Zen Seeds: 60 Essential Buddhist Teachings on Effort, Gratitude, and Happiness

by Shundo Aoyama

From a living treasure of Japanese Zen, an inspiring collection of teachings about the power of Buddhist practice to help you transform suffering and touch the marrow of your life.

In this sparkling collection of teachings, Japanese Zen master Shundo Aoyama Roshi offers an entry to the authentic practice of Zen Buddhism. Or, rather, she offers a myriad of entries—for Zen Seeds , as its title suggests, is comprised of brief chapters meant to plant seeds of wisdom and compassion in readers. Ranging from classical Zen sources, such as the teachings of Dogen and the encounter stories of the koans, to anecdotes from Aoyama’s fascinating life and from those of her many students, the book paints a profoundly compelling portrait of the transformative possibilities of Zen. A pioneering female leader in the Soto Zen school, Aoyama Roshi demonstrates the power of practice for anyone seeking to lead a life of greater conviction and spiritual nourishment.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

152 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2019

Reviews

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short selections by a wise Soto Zen wisdom teacher. One of the impressive qualities of the book is Aoyama's meekness: one feels her humble-heartedness, with insight to see her own shortcomings in light of her ideals. She demonstrates for us a faithfulness that is never complete, always on the Way. The selections are practical guides for embodying the Dharma in daily life, wise pointers universally applicable, like all wisdom, so that Buddhists and non-Buddhists can receive and enjoy inspiration and direction here for living a sane, compassionate life.

[Larry (LPosse1) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars for Zen Seeds by Shundo Aoyama

I started Zen Seeds with a lot of enthusiasm. At first, I treated it almost like a daily practice—reading one short reflection at a time and sitting with the ideas. Aoyama is a respected Japanese Zen master, and the early pieces felt calming, grounded, and genuinely helpful. As a companion to meditation, the book worked well for me in those first chapters.

But as I continued, my excitement waned. I’ve been reading more contemporary approaches to the Dharma and modern mindfulness lately, and this collection—rooted in older Zen traditions—started to feel more distant from the direction my own practice is moving. Some of the “seeds” didn’t resonate at all, and a few were actually off-putting. In particular, there were passages where women were treated with a kind of subtle subjectivity or second-class framing that didn’t sit right with me. I realize these teachings come from a particular cultural and historical context, but it still made parts of the book hard to embrace.

That said, Zen Seeds isn’t without value. I have plenty of highlights to prove it. There are moments of real clarity and gentleness here, the sort of insights that stay with you long after you close the book. It’s just a mixed bag—beautiful in places, outdated in others.

If you’re interested in traditional Zen teachings, this slim volume may be worth your time. For readers leaning toward a more modern, accessible approach to mindfulness, it might feel uneven, as it did for me.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent. It's short but packed with wisdom and reminders. The book description mentions "spiritual nourishment" which is apt. Highly recommended.

It is an honor to receive the ARC for review!!

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

author’s attitude can feel a little short sighted at times (dead bug on the vegetables story.. normally I’d pick it off too as to not embarrass the host but the phrasing was a bit ego-ful, may just be translation differences).. generous at others

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zen Seeds by Shundo Aoyama is a collection of 60 short lessons on the blessings Buddhism can bring to your life. Shundo entertains and enlightens with stories from her own life, as well as classical teachings, and koan teachings. She presents these lessons in an easy and engaging fashion that made me view Buddhism in a less pessimistic light than previously. My usual impression of the philosophy is dour, and in itself pessimistic. This book really showcases the gratitude aspect, and in seeing all people as one.

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen Seeds provides 60 short essays for us to reflect on and use to become better human beings, more connected with each other and ourselves than before. Its simple, yet practical and timeless advice is needed now more than ever with the quickening of society's pace and its advice is useful for anyone struggling to find the Zen in their life.
Many thanks to the Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for the advance copy.

[Alison S ☯️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of short teachings by a Japanese female Zen master and teacher. I gained so much from reading this. It was insightful, warm, humble and beautifully written. I've long been fascinated with all things Zen, and this gracefully conveyed what makes it so appealing and enlightening. This book provides a real insight into what Zen Buddhism is and isn't, and I can see myself returning to it frequently in the future.

[Rain Mirage]

This book presents some deeply thoughtful anecdotes, but also comes from the perspective of a type of buddhism far more severe - and far more appreciative of being put through distress - than I could ever agree with.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen Seeds is a great short book, packed with interesting and useful wisdom. This would be a good book to keep in your table. Well written.