The Beginner's Guide to Zen Buddhism
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Book Overview
Here is a comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism for those who don't know how or where to begin, nor what to expect once they have started practicing. It includes the fundamentals of meditation practice (posture, technique, clothing), descriptions of the basic teachings and major texts, the teacher-student relationship, and what you will find when you visit a zendo, plus a history of Zen from the founding of Buddhism to its major schools in the West. In addition to answering the most frequently asked questions, it offers a listing of American Zen centers and resources, an annotated bibliography, and a glossary. Jean Smith's enormously practical approach ensures that The Beginner's Guide to Zen Buddhism will become the book teachers and students alike will recommend.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0609804669
ISBN13:9780609804667
Release Date:February 2000
Publisher:Harmony/Rodale/Convergent
Length:208 Pages
Weight:0.55 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Finally a beginners' book that is true to its title!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
With her clear writing style, Smith offers anyone interested in Zen Buddhism a very good basic introduction, including practical advice and a resource guide. While she introduces the reader to the beginnings and diversity of Buddhism as a whole, she emphasizes Western approaches to and developments in Zen. Smith's work is informative and unpretentious, terse without omitting any vital details, reflecting respect and admiration for Zen traditions without worship of personalities and exoticism.
Misconceptions about this book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Its funny how life long followers of buddhism would consult with this book, as it is for beginners. This book is for someone with little or no knowledge of what path to take. Buddhism is inherently diffucult to begin with, thus a book is of extreme importance to new zennists.No book will encompass all that is needed to know especially a book on Buddhism.This should be considered a introductory on Buddhism.However and i believe the author would agree with me that NO text on buddism is all inclusive. This you take a little from here and a little from there and paint your "own" picture. You didnt learn math from one book did you??
Zen
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
An excellent book for beginning zen practitioners. Beautifully written. After reading this book you will be on the right path to exploring zen.
One of the best books I have ever read.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I am a newcomer to buddhism. After reading this book, I feel like I have a base to work from. What this book did for me, is clarify the most important questions a newcomer can have, such as, what is the goal of buddhism, what is enlightenment,and many other basic questions. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a serious intrest in discovering what buddhism is about.
A good, solid read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
As one curious about Buddhism, I found this book to be very informative. It focuses on the meditative aspect, with an interesting glance at the history of Buddhism, as well as essential tenets...''suffering is caused by our desire for things to be different from the way they are.'' The book is basic, but quite profound in it's impact. If you're exploring Buddhism as a newcomer, this is a good book to begin your library with. My wife is now interested because of Jean Smith.
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