin at the Fillmore Auditorium during a fund-raiser. And he remembers Suzuki’s empathy for his long-suffering student, Trudy Dixon, and his tearful “lion’s roar” at her funeral.
Tim also talks about intimate moments with two other early Japanese teachers who came to America: Katagiri Roshi and Chino Roshi. And he talks about his own life after he moved to Northern Minnesota where he worked on the Nett Lake Ojibwe Reservation as a social worker. In his book, Zen’s core teachings unfold within the ordinary comedies and tragedies of everyday life. He uses poems, Zen art, parables, and koans to show how we realize our interconnected nature through the small things that we do. In his book, as in his life, Tim reveals how to live in the world with a deep joy that comes from embracing the work and play of this very moment.
Tim is the former CEO of the largest non-profit in Minnesota for the mentally impaired and chemically dependent. He is a psychologist, a Zen Buddhist priest, and the Guiding Teacher of Minnesota Zen Meditation Center.

*This bio was written by one of Tim’s senior students and the editor of Nothing Holy About It.

Reviews

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book several months ago, and read the first 30 or so pages. But I just couldn't get into it at the time. But suddenly, the day before yesterday, i felt an urge to read it. I reviewed the pages I'd read, and from then on, I've been reading it like crazy. And I have to say, this is one of the best books on Zen practice I have ever read. Tim Burkett is compassionate and inspirational, and obviously knows his sh*t. Absolutely brilliant. If you want "the goods" on the real practice of Soto Zen, you can hardly do better than this book. Just terrific.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to learn about the author who went against all expectations set by others for himself, and paved a new path following his own desires. It is told in quite a narrative way of his personal and second-hand stories, and his admiration for his teacher shines through very brightly.

[Jens Poder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really nice

Zen experienced through a lived life. Told with a healthy dose of humility. I liked this personal tale a lot.

[Lolong Yap · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me around a week to finish. In the first 3 days I found myself reading 15 pages a day before feeling so mentally exhausted. I’ve only recently developed this budding interest in Buddhism and found the concepts so hardcore. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the little anecdotes spread across each chapter.

More than the concepts and theories discussed on Buddhism, what I particularly enjoyed reading was about Tim’s genuine admiration for his teacher and the friendship they had.

[Carolyn Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book at a Dharma talk at Nashville Zen's Spring Retreat and it really spoke to me. The chapters are well-written and wise combining old stories and the author's own experiences to create a powerful whole.

[Jampa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like actually being at one of Tim's Dharma talks. Full of wonderful stories of his beloved teachers and his own personal journey. One can really sense the love, devotion, and dedication.

[Alex Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing to read such personal insights of a journey into zen practice. I loved the whole concept of the book and it will definitely influence my experience with Buddhism and mindfulness forever. I'm so glad to have read it.

[Jared H. Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to some of the popular practices in Zen with lots of practical stories to help you really get a feel for the concept. I'll definitely be revisiting for further study as I took notes and clips of several sections I'd like to better understand.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of my two favourite non-fiction books - if you are serious about self-development this is a gem.

[Danny Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burkett, being one of Suzuki's original students in San Francisco, paints an entertaining picture of what life was like back then, and how he's evolved.

[Brad Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this stuff. I think it is sinking in?

[Ryan Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. I love the stories sprinkled throughout. Feels very intimate and offers easy to understand, real world examples of concepts he is discussing.

[Marjie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written, practical guide to Zen practices and principles that I have gone back to many times.

[Jonah Prudhomme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, much to commend it. After reading it, and continuing to read in Zen and other areas, and doing so for many years prior, I got tired of the denied-duality in nonduality - thankfully -, which I especially see in neo-Advaita. Here, one could as easily say rather than "Nothing Holy about It," "It's All Holy." Or, of course, nothing is or is not anything... Well, away from the dance of words, and appreciating, in reading Dainin Katageri, how he would just say, when speaking about needing to be silent and stop chasing words: "Shut up!" So, I will...

Peace!

Brian

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, someone who has been digesting the teachings of Zen for 50 years. The wisdom oozes out of the pages, and cannot help but affect me. Burkett was a student of Suzuki and discusses his influence on him, gives some history and gives the basic teachings of Buddhism with grace. Burkett lives in the midwest so he talks about the Chatterbox Cafe, from the Prairie Home Companion. I read this book aloud to my partner and savored it. It's one of my favorite Dharma books from 2015. Can't recommend it enough. It is honest and American and Buddhist.

[Spike · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful look at what it means to learn about being present and awake, moment after moment. The author's personal stories about his time practicing with Suzuki Roshi helps show that Suzuki was a much a Zen priest as he was a normal relatable person.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was helpful to me as a Soto Zen practitioner. Tim Burkett is excellent at describing the ways he encountered Soto Zen teaching from Shunryu Suzuki. He is candid about his mistakes and his insights.

[Analouise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book filled with wisdom. I really appreciate Burkett's perspective. Highly recommended.

[Leslie]

Wonderful, down-to-earth book, with gentle humour. Makes me feel as if I'm on the right path, at last!

[Phillip Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This book is a sumptuous zen meal.

The teachings here feed the heart and the mind. Just read it slowly. Savor every page and you will be changed by the experience.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to purchase this so I can reread it slowly.

[Jane Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just began but already resonating and reminding me of what I've been forgetting.

[Aurelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recommend this book enough. It's taken ages for me to finish it and not because it's a big one (only 272 pages) but because of the concepts and ideas explained in it and the thoughts and deep analysis this book pushed me through... if read with the right mindset this book has the power to change the way you see life and yourself... 💕🦋🌈

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply amazing! I could not put it down. Thank you for writing this book - it explains so much and it provides a simple, yet in-depth understanding of Zen. It is easy, enjoyable, "enlightening" and comforting to read. The book delivers on its promise in helping the average person to really understand that the answer is indeed, right in front of us.