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The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice
The first accessible beginner's guide to Rinzai Zen practice.The recognition of the true nature of oneself and the universe is the aim of Rinzai Zen—but that experience, known as kensho, is really just the beginning of a life of refining that discovery and putting it into practice in the world. Rinzai, with its famed discipline and its emphasis on koan practice, is one of two main forms of Zen practiced in the West, but it is less familiar than the more prominent Soto school. Meido Moore here remedies that situation by providing this compact and complete introduction to Zen philosophy and practice from the Rinzai perspective. It’s an excellent entrée to a venerable tradition that goes back through the renowned Hakuin Ekaku in eighteenth-century Japan to its origins in Tang dynasty China—and that offers a path to living with insight and compassion for people today.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
72 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Meido Moore
2 books17 followersMEIDO MOORE (1968) is the abbot of Korinji Rinzai Zen monastery near Madison, Wisconsin, and guiding teacher of the Korinji Rinzai Zen Community.
Meido Roshi grew up in New Jersey, attending Rutgers University and the Antioch Buddhist studies program in Bodh Gaya, India. He began Zen training in 1988, and after graduating with a degree in religious studies practiced under three Rinzai Zen teachers in the line of the great master Omori Sogen Roshi: the late Tenzan Toyoda Rokoji (dharma heir of Tenshin Tanouye Roshi of Chozen-ji) in whose training hall he resided for seven years while also enduring a severe training in traditional martial arts; Dogen Hosokawa Roshi (former abbot of Chozen-ji and the primary dharma heir of Omori Roshi) with whom he trained for fifteen years; and So'zan Miller Roshi (Hosokawa Roshi's heir and abbot of Daiyuzeni in Chicago) with whom he trained for three years. He has completed the koan curriculum of this lineage, and in 2008 received inka shomei or "mind seal": recognition as a lineage holder able to transmit the full range of Rinzai Zen practices. He is one of few Westerners so certified.
Aside from Zen, Meido Roshi is also ordained in the Mt. Koshikidake tradition of Shugendo. Before his ordination he was for many years a professional martial art teacher.
Meido Roshi is the author of The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice (Shambhala Publications, 2018) and Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization (Shambhala Publications, 2020).
Korinji TV, a collection of online instructional videos and dharma talks featuring Meido Roshi, can be accessed at www.patreon.com/korinji
Meido Roshi grew up in New Jersey, attending Rutgers University and the Antioch Buddhist studies program in Bodh Gaya, India. He began Zen training in 1988, and after graduating with a degree in religious studies practiced under three Rinzai Zen teachers in the line of the great master Omori Sogen Roshi: the late Tenzan Toyoda Rokoji (dharma heir of Tenshin Tanouye Roshi of Chozen-ji) in whose training hall he resided for seven years while also enduring a severe training in traditional martial arts; Dogen Hosokawa Roshi (former abbot of Chozen-ji and the primary dharma heir of Omori Roshi) with whom he trained for fifteen years; and So'zan Miller Roshi (Hosokawa Roshi's heir and abbot of Daiyuzeni in Chicago) with whom he trained for three years. He has completed the koan curriculum of this lineage, and in 2008 received inka shomei or "mind seal": recognition as a lineage holder able to transmit the full range of Rinzai Zen practices. He is one of few Westerners so certified.
Aside from Zen, Meido Roshi is also ordained in the Mt. Koshikidake tradition of Shugendo. Before his ordination he was for many years a professional martial art teacher.
Meido Roshi is the author of The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice (Shambhala Publications, 2018) and Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization (Shambhala Publications, 2020).
Korinji TV, a collection of online instructional videos and dharma talks featuring Meido Roshi, can be accessed at www.patreon.com/korinji
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 18, 2018
Meido Moore Roshi gives a refreshingly straightforward account of the essentials of Rinzai Zen, both its ideology and practice. It should be noted up front that, just like any other popular spiritual tradition, Buddhism has many schools, Zen being just one. That is to say that this book comes exactly as advertised: as about Zen; specifically the Rinzai tradition as transmitted to the United States by the late Omori Sogen.
