No-Nonsense Zen for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions About Core Zen Teachings

by Jason Quinn

Live mindfully through Zen Buddhism

What is Zen? Are there different types? How can you make it part of everyday life? No-Nonsense Zen for Beginners offers an easy starting point to living more intentionally through Zen. Starting with the basics—like what Zen is and how it spread across the globe—experienced Zen instructor Jason Quinn teaches and explores how anyone can use it to live a life filled with more clarity, love, and compassion.

Go beyond other meditation books

A four-part approach—Take things one step at a time as you learn about the history of Zen, important concepts, core teachings, and essential practices.Straightforward Q&A—Understand the basics of Zen with a simple format that breaks information down into easy, digestible questions and answers.Everyday Zen—Find stories and guidance that show how the principles of Zen can help bring peace in day-to-day life.

Learn to live more intentionally through Zen thanks to this no-nonsense guide.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Meditation

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2021

About the author

Jason Quinn JDPSN grew up in California and began practicing in 1997 with the Kwan Um School of Zen in Seattle. He lived at the Providence Zen Center for ten years, where he held various staff positions, including Abbot. He trained as a monk for nine years, during which he sat many long summer and winter Kyol Che retreats, and took part in retreats around the world. He now lives in Santa Clara, CA with his wife, son, and daughter. Jason received inka (permission to lead retreats and give koan interviews) in 2015. He is a teacher and Vice Abbot at the Empty Gate Zen Center in Berkeley, CA and leads a sitting group in Santa Clara. He is also a teacher for Kwan Um School of Zen Online Sangha and leads retreats throughout the US. Visit his teaching blog at jasonquinnzen.com.

Reviews

[Murdering · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book from a terrific and dedicated teacher. Zen is a no nonsense approach to life which seems esoteric and complicated to both beginners and more seasoned practitioners. In the West we tend to be overtly attached to words, spiraling into never ending thought complications which go way beyond "painting legs on the snake" into adding so much to the poor serpent that it becomes an entirely different creature. Radically different from that, is the pithy but friendly tone of No Nonsense Zen for Beginners . A devoted man whose love and experience in Zen make him one of the most formidable teachers of the Kwan Um School, Jason almost keeps his experience in the background, painting a concise and accessible but comprehensive reflection. The simplicity and essential tone of the could not be truer to the heart of the practice. Korean Zen and its variegated history and lineage is a wonderful way to explore a fusion of techniques which vary from straightforward meditation to questions and Kong-Ans, the reader thus getting an instant idea into the great and sometimes complicated relationships between traditions which exist to this day. One can choose many paths within the same method, alone or with a teacher (although an online reachable teacher like the author is an indispensable gem ) anywhere and anytime as all fingers point to the same moon. Start your practice today: find your true self, live clearly, die uprightly or better leave this said duality behind.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction to everyday Zen.

This book is a very accessible introduction to living Zen. The philosophies and practices are translated into very accessible language. I found the book not too simple and not too complicated or philosophical. I appreciated how flexiblely the practices are presented. Nothing left me intimidated or thinking I could not find a way to incorporate these things into my life. I do not identify as Buddhist but appreciate the approach to life.

[ZeV · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners engaging, so I moved on to this one for Zen Buddhism. Maybe it's because Zen itself is elusive, but I didn’t find this one as gripping. I’ll come back to it later, when I find the gate to my Zen path. I like this series on Buddhism, though, for anyone who wants to incorporate it into secular living.

[Nichole Naprstek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an easy-to-read starter for Zen. I'm no expert, not even close, but it made me want to know more.

I'm sure I'll read it again this year.

ETA: This Jason Quinn is NOT the author of this book.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to zen buddhism without being so complicated.

[JESSICA KING · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

I’m a complete beginner and found this book very interesting. I practice a 12 step program and found it is very similar. Very well written and easy to understand.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great entry level guide to bringing more mindfulness to your everyday life.

[Dave Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it mean to be "zen?"

What does it mean to be "zen?" It's so much more than I thought and yet so basically clear and simple. As a longtime mediator I never truly knew much about it. Jason Quinn, a well established Zen teacher with years of experience in the traditions and practices of Zen, helped me to learn and appreciate this amazing spiritual tradition.

I am reaffirmed in my own Tibetan Buddhist practice of Shamatha Vipassana meditation (which I learned from my teacher, Pema Chodron). This practice is certainty quite kindred to Zen and thanks to Jason I now feel much more informed about my own excellent practice which I can happily say helps me live a more "zen" and fulfilling life.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Zen FAQ you didn't know you needed.

This book is now my go-to for anyone interested in Zen. As a Zen practitioner, educator, and librarian, I deeply appreciate way Jason Quinn outlines the fundamentals into smart categories. His language is clear, avoiding the riddles and zenisms many authors tend towards. Interspersed are his personal experiences that help illustrate his qualifications to answer the questions he poses.

[Dr. Taja M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical tips which can easily be applied to every day life. I took lots of notes and did a lot of highlighting.