Editorial Review

Take a trip through the topography of the brain, and you're likely to get lost somewhere around the medulla oblongata. Zen can lose you before you've even pretzeled your legs into the lotus position. But a unique neurologist-Zen Buddhist has written a tome that is a map to all the mysteries of meditation and mind. Take breathing out, for example. We spend just over half of our breathing time exhaling. For meditating monks, it's a full three-quarters. EEGs show us that the act of exhaling helps physically quiet the brain. Many other causal connections can be found between Zen practices and the physiology of the brain, and James H. Austin lays them out one by one, drawing from his own Zen experiences and the latest in neurological research. So if you've ever wondered what the corpus callosum has to do with consciousness or how the limbic system contributes to enlightenment, Austin will get your brain racing and put your mind at ease. Read more

Reviews (30)

Excellent Understanding of ZEN
ZEN & THE BRAIN is an excellent book about the mechanisms and affects of the Brain before,during,&after the process of ZEN meditation. It includes a brief history of Zen & what Japanese Koans are & how they should be approached. If You are a beginner it is a fascinating exploration,if you are intermediate or advanced,his book will furthur motivate you to higher levels of ZEN.Doctor James H.Austin writes surprisingly humbly about his lessons of Zen.This is a MUST READ & PURCHASE book,ZEN AND THE MIND BY JAMES H.AUSTIN.

where is the brain center for compassion?
so he spent his sabbaticals doing things to cat brains?
Thought provoking book of paradox
This very detailed and voluminous book delves into two subjects, which at times appear very different and not easily connected. On the one hand, the author provides an excellent description of his experience with Zen Buddhism. He describes how Zen is a very rigorous practice and recounts his own progress. Perhaps the strongest aspect of the book is the careful use of terms. Concepts such as "emptiness" and "suchness" are explained in detail. There is an interpretation of the Freudian concepts of ego and id, and a distinction made between the egocentric "I" and the pragmatic "I". The egocentric "I" is further defined as "I-Me-Mine" - different aspects of the selfish and limiting ego, driven by cravings.
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Subjects:  1. Consciousness    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Medical    4. Meditation    5. Neuropsychology    6. Neuroscience    7. Philosophy    8. Psychology Of Religion    9. Cognition & cognitive psychology    10. Medical / Neuroscience    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Neurosciences    13. States of consciousness    14. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (49)

Taoist

Condensed wisdom but a bit preachy at times
I just finished reading this book and got a lot out of it, but there's a few things that I found unsettling about it. For one thing, the author pretty much tells you straight up that you shouldn't make music about anything negative. So, if you want to be a "Zen Guitarist" you should avoid metal, punk, rap, and even a lot of country. He doesn't name any genres, but he definitely disparages music that "glorifies" guns, violence, suicide, hate, misogyny, ignorance, ect. The author seems to be proselytizing his own tastes in music.
The Heart of Making Music
Sudo's book illuminates the Universal Principle of being In Synch with your creative process, whether instrumentally or otherwise.The metaphor of the Dojo, going from White belt to Black belt [only to go infinitely from there] is the Thread that weaves the point that Music comes from the Heart and to make it --any way you make it--that connection is the key foundation.This book could just as easily apply to daily living and transformation through process, intent and dedication.A must for those who want to teach themselves and a definite benefit to those who've gone the 'paper route' or more technical approach to engaging with the guitar.Question:Where did the music come from before it was written and taught?Answer:Where it continues to come from--The Heart.Philip Toshio Sudo knows and illustrates that well.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. Guitar    3. Instruction & Study - Appreciation    4. Instruction & Study - General    5. Music    6. Music/Songbooks    7. Musical Instruments - Guitar    8. Philosophy and aesthetics    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Reference / General    12. String instruments   

Editorial Review

Both a cookbook and an introduction to the practice of American Zen Buddhism, Read more

Reviews (20)

Pretend you've no interest in Buddhism ...
Pretend you're the farthest thing from a vegetarian.Pretend you would never, in a million years, pick up some flaky, hippie cookbook.
Eat to live, live to eat.
Buddhism, at its essence, does not equate to vapidity. And the colorful recipes in this book should remind us to lighten up a little. One reader/reviewer here ("A Reader") bemoans the fact that cheesecake appears in this book under the title Samasara cheesecake. It is suggested that Samsara (and therefore the cheesecake) be avoided and that this book is simply "American Zen Capitalism." To this reader I would ask, "Where did you get the notion that Samsara can be avoided?" Certainly not from the Buddha. If it is from your teacher then leave this teacher immediately. The absurdity of suggesting that humans avoid Samara is only rivaled by the absurdity of suggesting that fish avoid water. We are surrounded by Samsara and avoidance (i.e. aversion) is not suggested in the Buddhist teachings. Rather, Understanding is stressed so that the underpinnings of attachment to material objects (to cheesecake, as an example) as a means of fulfilling happiness can be realized in order to quell the desire for such trifling (and ineffectual) means. Avoiding the cheesecake, my friend, because one thinks it will cause suffering will only empower the desire for such cheesecake (inadvertently and to a degree that such desire exists of course). So lighten up a little, have a slice of cheesecake mindfully, and hopefully come to realize its impermanent ability to either satisfy us (and make us happy) or to harm us (and cause suffering).

I love this book!
I have 3 bookshelves full of vegetarian cookbooks and this is my absolute favorite. The beautifully written philosophy behind the rituals of the monastery coupled with the excellent delicious recipes make me go back to it again and again. I highly recommend 3 Bowls! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Health & Healing - General    5. Vegetarian - General    6. Vegetarian cookery    7. Cooking / Vegetarian    8. General cookery   

Reviews (40)

On a withered tree, a flower blooms
Good book by a real practitioner. It lightly touches every significant aspect of life. Very easy read. It also explains what Zen practice is and what isn't. There are too many books on as quazi-buddhism, unnecessarily complicating Zen with self-invented garbage. Zen is simply about being.
Common sense zen
I found this to be a straightforward, clear, human account of zen as a practice of sitting and noticing your thoughts and moods as they arise, and the discipline and difficulties involved. It doesn't contain much history of zen, nor describe much about the posture of sitting, which seems to be important for some.

Disappointing
Like the reviewer Michael from Seattle below, I found this book ultimately dissapointing.Although it does have a lot of practical wisdom, in the end she basically says all we can hope for is a life of "hard work" and "practice", constantly navel gazing our issues "for years" in the hope of the final realization.She obviously has not stepped into "The Mystery" Itself and therefore isn't able to write about it. In the end she leaves the reader/seeker at a train station, watching from the sidelines as the train swishes by time after time. The seeker is never seemingly able to actually get on the train, reminding me of Harry Potter unable to find the portal into Reality.Dejected, the seeker is resigned to a life of "hard work" and "practice."If this is what Zen is, no thank you... One would be served better by reading books like Adyashanti's Emptiness Dancing, Leo Hartong's Awakening to the Dream and Eli Jaxon-Bear's Sudden Awakening. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Religious life    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    8. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

a best way to cure brain diseases you can name them
This is a best copy that introduces laymen to the Zen world, it also differs from all ways that people starting Zen and taking Zen in all their life from the ancient times till nowadays. As the translator of the Chinese-editoion translator of Zen and Brain here in Taiwan, I do think and believe that this volume and Dr. Austin's Zen and Brain will provide the pioneering tasks for curing patients with all kinds of brain diseases, and do hope that this era will come soon under so many people contributing to this field. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Consciousness    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Meditation    7. Neuroscience    8. Philosophy    9. Physiological aspects    10. Psychology    11. Psychology Of Religion    12. Religion    13. Religious aspects    14. Zen Buddhism    15. Cognition & cognitive psychology    16. Medical / Neuroscience    17. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    18. States of consciousness   

Reviews (5)

