What do you think?
Rate this book
Real Zen for Real Life
What do you think of when you hear the word Zen? Many Westerners may associate Zen with the counterculture of the 1960s and '70s, while others may associate it with today’s hipster culture. Many use the word to simply mean laid-back and relaxed.
But what does Zen really mean? Zen is a school of Buddhism and a rigorous spiritual discipline. To understand what Zen is really about, it is vital not only to study its profound philosophical teachings, but also to engage in the practice of Zen. The word Zen means meditation, and Zen meditation is a practice of “clearing the heart-mind”. For Zen, an open mind entails an open heart, and this open heart-mind is the source of both creativity and compassion.
Professor Bret W. Davis, professor of philosophy and the T. J. Higgins, SJ, chair in philosophy at Loyola University Maryland, has created a highly accessible introduction to the philosophical concept of Zen with Real Zen for Real Life. Bringing the academic purview of a philosophy professor, the view of an academic scholar, and the spiritual experience of a practitioner and teacher of Zen, this course reflects the push and pull between Eastern and Western traditions and cultures with the goal of making the study and practice of Zen more accessible and engaging to all viewers.
Over the course of 24 lessons, including the eight meditation checkups within lessons, you will learn both what Zen has traditionally meant for East Asians and what it can mean for contemporary Westerners. Prepare to be challenged as Professor Davis asks you to set aside your preconceptions in order to open yourselves to what Zen masters who lived in the past and in distant lands have to teach you. You will especially need to be open to the possibility that Zen may be able to teach you about yourself. This course aims to challenge and inspire you, both intellectually and personally.
But what does Zen really mean? Zen is a school of Buddhism and a rigorous spiritual discipline. To understand what Zen is really about, it is vital not only to study its profound philosophical teachings, but also to engage in the practice of Zen. The word Zen means meditation, and Zen meditation is a practice of “clearing the heart-mind”. For Zen, an open mind entails an open heart, and this open heart-mind is the source of both creativity and compassion.
Professor Bret W. Davis, professor of philosophy and the T. J. Higgins, SJ, chair in philosophy at Loyola University Maryland, has created a highly accessible introduction to the philosophical concept of Zen with Real Zen for Real Life. Bringing the academic purview of a philosophy professor, the view of an academic scholar, and the spiritual experience of a practitioner and teacher of Zen, this course reflects the push and pull between Eastern and Western traditions and cultures with the goal of making the study and practice of Zen more accessible and engaging to all viewers.
Over the course of 24 lessons, including the eight meditation checkups within lessons, you will learn both what Zen has traditionally meant for East Asians and what it can mean for contemporary Westerners. Prepare to be challenged as Professor Davis asks you to set aside your preconceptions in order to open yourselves to what Zen masters who lived in the past and in distant lands have to teach you. You will especially need to be open to the possibility that Zen may be able to teach you about yourself. This course aims to challenge and inspire you, both intellectually and personally.
Audiobook
Published November 27, 2020
8 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Bret W. Davis
9 books5 followersBret W. Davis is Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University Maryland. He is author of Heidegger and the Will and editor (with Brian Schroeder and Jason Wirth) of Japanese and Continental Philosophy (IUP, 2010).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 4, 2024
I found this really illuminating. Useful and clear, 99% of it. Recommended. Would have been 5 stars.
However, I was appalled by his defense of eating animals (outside the begging bowl loophole). I know this is common with Buddhists, but to hear a teacher say that he only eats certain animals like fishes and chickens and only if they are humanely killed (there is no such thing), in the middle of a lecture on ethics, I was taken by surprise and the hypocrisy was nauseating.
Did you know that "humanely" killed chickens are stuffed head down into an open bottom cone with their head exposed, and their throat is slit while fully conscious? Fishes are suffocated. These are the standards, and they're legal. Can you imagine choosing this method at the vet's for your pet's euthanasia or for your own medical aid in dying? Would it be humane for you or your pet? But this teacher defended these practices in a lecture on Buddhist ethics.
From my understanding, there's a precept against killing, and it includes animals. There's no exception for doing it with a smile. There's also a precept against taking what is not freely given.
I would rather he just explain the precepts, let people draw their own conclusions, and skip his own stuff. I was not able to trust him for the remaining lectures.
However, I was appalled by his defense of eating animals (outside the begging bowl loophole). I know this is common with Buddhists, but to hear a teacher say that he only eats certain animals like fishes and chickens and only if they are humanely killed (there is no such thing), in the middle of a lecture on ethics, I was taken by surprise and the hypocrisy was nauseating.
Did you know that "humanely" killed chickens are stuffed head down into an open bottom cone with their head exposed, and their throat is slit while fully conscious? Fishes are suffocated. These are the standards, and they're legal. Can you imagine choosing this method at the vet's for your pet's euthanasia or for your own medical aid in dying? Would it be humane for you or your pet? But this teacher defended these practices in a lecture on Buddhist ethics.
From my understanding, there's a precept against killing, and it includes animals. There's no exception for doing it with a smile. There's also a precept against taking what is not freely given.
I would rather he just explain the precepts, let people draw their own conclusions, and skip his own stuff. I was not able to trust him for the remaining lectures.