Moore does a particularly good job of explaining what it means to see through the endless dualistic delusions we entertain. This would be the real root of all our suffering. And how wonderful that our possible awakening to this truth would thereby 'cut through the knot' of delusion. I was particularly impressed by the chapter Examining Our Existence. We are one thing, always changing. The essence of our dimensional being is summed up nicely in less than two pages. Not a word is spared. Zen tends not to spare them, those things that inherently divide...
So on to the body, that which speaks its own language. As far as actual practice material is concerned, there is tremendous stuff to be had by the ambitious novice, but even a more advanced practitioner is bound to get something out of it. As Moore recommends throughout, though, that working with a teacher is the surest way to getting the most out the methods discussed. To that effect, he adds chapters about how to find a teacher, and another on additional reasons working with a teacher is best. The final chapter reminds us that some desires - that for enlightenment - are good, and should be strong.
Read it in two sits. Well worth it!
Moore does a particularly good job of explaining what it means to see through the endless dualistic delusions we entertain. This would be the real root of all our suffering. And how wonderful that our possible awakening to this truth would thereby 'cut through the knot' of delusion. I was particularly impressed by the chapter Examining Our Existence. We are one thing, always changing. The essence of our dimensional being is summed up nicely in less than two pages. Not a word is spared. Zen tends not to spare them, those things that inherently divide...
So on to the body, that which speaks its own language. As far as actual practice material is concerned, there is tremendous stuff to be had by the ambitious novice, but even a more advanced practitioner is bound to get something out of it. As Moore recommends throughout, though, that working with a teacher is the surest way to getting the most out the methods discussed. To that effect, he adds chapters about how to find a teacher, and another on additional reasons working with a teacher is best. The final chapter reminds us that some desires - that for enlightenment - are good, and should be strong.
Read it in two sits. Well worth it!
February 19, 2020
Meido Moore's text is definitely one of the best for students who want to study/learn/practice Zen. There is a massive cottage-industry of "Buddhism-related" books that seems to proliferate endlessly; particularly aimed at "beginners" and "novices" - whatever that means. Moore's book is standout because it is without the very general, sweeping, "post-1950s-psychology-CBT" fluff that seems to be very prevalent on the bookshelves.
It is unpopular to talk about books/writings about Zen or Buddhism in terms of good/bad, right/wrong. But, at the same time, if we are honest, critical thinkers, we cannot ignore that some of these books and writings are better than others. Further, it is the uninitiated and the novice that is most at risk when they go to the bookshelves - they require something that is not outrageously complicated to understand. Unfortunately, simplicity is often mistaken for simple and vice versa. Moore's book is definitely one of the top two or three that I think those looking for "an introduction to Buddhism" should acquaint themselves with. His writing is clear without being condescending and treating the reader as if they are dunces. His writing is honest; it seems Moore wrote this book not for an artificial "this is how it should sound" audience, but because this is the information he thought needed to be written and shared.
The book displays Moore's deep knowledge and experience -without him having to drone on about his resume in an attempt to impress the reader. As I read this, I felt more and more confident that this author knows what he is talking about and not because he watched some YouTube videos or took a trip as a tourist to Japan once. And maybe one has to be familiar with serious scholarship/training to recognize it in another, I do not know. But I would trust what this chap has to say about matters because what he is saying is not empty.
Good: the clarity, the detail, the honesty. Moore is direct, but not confrontational. His explanations are just enough to provide what is sufficient to the reader and also pre-empting various questions/complaints/confusions a reader might have.
