The Everything Zen Book: Achieve Inner Calm and Peace of Mind Through Meditation, Simple Living, and Harmony

by Jacky Sach, Jessica Faust

Presents an introduction to the teachings of Zen Buddhism, covering such topics as the history of Zen, the five precepts, meditation practices, and Zen practices at home and at work.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a gift that for some reason I finally busted out and took a look at.

First of all, bite-size nuggets of Fun Facts seems the very antithesis of Zen. But I will say that that dude that wrote the article for the Atlantic is right -- I have gotten to the Internet-saturation point where I DO, if I admit it, find the easily skimmable text quite appealing. Damn.

Second of all, I can't think of a book that could turn me off more to the idea of Zen practice. Basically, this book described what I would call institutionalized Zen, which I knew nothing about before, although I was familiar of course with the general philosophy...this version of Zen basically becomes just like any other organized religion, infused with hierarchy and power and the one "right way" of doing things. Believe it or not, apparently in Zen meditation centers teachers will HIT, yes, HIT you if you move when you are supposed to be sitting still on your mat. Okay, not hard, the point is more to help you keep your discipline. But STILL, the very idea, to me, is completely ridiculous. The book is also full of advice on how not to piss off your teacher or the other people you sit with, making the whole thing seem like the most unfriendly, uncomfortable, pompous, and utterly lacking in, HELLO, compassion thing I can imagine. I guess maybe the authors have some experience with rude Western tourists behaving like assholes at meditation centers? I guess I could see that. I guess I shouldn't be surprised...organized religion is what it is, but I guess I had the naive assumption that the Buddists were a little better than most.

Sigh. I would rather read the Yoga Sutras or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance any day.

[Jenhutton05 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a few years ago. After reading another book about zen that really piqued my interest, I looked down at my shelf and saw it laying there. It seemed like a good time to read it. It was quite textbooky but it gave a nice overview of the history, ideas, rituals and famous figures. Great for a newcomer to zen.

[Cheryl Hendricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book book to learn about the concept of zen. The meaning of zen I learned from the book is to live in this minute. Meditation concentrating on your breath helps you reach the ideal state if there is such a thing.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction to Zen practice. Very clear and understandable.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Familiarizes with zen terminology and common practices as well as some of the more prominent zen philosophers. More of a reference guide than anything.

[Pennyjelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was very easy to understand.

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all the information was relevent to me but there were some really informative parts.. It was worth reading

[Alyssa Haverfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I read it cover to cover, as if it were a novel, yet I took notes as I went. It provides a ton of useful information and inspiration to get up and start practicing zen!