Good Book
"To reach truth is not to accumulate knowledge, but to awaken to the heart of reality." So starts a random chapter in Thich Nhat Hanh's now quite famous book ZEN KEYS. This book is FILLED to the brim with metaphors, allegories, and meditational suggestions Thich provides us with. He references Dogen a few times, using quotes of the old Master. Also interesting is Thich's use of some koans in the end of this work, something he is not "well known for" in many of his works. He provides us with 43 of them to be precise, with commentary following each one. It's just interesting because through the years Thay has seemed to lay off koan work some, yet this is a unique work in that he uses them. zen keys is lifechanging
i had always had a semi-interest in buddhism, derived from ecstatic readings of 'dharma bums' by jack kerouac (another must-have), but disappointed as i couldnt find 'big sur' at the bookstore a month ago, i chanced upon the religion section, and zen keys shone out on the shelf, i picked it up, read a page of thich nhat hanh's contemplative prose, and immmediately bought and took it home devouring it in my bedroom for hours. Nhat Hanhs compassionate and understanding approach to Zen Buddhism makes learning about it easy, and also very rewarding. his take, which is no ones take at all but rather the truth, about zen makes for free-minded thinking thru the eight negations, mindfullness of everyday life, and the wisdom of the zen masters in the kung-ans at the end of the book. i cannot help but be forever changed by this simplistic yet beautiful overlay of Zen Buddhism. anyone, everyone, Americans and materialism and all, MUST read this, dont lose your life in forgetfullness and apathy and be lost in worldly pursuit, be a monk.

Serious introduction to Zen
Hardly a day goes by without a new Thich Nhat Hanh book - which is a very good thing. A Buddhist monk who fled the American War in Vietnam, Thich Nhat Hanh leads a world-wide community centered at Plum Village in south-west France.A critic and target of both the Communist regime and the U.S. backed South, he became well-known in America and a friend of Martin Luther King and Daniel Berrigan.Just as Chinese political oppression forced Tibetan Buddhists onto the world stage, Thich Nhat Hanh's exile allowed the West to come to know Zen better.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhist Philosophy    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Essence, genius, nature    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Philosophy / Eastern   

Editorial Review

That a nation should construct one of its most resonant national ceremonies round a cup of tea will surely strike a chord of sympathy with at least some readers of this review. To many foreigners, nothing is so quintessentially Japanese as the tea ceremony--more properly, "the way of tea"--with its austerity, its extravagantly minimalist stylization, and its concentration of extreme subtleties of meaning into the simplest of actions. Read more

Reviews (25)

The Tao of Tea
Kakuzo Okakura (1862-1919) was born in a Japan that had seen Commodore Perry but had not yet renounced the Shogunate. By the end of his life he had seen the Great War and Japan's first imperialistic military adventures in Korea and Manchuria that would culminate in the tragedy of the Second World War.
History, Philosophy, Poetry, and Religion - All In A Cup Of Tea
This book was written around 1900, it seems, for those upper class ladies and gentlemen who delight in tea yet are ignorant of its artistic quality to life past and present.
The Philosophy Of Tea
Japanese green tea has recently been touted as health drinks having lots of nutrious ingredients including catechin and Teanin.
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Subjects:  1. Beverages - Coffee & Tea    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Eastern - General    4. History    5. Manners And Customs    6. Oriental Philosophy    7. Philosophy    8. Sociology    9. Buddhism    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Philosophy / Zen    12. Taoism   

Editorial Review

The paradox of Zen is that learning to just live in the present requires lots of hard work. In Read more

Reviews (23)

good for all
I've been performing meditation and zen for the last 25 years. I still like to pick up books once in awhile just to enhance my practice. This book by Ezra Bayda has given me more help in staying in the present. Written simply, it contains useful advice for beginner or experienced practitioners.

A great book for applying Zen/Buddhist principles to everyday life.
For over three years I've been studying Buddhism and Zen. During that time I've ordered many books within the different Buddhist schools. There are many fine authors out there that explain the tenets and fine workings of Buddhism as well as Zen. I believe a solid background in Buddhism background is essential in understanding Buddha's message to mankind. However, the true "nuts and bolts" of Buddhism practice can be found most directly in Zen.
best book so far on Zen
The author seems like a person that many will be able to relate to.He's been in the trenches dealing with very challenging problems.I like the way he refers to problems as "part of the path" and NOT as some inconvenience that is keeping us from our practice.This was extremely helpful in helping me overcome a very distressing phobia.The subject of Zen is a difficult one to talk or write about in a clear manner but the author has managed to do so.Of all the Zen books I have, this is the only one that I keep on my nightstand.I feel you won't regret reading this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Meditations    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religion / Zen Buddhism    7. Zen Buddhism   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Subjects:  1. Audio - Inspiration / Philosophy    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Meditation    5. Religion    6. Spirituality - General    7. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (66)

Not what I expected
When I purchased this book locally, I expected it to be about Zen.But it's more of a autobiography.After 55 pages of the author's life and no Zen instruction, I'm giving up.It got 3 stars because it may be okay if that's what someone's looking for--an autobiography.It should be passed up if you're looking for serious Zen insight.

"S*** is S***!"...and this ain't that...
HARDCORE ZEN caught my eye in the bookstore because it features a toilet on its cover. Now, being used to Zen books with pictures of lotus blossoms, ideographs, and smiling bald-headed men on their covers, HARDCORE ZEN immediately had my attention. Alan Watts (another Western exponent of Zen) tells the tale of a Zen master who attained enlightenment by hearing the splash of his own s*** in the water. Well, thinks I, if it's good enough for the Buddha, it's good enough for me.
Superb!
Brad Warner - iconoclast or zen punk?I'm not sure I can discern the difference.This is a great book.It borrows the best of all the 'spiritual' texts which paraphrase the Buddha's "Be a light unto yourselves" wisdom.Question everything - EVERYTHING!If the four noble truths turn out wrong, accept it andmove on, but keep questioning!
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Japan    4. Philosophy    5. Religion    6. Spiritual biography    7. Spiritual life    8. United States    9. Warner, Brad    10. Zen Buddhism    11. Religion / Eastern    12. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Reviews (3)

Hmm
Despite What above reviewer seems to think, When it comes to zen i do not think Alan Watts is a "Master" and the term zen prophet is just foolish.Mr. Watts does have a very unique and insightful look into eastern thought/religion and i do enjoy him very much. (I personally like the photos in this book the most, reminds me of places i've seen). Essential Watts
This latest Alan Watts compilation, "Zen: The Supreme Experience," contains previously unpublished manuscripts of his most lucid talks.The text is lavishly enhanced by photographs on high quality glossy stock. This volume may serve as either a great introduction or appropriate summary of his work for many generations of readers.Highly recommended.

transcendental chats of a western Zen master
He's back!!! Alan Watts died in 1973 but wait; here's a brand new book, 30 years later, of his wondrous wit and wisdom. Thanks to Alan's son, Mark, we have here available to us some never before published radio transcripts from the 1950s when Watts was at the peak of his powers as a Zen prophet in our midst. You can almost hear him chuckle as he speaks these great truths of Zen. It includes fascinating historical anecdotes and perspective along with the lucid interpretations that only a master like Alan could have done. In an entertaining way he speaks to us of what Zen is and isn't, how to "use" it in everyday life, how to realize the freedom and joy real Zen has always pointed to. But wait; there's still more: the book is loaded with incredible photos making it fun to just look at,too. This book will serve equally well as an introduction to Zen and Watts, or as a must have addition to your collection if you love Alan Watts as I do. This book deserves to be widely known and read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. New Age    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spiritualism - General    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spiritualism    9. SELF IMPROVEMENT - SEXUALITY TRD HC   

Reviews (4)

What the West can learn from the East
"What God tolerates we have no business to find intolerable." Subtle & sophisticated Buddhist/Christian dialogue
This book is a fairly dense but well written exploration of how Zen might help Catholics "to realize more fully their own spiritual inheritance." Graham's take on Zen in relation to Catholicism is theologically astute and experientially grounded.
There is one Truth, but different paths to that Truth
Some people are born with faith and never lose it; some are born with it and lose it; others stray from God, only to find Him later by circuitous paths.Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Relations    6. Religion    7. Roman Catholic Church    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Religion / General    10. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Editorial Review