Bad: the typical Rinzai beating-dead-horse sydrome of "necessity for practitioners to have a real life teacher." Its a good point, Moore is probably correct. But at the same time, easier said than done. All of the previous that I have written here peripherally hints at there being a lot of "not-so-quality fluffy-pop-teachers" out there. Can a novice criticize a teacher? No; that is illogical. But at the same time, should we pretend that smiling and swaying in the sunshine and petting flower petals is a good pathway just so we can have a "teacher"? LOL Its not like there are Meido Moores on every street corner?!?
Anyway, this text won't appeal to those who like the idea of Buddhism/Zen. But for those who know the work is necessary and maybe have a martial-mindset, this is a valuable read.
It is unpopular to talk about books/writings about Zen or Buddhism in terms of good/bad, right/wrong. But, at the same time, if we are honest, critical thinkers, we cannot ignore that some of these books and writings are better than others. Further, it is the uninitiated and the novice that is most at risk when they go to the bookshelves - they require something that is not outrageously complicated to understand. Unfortunately, simplicity is often mistaken for simple and vice versa. Moore's book is definitely one of the top two or three that I think those looking for "an introduction to Buddhism" should acquaint themselves with. His writing is clear without being condescending and treating the reader as if they are dunces. His writing is honest; it seems Moore wrote this book not for an artificial "this is how it should sound" audience, but because this is the information he thought needed to be written and shared.
The book displays Moore's deep knowledge and experience -without him having to drone on about his resume in an attempt to impress the reader. As I read this, I felt more and more confident that this author knows what he is talking about and not because he watched some YouTube videos or took a trip as a tourist to Japan once. And maybe one has to be familiar with serious scholarship/training to recognize it in another, I do not know. But I would trust what this chap has to say about matters because what he is saying is not empty.
Good: the clarity, the detail, the honesty. Moore is direct, but not confrontational. His explanations are just enough to provide what is sufficient to the reader and also pre-empting various questions/complaints/confusions a reader might have.
Bad: the typical Rinzai beating-dead-horse sydrome of "necessity for practitioners to have a real life teacher." Its a good point, Moore is probably correct. But at the same time, easier said than done. All of the previous that I have written here peripherally hints at there being a lot of "not-so-quality fluffy-pop-teachers" out there. Can a novice criticize a teacher? No; that is illogical. But at the same time, should we pretend that smiling and swaying in the sunshine and petting flower petals is a good pathway just so we can have a "teacher"? LOL Its not like there are Meido Moores on every street corner?!?
Anyway, this text won't appeal to those who like the idea of Buddhism/Zen. But for those who know the work is necessary and maybe have a martial-mindset, this is a valuable read.
September 20, 2025
If I had to pick a single guide to Zen practice to recommend to others or for repeated readings myself, this would be it. Meido Roshi’s writing and guidance is clear, direct, without pretence, exceptionally well structured, and invigorating.
I’ve never encountered such a comprehensive guide to every aspect a novice practitioner needs to know — from the spiritual/philosophical basis of Buddhism, to posture (incredibly precise, and corrects a critical, common translation error regarding the hip placement), the mechanics of breathing, the method of breath counting, bringing Zen into everyday life, working with a teacher… everything is here, yet with no more words than necessary to fully equip someone to begin their journey on the Zen path. Having read more dharma books than I can count, this is truly a wonderful feat.
I only wish I’d encountered this book at the start of my own journey two years ago.
As someone who used to be a little put off by the stereotypes of Rinzai Zen (having initially found more comfort with Soto Zen and then Chan), this has been quite a perspective shift for me. The affinity I feel for Meido’s (and his lineage’s) treatment of Zen is profound, and has substantially changed how I’m going about finding a teacher to work with and engaging in my own practice. I can’t express enough gratitude for this.
I’ve never encountered such a comprehensive guide to every aspect a novice practitioner needs to know — from the spiritual/philosophical basis of Buddhism, to posture (incredibly precise, and corrects a critical, common translation error regarding the hip placement), the mechanics of breathing, the method of breath counting, bringing Zen into everyday life, working with a teacher… everything is here, yet with no more words than necessary to fully equip someone to begin their journey on the Zen path. Having read more dharma books than I can count, this is truly a wonderful feat.
