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Zen Meditation in Plain English Paperback – June 15, 2002
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length128 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWisdom Publications
- Publication dateJune 15, 2002
- Dimensions6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
- ISBN-109780861713165
- ISBN-13978-0861713165
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Buksbazen, a psychotherapist who was ordained a Zen priest in 1968, offers practical and down-to-earth advice about the specifics of Zen meditation. The bulk of this primer is concerned with introducing the basics of zazen, or seated meditation: how to position the body; how and when to breathe; what to think about. Helpful diagrams illustrate the full lotus, Burmese, kneeling and other positions. Buksbazen even provides a 'zazen checklist' to help beginners remember all of the steps involved in zazen, which as he notes is more difficult than it appears.... He builds a strong case for the powerful effect of being involved with a community of other practitioners and follows this with concrete information about group practice, including meditation retreats and other intensive training periods. This is a fine introduction to Zen meditation practice, grounded in tradition yet adapted to contemporary life." ― Publishers Weekly
"John Buksbazen's book is an authentic presentation of a universal and timeless teaching, particularly valuable because of the practical clarity and warmth of its style." -- Dennis Gempo Merzel Roshi, author of The Eye that Never Sleeps, Abbot of Kanzeon Zen Center
"Here is a lucid guide to the first step of any serious spiritual journey. All of the usual fat that accompanies works of this type has been trimmed away, leaving the bones and marrow--the essentials that any new practitioner needs to know to enter the way." -- John Daido Loori, Roshi, Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery
"An engaging introduction to bringing Zen meditation to a contemporary lifestyle. Comprehensive and step-by-step, the book also puts this practice into its proper historic and theological place. Thus, the book offers twin streams of thought that will enchant those seeking physical ease and those who wish to understand the basic foundations of the Zen Buddhist way. Buksbazen spices his book with light humor, recognizing questions and concerns that some people may not feel comfortable openly addressing (falling asleep, getting 'addicted' to meditation) and noting ways the Zen mind can put oomph into even boring chores. Buksbazen never hard-sells his faith to the reader but rather outlines its basic tenets and allows the reader to respond based on individual disposition." ― New York Resident
"Clear, simple and well grounded in years of experience, Daishin's book is a real gift to anyone interested in Zen practice." -- Bernie Glassman, founder of the Zen Peacemaker's Order
"John Daishin Buksbazen has brought the practice of Zen home to us all. It is as simple as stretching exercises, as intimate as counting the breaths, as uncomplicated as accepting one's self, as ordinary as enjoying one's friends." -- Robert Aitken, author of Gateless Gate
About the Author
Peter Matthiessen is a three-time National Book Award-winning American novelist and nonfiction writer, as well as an environmental activist. His nonfiction has featured nature and travel, as in The Snow Leopard, or American Indian issues and history, as in his detailed study of the Leonard Peltier case, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse. He lives with his wife in Sagaponack, New York.
Product details
- ASIN : 0861713168
- Publisher : Wisdom Publications; 1st edition (June 15, 2002)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 128 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780861713165
- ISBN-13 : 978-0861713165
- Item Weight : 7.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #346,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #242 in Zen Philosophy (Books)
- #332 in Zen Spirituality
- #2,234 in Meditation (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2002This book has been a blessing for me. My organization provides a prison outreach program for inmates,who want to learn meditation,and this is the guide we will be putting in their hands. Daishin has provided the tools that any person, beginner or experienced practioner can use. His list of Frequently Asked Questions addresses those points that some people may feel shy in asking and his illustrations of sitting positions and exercises are most useful When you read the book, you feel he is talking directly to you. His use of quotes from his teacher, the late Maezumi Roshi,brings a deeper understanding of what Zen and the practice of meditation is all about. If you could only choose one book on meditation, I would advise you to give this one serious consideration.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2014Very easy read. I have tried several books on Zen philosophy and practice, and most of them are impenetrable. This book is true to its title: it explains the core structure and purpose of Zen practice in very plain -- non-flowery -- language.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2005It is practical guide for beginners who are interested in
meditation. It shows the precise way to sit. The supplementary exercises written in the appendices are indeed very useful. It limbers up and allows one to sit longer. Secondly, it is written in simple English. Anyone who does not have a glossary of Buddhist Terminology can understand. Thirdly, it teaches one to be aware and mindful - sitting is just sitting; be it a "good" or "hard" sitting.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2014pretty good. keeps it simple. an easy read.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021Great info especially for beginners.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2018Book was recommended by a friend. Easy to follow in simple terminology. I learned a LOT from this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2016Just like a hundred others
- Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2014It's a 101 book, for very beginners. I'm not a total beginner, although I just started reading more consistently about Zen buddhism, and this book is a little too basic for me. I find it not as compelling as the other one I'm reading at the same time, "Taking the path of Zen", by Robert Aitken. Both books are very clear about one essential thing though: Zen is about practicing and nobody can do it for you, you need to find out by yourself what fits you best. These books help you find out, they give you key principles, advice, and a taste of the spirit of Zen (especially Aitken's in my opinion). They are a complement to the practice, not the other way around.
I would recommend, for total beginners, to maybe start with this book and read Aitken's right after, or read both at the same time. Another great book to grasp the spirit of Zen is Eugen Herrigel's "Zen in the Art of Archery". All 3 books are very short and simple. The first 2 can be read partially, as guides or manuals. Herrigel's has a narrative form, he tells his own experience as a Zen student and takes you with him on his beautiful and transformative journey.
Needless to say that none of these books are "religious", they don't profess any particular faith, even if they can describe the cultural and historical background of buddhism.
Top reviews from other countries
- MR R PYEReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
short .helpful beginners guide
- William NevilleReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2020
2.0 out of 5 stars More "initial" than I thought it would be
It was OK but if you are NOT a beginner then this is quite quite basic. I will be putting it into my charity shop box having read it once