"Zen enriches no one," Thomas Merton provocatively writes in his opening statement to Read more

Reviews (13)

Some Careful and Dispassionate Ado About Nothing
This is one of Merton's best but most difficult books, one of his most misunderstood by both his devotees and his critics.It is usually either too enthusiastically embraced for the wrong reasons, or glibly dismissed for superficial and ignorant ones.
Zen
Slow, dry, and dull. If you are really into Zen it might be for you, but if you are you will want more. If the reader is Catholic they will be dissapointed. This is a typical book of its period, post Vatican II and during the greatest phase of experimentation.

A little book with lots of meaning.
There is something refreshing about this little book. The title will seem a bit misleading - if expecting to find an account of Zen per se - minus the Christian based reflections of the author. However, Merton is known well enough - and these essays show him at his best. The dialogue between D.T. Suzuki and Thomas Merton is fruitful. Christianity and Buddhism have often been presented as antithetical, working from bases too different - to afford dialogue. These essays challenge that perception, without falling into vague generalisations.
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Subjects:  1. Addresses, essays, lectures    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Education / Teaching    5. General    6. Philosophy    7. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

A tight focus on mental and emotional self-improvement
The Spiritual Practices Of The Ninja: Mastering The Four Gates Of Freedom by therapist and workshop leader Ross Heaven leads the reader on a journey to the spiritual philosophy of the Ninja, and its core tenet that there is no higher power than the actualized human being. Four initiatory ordeals lead the seeker through the confusion and fatigue of the soul that block the individual from realizing his or her full potential. Primarily a metaphysical self-help guide rather than a martial arts instruction book, The Spiritual Practices Of The Ninja nonetheless offers a tight focus on mental and emotional self-improvement that can reap benefits in all walks of life.

an extraordinary work
A remarkable book - I speak as a professor of anthropology in Italy - which combines a distillation of mythic wisdom with highly practical techniques that enables any reader to simply apply this wisdom to excellent effect. One reviewer describes this book as Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung in concert with Ninja spiritual wisdom, and I would say that is very fair. I am a fan of Mr Heaven's work and regard him as a true pioneer and great modern philosopher and thinker so I admit to bias, but still I cannot recommend this work highly enough. Excellent.

Best book
I am a fan of all Mr Heavens books. This one is his best I think. Through it I learnned more about myself than through any other book I have reqd by anyone and I can speak hily of it. Buy it!!! You wil not be dissappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Martial Arts    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Ninjutsu    6. Religion    7. Spiritual Healing    8. Spiritual life    9. Spirituality - General    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / General    11. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (6)

Wise and Insightful
A wonderful book.Full of very down-to-earth wisdom on living compassionately, honestly, and courageously.Many real-life stories from Rizzetto's work as a Zen teacher as well as practical advice and exercises for applying the book's teaching to your own life.Highly recommended.

Insightful and helpful
This is a wonderful and insightful book. It really brought the precepts alive for me in a thoughtful and practical way. I have read through it twice and am amazed at how much more I picked up from second reading. It has been absolutely helpful, a real gem, and a very good read to boot!

Precepts?
I did not read the book but partecipated just last weekend to a retreat held by her (actually by the time-keeper as she sat with us just very rarely, but anyway...) and so I was astonished to read in the editorial review that the book is about "precepts": moral precept one might think, or is it?
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Zen Buddhism    6. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (20)

Fantastic Companion
I have owned numerous copies of this book; lent them out never to see them again. With most books, I don't bother to repurchase them, however I find myself wanting to pick this book up every couple of months to read either a random story or spend a couple hours with it from cover to cover.
Worth reading again
Often humorous, wonderful book taken from Korean Zen Master Seung's talks, letters and interviews with students. This is a book you can pick up time and again. I first read it 20 years ago and always enjoy opening it. Stephen Mitchell, now married to Byron Katie, was an early (as Americans go) student of Seung Sahn's and has gone on to a career of writing and translating many spiritual books.