I only wish I’d encountered this book at the start of my own journey two years ago.
As someone who used to be a little put off by the stereotypes of Rinzai Zen (having initially found more comfort with Soto Zen and then Chan), this has been quite a perspective shift for me. The affinity I feel for Meido’s (and his lineage’s) treatment of Zen is profound, and has substantially changed how I’m going about finding a teacher to work with and engaging in my own practice. I can’t express enough gratitude for this.
December 1, 2020
Meido Moore's guide to Rinzai Zen is excellent in many ways: clear, direct, expansive, and very timely for me personally. Written for beginners, he begins with explaining the origins of Buddhism and Zen, then he compares the Rinzai tradition (using Hakuin as a main proponent) to the Soto tradition of Zen, and finally instructs the reader in various ways to work toward liberation using Rinzai style techniques. More than just koan contemplation, Moore emphasizes the roles that breathwork, meditation, posture, chanting, and internal energy cultivation have in breaking us free from dualistic delusion. As a qigong practitioner, I found it a breath of fresh air to read a Zen teacher discuss the critical role that energetic systems in the body have in relation to mental clarity. His chapter on how delusion manifests in the body ("jikke" - psycho-physical distortions) and why physicality is necessary to correct these imbalances confirmed my suspicions that Zen is more than simply an intellectual or psychological practice. Intended to be a guide for teacherless Zen practitioners, his final chapters inspire me to get started on doing what I can on my own and to do the research to see who can help me get further.
December 10, 2018
This is arguably my favorite “how-to” book in Zen. The practical explanations increase from beginner methods to more advanced methods. There are diagrams and pictures to help demonstrate, there is excellent discussion of chanting, discussions of retreats, teachers, and more. This book is incredibly accessible. If you like or have aspirations within Zen, get this book.
Listen to my interview with the author: https://www.stitcher.com/s?eid=538176...
Listen to my interview with the author: https://www.stitcher.com/s?eid=538176...
August 9, 2023
I thought this book was ok. The first half was theoretical going over concepts such as 'Zen and the One Vehicle,' which outlines the hierarchies of Buddhist vehicles in the Mahayana and Vajrayana. One chapter is on 'Zen and Abrahamic Faiths.' Another was on 'Examining Our Existence' which includes time and space.
The second half was more interesting to me as it was about the practices. The author talks about a practice to release fixation. It's similar to the practice of yoga nidra because the instructions say to focus on various body parts and release the tension. Another practice is called Nanso no Ho or Hakuin's Soft Butter practice. I haven't tried it yet but will try on Insight Timer, a meditation app that I regularly use. He goes over posture and chants you can practice. Some practices focus on the breath.
The last sections talk about practicing in daily life and having a Zen teacher and what their role is. The author does have a section that discusses what he considers the dangers of awakening on your own. I'm not sure I agree with this because with modern technology, we can do our own self-directed learning and use videos/books/online group chats etc. to learn and share our experiences. It may not be easy to have a teacher but also they can be problematic. For example, some end up abusing their students (yogi bhajan in kundalini yoga is an example). The realm of meditation teachers isn't properly critiqued like say a university so there is some caution required in finding one. But why limit yourself to one when you can find many? In university, you never rely on just one teacher. I don't see why the meditation sphere thinks you should just have one teacher.
The second half was more interesting to me as it was about the practices. The author talks about a practice to release fixation. It's similar to the practice of yoga nidra because the instructions say to focus on various body parts and release the tension. Another practice is called Nanso no Ho or Hakuin's Soft Butter practice. I haven't tried it yet but will try on Insight Timer, a meditation app that I regularly use. He goes over posture and chants you can practice. Some practices focus on the breath.