January 17, 2024
While I felt that the writer leaned way too hard on comparisons with (incomprehensible) Christianity, it was nevertheless a good read.
July 7, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of lectures about Zen Buddhism. It combined information about the history of Zen and its key figures in China and Japan with an account of training in modern Japan and a guide to practicing sitting meditation. There were a lot of interesting reflections on the philosophy of Zen, from the sutras to koans.
August 15, 2023
Fantastic book and will definitely be on my read a second time list. As someone in search for meaning in their life, this book provides it and a road map too. There were several times this book went way over my head but I figure after some time working on my practice I will be able to reread the book and I suspect it will be able to take me further down my search for meaning.
A lot of my issues while reading the book was due my attention being divided at the time. I do recommend focused reading time if you want to get the most out of it. I also recommend this not be your first book about Zen as there are a few overview books you should have under your belt before diving into this one. Maybe carve out 30 minutes before bed each night, which is how I plan to tackle my second read, or maybe a relaxing beach read while watching the ocean waves come in and out.
A lot of my issues while reading the book was due my attention being divided at the time. I do recommend focused reading time if you want to get the most out of it. I also recommend this not be your first book about Zen as there are a few overview books you should have under your belt before diving into this one. Maybe carve out 30 minutes before bed each night, which is how I plan to tackle my second read, or maybe a relaxing beach read while watching the ocean waves come in and out.
November 21, 2021
Had to really take my time on this one. So many different Zen practitioners were quoted and so many confusing quotes. Wanted to sit with them but found it overwhelming. The meditation check ups were helpful though in my own practices. Would love this course more if I could discuss the koans and teachings more slowly and really apply myself. Pretty interesting topic but professor has a confusing way of speaking.
April 19, 2025
Real Zen ch 15 karma creates life ripples ch 16 affirm life, no harm, no lie, clear mind, clear body ch 17 fully in present, ch 18 Giving: give without any return, Meditation 4: Give and receive with plants, breathe self out and all in, breathe out life and in life, ch 19 Zen creativity: move with natural movements emptiness silence, ch 20 Words: poetry words can limit not real, but leads, Meditation 5: Chanting: way to stay in focus Ch 21 Philosophy: intellect and learning are needed for enlightening, Kyoto school internet philosophy and enlightening Ch 22 Meditation techniques: answer koan with Zen teacher, Meditation 5 walking meditation: walk as your first and last step ever Ch 24 Nirvana now: life is always about change now and end of this body, Ch 24 Path of Zen: all interconnected and own nothing, Zen Center: teacher school community
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2021
A very comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism, couched in pretty approachable language. Also has some excellent meditation tips. 5 stars!
April 10, 2021
This course is Excellent!
December 7, 2021
Valioso para quienes nos interesa el tema
April 4, 2022
Filled with knowledge and actual information about the practices of Zen Buddhism, "Real Zen for Real Life" offers a glimpse into the many topics that Zen itself covers, making a lot of things "clearer" and focusing especially on the usually misunderstood parts of it in the Western World.
I would consider this to be a great book about the practices of Zen and useful for those delving into it, but also a very well-made book for those only interested to find information about Zen with a distant approach and not trying to start a journey into Zen themselves.
I would consider this to be a great book about the practices of Zen and useful for those delving into it, but also a very well-made book for those only interested to find information about Zen with a distant approach and not trying to start a journey into Zen themselves.
May 21, 2022
Spot on set of lectures concerning zen. This comes closest to describing.
February 15, 2023
A course about Zen with explanations about the practices and thoughts of Zen and guides on multiple forms of meditation as an important practice.
May 1, 2023
I found this to be a wonderful book and a great read that can be related to regardless of your general feelings about Zen or Buddhism in general.
May 12, 2022
This is a 'Great Courses' lecture about Zen Buddhism, presented by a lecturer who is both a professor and lay buddhist acolyte. I found this series to be very well done. The lecturer created both a narrative including
-the historical perspective of Zen Buddhism in the east Asian region,
-the metaphysical theological underpinnings of Zen,
-a how-to guide on meditating,
-chanting,
-introducing the concept of Zen koans,
-the major historical Zen masters
-and finally some good life advice, applicable for even people who choose to not get into meditating/spirituality
I thought this was very well done. The lecturer never went over my head, and always tried to use Christian metaphors a Westerner would understand to explain Eastern Buddhist concepts. Overall, this was a well thought out series, displaying the lecturer's mastery of the subject matter by presenting it clearly.
-the historical perspective of Zen Buddhism in the east Asian region,
-the metaphysical theological underpinnings of Zen,
-a how-to guide on meditating,
-chanting,
-introducing the concept of Zen koans,
-the major historical Zen masters
-and finally some good life advice, applicable for even people who choose to not get into meditating/spirituality
I thought this was very well done. The lecturer never went over my head, and always tried to use Christian metaphors a Westerner would understand to explain Eastern Buddhist concepts. Overall, this was a well thought out series, displaying the lecturer's mastery of the subject matter by presenting it clearly.
September 4, 2021
Góc nhìn rất hệ thống và bao quát phương Tây về thiền nhưng không mất tính thiền.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews