Practical Zen: Meditation and Beyond

by Julian Daizan Skinner

Zen master Julian Daizan Skinner guides the reader through a sequence of meditation techniques that can safely lead even a complete novice through to advanced levels. Based on his own long experience of the Rinzai Zen tradition, as taught by the great seventeenth-century masters, Hakuin and Bankei, Daizan highlights the key points for success and addresses the pitfalls. Structured around a traditional teaching framework called "The two wings of a bird," Daizan clearly lays-out how these methods build and combine to create a transformative and sustaining practice. The book contains an extremely useful section describing the experiences of western practitioners who have successfully applied this framework within the pressures of modern life. The final section features key source texts in translation, making the book a complete introduction and guide to Zen meditation. The work of a master, the book speaks at a deep level, with utmost simplicity.

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

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2017

Reviews

[Mark Westmoquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many books on Zen come across as intriguing but are almost impenetrable to the uninitiated. Practical Zen is both an intriguing and totally accessible introduction to the meditation and movement practices handed down from the great 17th century Rinzai Zen masters Hakuin and Bankei. Written in everyday language and liberally peppered with stories, personal accounts and experiences, Daizan Roshi shows us how these practices that have been refined over the centuries are as relevant now as they ever were.

Every piece of advertising we see sends us the message that we’re not good enough or we’re missing something. In the first sections of the book Daizan Roshi explains and guides us through a number of practices (including downloadable recorded meditations) to help us see through the illusion that we have an isolated, separate self that isn’t good enough. “Finding our fundamental adequacy” is a memorable chapter that explains how we can simply be, knowing that in this moment all is just fine. Our world is increasingly fast-paced, ungrounded and depleting. In the next few chapters, Daizan Roshi takes us through a variety of practices for cultivating our energy and developing physical and spiritual grounding.

The last part of the book contains some wonderfully heart-warming personal accounts from 21st century men and women for whom these practices have changed their life. It also includes some new translations of Zen texts that support these practices.

A wonderful, practical, carry-in-your-pocket guide to insight, wellbeing and grounding, applying ancient Zen practices for the 21st century. Suitable for complete beginners and experienced practitioners.

[Renee Legris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book is the ideal blend of grounding in the Western mind with deep knowledge of and commitment to an authentic Eastern tradition. The result is a text that invites you in just as you are, and gives you access to life-changing tools and ideas. In every chapter you’ll want to pause your reading and try the exercises.

This stream of Zen emphasizes a balance of physical and mental/spiritual cultivation. I was delighted to find a Buddhist tradition that is so respectful of the health and vitality of our bodies.

My favorite section was the “case studies”, where a variety of Daizan Roshi’s students tell their own stories. I found it very encouraging that so many different starting points and paths have yielded such rich results.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Daizan Roshi, and as I read the text I kept smiling because his boundless kindness comes through on the page. If you have ever been curious about Zen but have been put off by language obstacles or excessive jargon, this book could be your open door!

[Andy Carney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good introduction to different types of meditation.

I'll be honest and say I didn't do all of them. I did about 4-5 weeks and decided that for now, I'd like to spend a longer amount of time focusing on just 1 or 2 of those. Heck, some people only do one of them for their entire life. One week seems really short to get any real "benefits" from these techniques. But if you don't know where to start with Zen meditation, this is a great book to start with.

[Lynn Exley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the journey of reading this book. Following Daizan's footsteps from everyday life to the monastery in the north and then to Japan and back again, walking the length of the UK before setting up Zenways. His authenticity and honesty surrounding the ups and downs of his own experience and that of his students is heart warming. Daizan's students' accounts of their own experience are really insightful and most helpful, answering many of the questions that you may have but aren't sure how to ask. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, the online practises that you gain free access to are brilliant and worth the cost of the book themselves! Buy the book put in the practise and enjoy the ride!

[MH · Rating 5 out of 5]

The program of practice laid out in this book has been genuinely life-changing for me. It's written in a warm and accessible style, making it easy to understand and start practicing for yourself. I've tried a number of different methods for insight and healing over the years, but this Zen tradition taught by Daizan Skinner has been the deepest and most effective for me by far. If you're looking for genuine insight, inner healing, and freedom, I highly recommend this book and approach to practice.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for someone wanting a practical introduction to mindfulness and to Zen. Daizan writes well about his own experiences in Japan, about his teachers and the stories they told, and this makes the book very enjoyable and easy to read as well as informative. This is a book that will enable the reader to start to enjoy the benefits of a regular mindfulness practice. My 24 year old son taught himself mindfulness using this book while at university struggling with some injuries and pain, and has continued to practise. I highly recommend it.

[Heidi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic guide for beginners who are looking into how to adopt techniques of Zen meditation and Buddhism into their everyday routine. There was so much valuable insight in this book, I can definitely see myself returning to this on a daily basis as a reference! All postures and methods are explained clearly and in-depth and the writing style is welcoming to all. There’s no judgement, no lecturing on how your experience should be, it instead encourages you to find your daily practice and stick with it, journalling what comes up for you along the way. Don’t hesitate to read this!!

[Matthew Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem for those interested in engaging with zen practice. Daizan Roshi is a wonderful teacher and clear communicator. It should be added to the list of fundamental teaching for western students, along with the Three Pillars of Zen and Zen Mind, Beginners mind.
Nine Bows

[Tony Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything on Zen I'll read and devour. Zen master Daizan Skinner has created the book I wish I could for people to live the Zen life. Thankfully he is intelligent and wise enough to deliver this amazing book.

[Pro Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and practice based approach to Zen. I found it complemented and enhanced what I am learning from my root tradition.
Like a mango, Zen has to be experienced. Words at best only provide a guide ... happy traveling ...

[Vlejd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half is great. Sounded like nice introduction to zen practice, philosophy and some history.
Second half was strange. I don't really know why.
It is awesome that at the end there is a series of guided meditations that you can listen to during your practice.

[Craig Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for both those new to Zen and meditation practice and for those who have been practicing a while. Working with these practices and the unique (to me) methods prescribed has helped expand and deepen my practice immensely.

[Paul Feetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compassionate, useful, valuable, insightful and thoughtfully constructed manual.
Will re-read many times no doubt.

[lloyd and maisie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great practical course in zen.
Well written with weekly exercises - I found it very helpful and full of insight.
Highly recommended.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on mindfulness and medication. A great book for the beginner. Purchasing the book gives you access to some online material as well.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

[Taina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ihan ok.

[Pisketti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the introduction to Zen for me.
It's a good combination of teaching and practise.
I did the 90 day or so meditation course with daily journaling.
It was really helpful.

[Librarian Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great intro to the world of Zen. I would like to purchase a copy to add to my book shelf!

[Cobramor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good pointers

[Jiji Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insights with actionable advice on Zen for the daily life.
For the uninitiated to the seemingly impenetrable world of the mind, such as myself, def worth a reread before it adds value.

[Mateus Molina]

Recommended by:
- NoBoilerPlate

[Claudine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written by my teacher Daizan and is a simple and basic guide for all.

[K T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. Practical. This is a genuine 'how to' book. I see many books that talk about meditation. This gives you the tools. Highly recommended.