The last sections talk about practicing in daily life and having a Zen teacher and what their role is. The author does have a section that discusses what he considers the dangers of awakening on your own. I'm not sure I agree with this because with modern technology, we can do our own self-directed learning and use videos/books/online group chats etc. to learn and share our experiences. It may not be easy to have a teacher but also they can be problematic. For example, some end up abusing their students (yogi bhajan in kundalini yoga is an example). The realm of meditation teachers isn't properly critiqued like say a university so there is some caution required in finding one. But why limit yourself to one when you can find many? In university, you never rely on just one teacher. I don't see why the meditation sphere thinks you should just have one teacher.
April 28, 2018
Ironically enough the Zen way, reliant on a direct transition of knowledge "not dependent on words or letters" as it is, has spawned countless books and essays. And for better or worse much of Zen literature can be difficult to access as a beginner- weighed down by awkward translations or stuck in the weeds of complex written descriptions of the abstract emotional experiences born of "kensho" (spiritual awakening). Moore's "The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to practice, however is a welcomed exception, and lays out a clear context for the Zen way within the greater body of Buddhist tradition, as well as indispensable practical information for establishing a meaningful Zen practice anchored in the Rinzai lineage of Omari Sogen. Concisely written in a compassionately firm voice, "The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice"- is a must read for new and seasoned Zen students alike.
November 28, 2021
Really excellent book presenting the practice of Zen. Many many popular books written about the tradition come from a sort of misunderstanding or romanticised view of Zen that really does not match the realities of its history or application. These books may say things like "have no goal!", "just do nothing", "No practice is practice", etc. whilst ignoring the fact that Zen had always been practed with a sense of urgency to reach awakening, to be free of suffering, and to assist all sentient beings. Taken out of context those slogans really mean nothing and form what Zen masters have always crticised as "do nothing Zen". Meido Roshi cuts through that, introducing the core questions and problems that lead to the practice of Zen, the concrete practices and paths of Zen, and the vows and goals of Zen practitioners.
July 21, 2022
Its always best to read Buddhist books that are at least a few hundred years old and have stood the test of time. Don't even think about wanting something more...accessible. The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, Mud and Water by Master Bassui and the Zen teaching of Huang-Po are three of the best. Branches get more attention because they are lively and visible...but we must always seek the roots.
October 4, 2024
Best overall zazen practice manual after reading all the main recommended Zen manuals out there.
Finely detailed posture and meditation descriptions (even with photos of correct/incorrect postures and not just diagrams).
On top of that, writing style is modern and easy to digest; analyzing retrospectively, can't find any weak points.
Mustread.
Finely detailed posture and meditation descriptions (even with photos of correct/incorrect postures and not just diagrams).
On top of that, writing style is modern and easy to digest; analyzing retrospectively, can't find any weak points.
Mustread.
January 12, 2019
An excellent, practical overview of Rinzai Zen.
Meido Moore offers an insightful and unpretentious guide to the Rinzai methods of meditation and practice. Fantastic as an introduction to Zen in general, and a solid launching point for anyone who wants to start meditating.
Meido Moore offers an insightful and unpretentious guide to the Rinzai methods of meditation and practice. Fantastic as an introduction to Zen in general, and a solid launching point for anyone who wants to start meditating.
July 31, 2024
Very introductory explanation of the Rinzai school of Zen. If you're new to Zen, this is a good first step. If you have knowledge, this may be too simplistic. There are, however, pieces of information that you can return to no matter what "level" practitioner you are.
August 19, 2020
This is the most practical and straightforward book about Zen I have read so far.
August 25, 2021
Not only very useful, but inspiring as well.
May 5, 2024
Great book. I think those who have practiced for some time will get the most from it but beginners can benefit as well.
June 20, 2024
Interesting and informative, but also prim and proper, it did not make Rinzai Zen very approachable.
Read
December 9, 2025Weak post-WW2 Rinzai smh.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews