Crenshaw's Books & Decks

If you are a Westerner and you are seriously interested in starting the practice of Zen, or you just want to know what Zen is but feel somewhat put off by the Japanese jargon and the cryptic simplicity of Zen, this is your book. I have been interested in Zen for a long time, and read more substantial books than this one, but I certainly recommend this book to any beginner as it is a stepping stone on which to build up your journey.

The authors use a language that is approachable, entertaining, full of examples, and unpretentious. The book is a bit wordy at times, but really nothing to bother anybody who is into Zen. And mind you, this is supposed to be a guide for idiots, so there is a need for all what it is in it. If you are genius, why did you pick up this book?

Although the authors are two, there is a harmony and consistency in the writing, and the reader cannot tell if they divided the work, or who wrote what, or if they both sat and did it together unless one of the authors mentions the other. I think part of the merit is due to the editor!

The book is really well structured in parts and lessons that go from the Zen Philosophy basics, meditation techniques (how to sit and breath), to the practice of Zen in your daily life, in the good and bad moments in your life, from eating to relating and everything mundane. Each chapter has an introductory list of topics to be discussed, and ends with a summary with the most important things learned in the chapter, which comes handy if you want to re-read the book. Along the book, there are some informative text boxes: Zen-Speak, devoted to explaining the meaning of the most common Zen words (Chinese or Japanese); One Hand Clapping, with pearls of Zen wisdom; Nirvana Notes, offering tips and techniques helpful to live your life the Zen way; and my fav ones, the Monkey Mind boxes, which are warnings about ways of thinking or being that should be avoided and do not help you to Zen.

The book as a list of recommended readings and websites that needs updating as the book was written in 2001, but they are still useful. There is also a glossary with all the nitty-gritti words just in case you forget them (they are also introduced and explained in the text boxes). The book ends with an alphabetical word index with links to references in the body of the book, like old printed books! If this wasn't enough there is a list of linkable contents at the beginning and the end of the book, which is very thoughtful and helpful.

Most recommended and most enjoyable.

This is a perfect audio-book for any person starting zen practice. It lasts about one hour. It gives the listener the basics of zazen regarding basic approach, posture, breathing, bowing and mental attitude and philosophical understanding. The book is very practical but it has many pearls of wisdom that make you understand what zazen is, and how you can apply it to your daily life.

Peter Coyote does a great job a reading the book. I love his voice, intonation, speed, conviction, and the feeling he gives to what he reads.

The short length of the book, about one hour, makes it a perfect tool for spare time listening.

A Classic.

The book is abridged, and it is pity. The hard copy is barely 181 pages, and a longer book would have not bothered anybody. Quite the contrary.