The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living

by Gary R. McClain, Eve Adamson

As an adult who leads a busy life, you have to deal with the stresses of home, work, and family. The Buddhist idea of Zen seeks to help you reduce stress so that you can remain calm when conflicts arise. This book begins with the basics, telling you what Zen is and how you can use it to deal with the situations that come up in your fast-paced life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Religion, Zen, Spirituality, Reference, Self Help

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pop culture view of Zen is pretty silly. Zen is not just a serene way of looking at things. Pictures of smooth stones and talk of 'bad karma' is not what Zen is about.

This book gives the reader a good overview of and introduction into Zen studies. But, the word 'zen' means meditation, and in the end that's what you have to do.

[Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this was a great starting place to learn about living a more mindful life. I liked how they approached Zen as something that anyone can incorporate into their lives. It doesn't matter your background or religious beliefs. Zen is just a philosophy of life that can help you to really live your life instead of wasteing it thinking about the past or dreaming of the future. Take advantage of the now seems to be the major theme of the book.

[Adil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book if you want to get a basic sense of what Zen is. It can point you to more spiritually credible sources, whatever that may mean. It's mildly fun and interesting. It shares a good deal of material with the Dummies for Meditation book. This is not a bad place to encounter Zen for the first time.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can't become Zen from reading a book.

[Lori Gawdyda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read.

[Denidevine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may sound silly but this was a great first introduction that got me reading a lot more about this subject over the years....

[TJ Totland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the "Dummies" and "Idiot's Guide" books do much I don't think I have not found one I dislike. This one is a excellent book on what it's like to live Zen. If you are looking for a simpler way to live and want to bring meaning into everything you do, I do recommend the Zen path and this book is just the way to get started.

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide for a closet Buddhist like myself to incorporate Buddhist living into American life. Read slowly, while practicing meditation.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had this one laying around for a while and decided to peruse. Considerably better than expected. Fairly accurate and full of good quotations and advice.

[Shadlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it motivating to read self-help books even when I don't learn anything new. This was very much one of those.

If you don't know anything about mindfulness, zen, or meditation, then this is a good primer with a lot of encouragement and a little bit of starter information.

As the "Zen" in the title implies, this books is basically many pages of reminders to "slow down, pay attention, and experience life where you are."

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the most valuable books I have ever read. I like this practical, self-help approach to Zen, since I'm not interested in becoming a religious Zen Buddhist. Americans really need the ideas in this book, as a balance to our insanely hectic and materialistic lives. This book teaches you to be truly alive and at peace with yourself. I never knew there was so much of value in Zen.

[Josue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to Zen. I was really pulled into the subject because of several things that I thought I knew about the subject through pop culture references. However, there is much more to learn and these author's make the subject accessible with this book. I look forward to learning much more about mindful living.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really been reading this book off and on for 15 years. This is the first time I started back on page one and read it all the way through. It's great for all the basics, explaining Buddhism, Zen, and meditation. What I won't bother with again is the lists of questions, workbook style. I'd rather sit zazen.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the chapters didn't apply to my current lifestyle, but I read them anyway and found helpful tidbits, anyway. Reading this book kept me mindful of my present moments. It was written in a very casual, at times, humorous way which is always a delightful way to learn.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tongue in cheek as are all books in this series. Funny examples help me "get it" as well as show me how far down the path I've already traveled. Very accessible to anyone who wants to become more Zen without submerging completely.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book on Zen....you can a Zenist without being a Budhist

[Nioosha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to Zen and absolutely great ideas for everyday life. I enjoyed every moment of reading it and hope the same for you.

[Cathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of "Idiot" or "Dummies" books, but this was helpful. In this case, I need an idiot's guide..

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's OK. I already am well read in Zen so it was no big deal to me but for someone who doesn't know anything and wants to learn in a hurry - could be just the thing. Not perfect, but adequate.