The Zen Commandments: Ten Suggestions for a Life of Inner Freedom.

by Dean Sluyter

The Ten Commandments tell us how to behave, but they don't say much about the inner awareness from which outer behavior springs. Do the right thing, of course-- but better yet, find your inner light and doing the right thing becomes as natural as breathing. THE ZEN COMMANDMENTS offers ten powerful nudges toward that light.

Drawing on sources from Zen stories and the Bible to jazz and rock 'n' roll, from American movies to Tibetan meditative techniques, Dean Sluyter steers clear of dogma and emphasizes what works-- a sort of spiritual street smarts. He shows that the state of boundless freedom and happiness isn't something distant or exotic, but is right here, while you're stuck in traffic or taking out the trash. And revisiting the Ten Commandments, he shows how on a deeper level they offer some surprising enlightenment wisdom of their own.

“The book is extremely well written and joyously entertaining.”
—Publishers Weekly
 
“With sparkling clarity and wit, Sluyter's ten suggestions lay out the practical essentials of the path. My suggestion listen to this guy.”
—Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within
 
“Dean Sluyter clearly presents simple but profound ways to live one's life consciously and skillfully. He teaches that the source of universal truth not only rests in the heart of every one of us, but is the essence of what ultimately brings us true happiness and freedom. This is a wonderful book with rich wisdom and deep insight.”
—Rabbi David Cooper, author of God Is a Verb
 
“No matter what your religion (or lack of it), this book shows how to live the kind of life people ache for. It turns out to be pretty simple.”
—Jane Cavolina, co-author of Growing Up Catholic

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

209 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2001

Reviews

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed going through this rather detailed book, and the casual and easy to approach style that the author used. I'm a fan of the author's lectures and way of teaching meditation. I found that he presents the essence of the Zen and Dzogchen tradition of resting in awareness, in an easy to approach manner than anyone can take on board. This book seems to be a list of tips and suggestions for supporting one's meditation practice and spiritual approach. A few of the suggestions really did stick in my memory, and have been helpful in approaching life in general (in a more relaxed manner). I'd highly recommend some of the author's other works, and audio recordings.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in 2007, and I feel it helped me through a tough time. Now in the 2020 pandemic and all the uncertainty, I went through and applied the practices once more and what a lifesaver. Highly recommend this book as a way to help keep you calm in troubling times.

[Ron Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in Savers or Goodwill store and I'm glad I did. Luckily I didn't evaluate the book based off the title which suggests self-help cliche. While there is some of that (and some strange quotations from others such as Bill Clinton), Sluyter rises above cliche on many occasions.

I read a few pages most nights and on occasion got caught up and read a bit more. A good reminder not to take life so seriously. I appreciate the reframing of the western spiritual and religious experience, "Faith is a belief that our problems are weightless and that everything is already alright" (108). And, in a section titled "The Joke," Sluyter insists that, "If there's nothing after this world, then we vanish into such utter oblivion that it's as if it all never happened. If there is a next world or a next life, then what seemed like the whole story is part of a much bigger picture. Either way, our worries were blown out of proportion" (169).

Reviewing what I underlined and writing out these two quotes, I'm less sure there is much beyond cliche here. But it's good cliche, a mindfulness type of cliche I've grown to appreciate starting with John Kabat-Zinn's book "Wherever you go, there you are."

It's unclear to me if I will ever, as Sluyter and Kabat-Zinn implore, create a lasting mindfulness and meditation practice. But I will keep reading about such a practice as that in of itself is a practice, one that helps me step back/outside of life for at least a few beats.

[Genie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading this book I thought of at least 5 other people that should be reading this book. I went out and bought some xtra copies to give as gifts. It certainly won't be to everyones liking but if you have ever wondered about how, as people,we all seem connected on a deeper level,this book does a good job explaining it.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I learned quite a bit from this book but I need to review the Zen commandments often since they tend to be overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in my life.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sounded so interesting! It's been lingering on my TBR stack and I finally got to it. The Zen commandments should compliment the 10 commandments, powerful nudges toward the light is how it's described. Tied into meditation techniques. While this sounded great in theory, it lost something in the execution for me. Overly wordy and a bit meandering. I enjoyed some of the stories but found myself zoning out as each chapter began its meanderings. The idea was to Zen out, not zone out. Maybe bullet points would have been a better format for the essential information to hold my attention after the initial story in each chapter? Maybe it just wasn't the right time to read it? There were some noteworthy and quoteworthy moments and passages in this book (for me) but overall but overall it was just a so so read.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow guide to freeing your mind.

[Hann Min · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just done with yet another reread.
Coming back to it is like going home.

[Nathan Wellsfry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit wandering at times and somewhat confusing, but ultimately offers some solid life advice and how to cultivate spirituality in oneself.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to pick up, read, put down, contemplate, pick up, & repeat. Love this book.

[Leah Spradlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book on spirituality I’ve ever read, out of hundreds.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - his writing style is easy to understand and he also has a cute sense of humor. Bottomline: enjoy life and don't take yourself too seriously :))

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear, concise way to improve your inner positivity

[John Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but thought provoking read. Zen only in a loose sense but the chapters on zazen are very approachable.

[Davina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to change your perspective on life for the better

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun version of old wisdom - I just ordered his book on Zen in movies too

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read for growth and inspiration, with just a dash of humor to keep you smiling.

[Aleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read, and practical for everyday life. It is a book I refer back to often.

[Nancy Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Such wise and simple ideas all presented concisely and easy to understand. I will share this book with friends and read it again.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third reading of this book. Still good.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible. Good approach to staying in the present and finding greater inner peace.