Zen for the west of us.
This book is on Korean Zen master Seung Sahn and his lecures, letters and general dialogue with students and sometimes others.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Reference    5. Buddhism   

Reviews (5)

Clear Picture
Below is an edited version of a critical book review for a class on Buddhism.
scholarly work
This book is not easy. You have to really want to know more about Korean Zen (Son) to get through this one. There is a lot of Korean words, and, as another reviewer aptly commented, 'no pop psychology' that seems so common in these types of books. However, the time you spend will be well repaid. The author writes well, and does not romanticize his topic. He speaks from experience- something that, in any field, let alone Asian Studies, seems quite rare.

Great Book on Korean Zen
This is a comprehensive and direct account of thestructure of practice at a contemporary Korean Zen monastery. Robert Buswell is a Buddhist academic teaching at the University of California who also spent five years as a Zen monk in Korea. Here he ties into the book what daily life and religious ritualistic practice is truly like while staying in a Zen monastery. This book should absolutely be read by everyone. Buswell draws on personal experience in this intriguing account of day-to-day Zen monastic practice. His depiction of the life of contemporary Zen monks practicing in Korea gives an original and thought provoking look at Zen from an insiders perspective. He covers truly everything one needs to know about Zen practice in a matter of fact way which can help clear up a Westerners possible misconceptions. Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Anthropology    6. Asian and Asian American Studies    7. Korea    8. Mind, Body, Spirit    9. Religion / Buddhism    10. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (12)

Some good insights not obvious to martial arts beginners
Deshimaru Roshi (Master Deshimaru) teaches a few lessons on Zen, and its connection to the tradition of martial arts in Japan. He explains that without cultivating the spirit, any martial arts is just a sport which could eventually deplete the body of energy. Instead, the samurai in medieval Japan were taught martial skill and civil education (caligraphy, history, music, etc.). Unfortunately, he says, the real spirit is going away even in Japan, let alone in the West. He shares some nice stories - he has a preference for cats, it seems :).Cultivating the mind through zazen practice is at least as important as practicing a martial art!
Essential reading if you aspire true Bushido
Marial arts have for the most part sunk into mere sport.True, traditional martial arts training strengthens Ki, destroys egoism and fear, moves the student beyond dualism, and develops a consciousness that has forgotten the self.This slim book is a jewel for those willing to start this arduous life long journey.

Somewhat Good
I felt this book was pretty good. It is easy to read with its conversational tone. There was no new information that I found in the book. I think if someone has been involved in traditional martial arts for an extended period of time this book will not offer much new information. For people who have recently entered into martial arts I believe there is some useful insights. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial arts    4. Philosophy    5. Reference    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Oriental martial arts    8. Philosophy / Zen   

Reviews (1)

Storytelling done afresh!
She isn't all about theory, ladies and gentlemen: she practices what she preaches.Ms. Hansen consciously seeks to improve herself as a practioner of Zen Buddhism, which shows itself in her day-to-day routines.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Art / Individual Artist    5. Buddhism   

Reviews (6)

bring me the rhinoceros
i love this book.it has crawled into my heart.tender, loving stories of real life and finding peace in the very midst of all life is.john tarrant writes with grace and beauty and humor.thank you!!!

Wonderful Small Gem!
Put simply, this is one of the best books on spiritual practice - and on living a good life - that I have ever read.If you're the least bit interested in such matters, you'll enjoy the rhinoceros.I had never felt much interest in koans before, but John Tarrant enabled me to see them in a new light.His is the warm, humorous, and deeply wise side of zen.

Please join in our discussion
I am a member of Pacific Zen Institute (PZI) and John Tarrant is my primary teacher.That being said, I offer a little different perspective than what you may read in other responses to his book, "Bring Me the Rhinoceros."
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Inspirational    4. Koan    5. Meditation    6. Philosophy    7. Religion    8. Self-Help / General